Lake Superior is the largest of the five Great Lakes that are located in North America. It is also the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area. Spanning a whopping 31,700 square miles of surface area, Lake Superior has an average depth of around 483 feet. That is equivalent to 4.82 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
The length of Lake Superior, however, is more difficult to measure. Typically, the length along the lake’s surface is considered the total length of the lake, and in this instance Lake Superior is 616 miles long. What is interesting to note here is that the lake’s length can change when the lake level changes. Most maps feature the lake’s extended measurement based on its shorelines which would place its total length at 1,200 miles.
The first map to detail Lake Superior’s shorelines was made in 1733. This map was the result of surveys conducted by French explorer Daniel Greysalon, Sieur de LaVertier. It is believed that the methodology used by these early surveyors was largely inaccurate, as they would often accelerate their measurements when they encountered difficult to access areas along the coastline.
Today, the length of Lake Superior is monitored using modern techniques such as remote sensing. A newer method of measurement known as “hydro-metric” has proven more reliable, as it takes into account the elevation of the shoreline in the lake’s total measurement. Additionally, the US Geological Survey has argued that the lake is more of a “linear waterbody.” In other words, it behaves more like a river than a lake due to its length.
Experts have also suggested that one of the reasons Lake Superior appears to have a larger surface area than other Great Lakes is due to its deeper nature. This means that much of Lake Superior is hidden beneath the surface, thus contributing to its overall length. In contrast, the lake’s surface is rather shallow, meaning it allows for much greater navigation of the lake’s surface when compared to other Great Lakes.
Lake Superior has also been referred to as “The Inland Sea” due to its vast size. This nickname speaks to the fact that despite its length, there is far more to the lake than can be seen on the surface. In addition to massive size and depth, Lake Superior is home to a diverse array of wildlife and habitats, including over 80 shipwrecks.
Effects of Climate Change on Lake Superior
The effects of climate change on Lake Superior are of particular concern to scientists, conservationists, and local communities alike. As temperatures rise, so too will the lake’s temperature. This increase can greatly affect the plant and animal life that call the lake home, as well as the many people who make use of the lake for recreational activities. This could lead to a decrease in the habitat quality, decrease in fish stocks and other wildlife, and general degradation of the lake’s water quality.
Due to its location, Lake Superior is particularly sensitive to changes in regional and global-climate. Precipitation levels and temperatures in the Great Lakes Basin have been increasing over the past 50 years, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency.
There is also some evidence that the lake is slowly rising. It is worth noting, however, that much of the lake’s water is also being replaced via runoff from precipitation and rivers flowing into the lake. These factors, when taken together, suggest that the lake’s size is likely to remain largely unchanged in the near future.
But, the lake’s size may change if the regional climate changes drastically. Scientists have suggested that Lake Superior’s size could eventually be reduced due to increased evaporation caused by prolonged periods of warming and drought. On the other hand, if the climate were to become colder, the effects of glaciers could also cause a decrease in the lake’s size.
Economic Importance of Lake Superior
Aside from its size and beauty, Lake Superior has had a significant economic impact on the local communities that surround it. Historically, the lake has been used as an important transportation hub for the region’s various industries, including fishing, shipping, and lumber. Shipping is particularly important to the region as it helps to move cargo and people, as well as goods and services.
In more recent years, economic activity related to Lake Superior has evolved. Tourism is now a major contributor to the local economy, with people from around the world visiting the lake each year to admire its natural beauty and participate in its various recreational activities. In addition to the many businesses that cater to tourists, there is also an emerging local economy based on sustainability and renewable energy.
The Great Lakes region is also home to a number of renewable energy projects. The world’s first and largest offshore freshwater wind turbine stands in the waters of Lake Superior. This facility, known as the “Lighthouse Wind II” is expected to generate enough renewable energy to power over 30,000 homes in the area.
The lake is also home to a number of hydroelectric power plants. The most prominent of these is the Robert Moses-Robert H. Saunders Dam, located at the head of the lake. This facility generates over 800 MW of electricity and provides electricity to the surrounding region.
Sustaining and Conserving Lake Superior
Maintaining the health and vitality of Lake Superior is an important priority for the local and global communities that surround it. Conservation efforts have been underway for decades and include initiatives to protect and restore the lake’s natural ecosystems, as well as efforts to reduce the impacts of human activities, such as pollution and emissions.
In addition to protecting the lake’s natural resources, local communities have been actively engaged in efforts to improve water quality. For example, the Lake Superior Partnership 11, a collaboration between Michigan, Minnesota, Ontario, and Wisconsin, works to preserve and restore the lake’s waters by monitoring and reducing the effects of aquatic invasive species, as well as protecting and restoring aquatic habitats.
The Great Lakes are also home to a number of national and regional conservation bodies, such as the Great Lakes Commission and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, which work to ensure sustainable management practices throughout the region. Through the implementation of these various initiatives and the coordination between local, regional, and global organizations, the health and vitality of Lake Superior is likely to remain strong for years to come.
Environmental Issues Affecting Lake Superior
Despite its size, Lake Superior is intricately connected with the surrounding environment, and as such its health is often reflective of the health of the broader environment. In recent years, the lake has been subject to many of the same environmental issues that are impacting other bodies of water around the world, such as pollution, toxic algal blooms, and aquatic invasive species.
The introduction of aquatic invasive species in Lake Superior is one of the most pervasive and pressing issues affecting the lake. These invaders, which can have devastating impacts on local ecosystems, are often spread by recreational boating activities. To address this issue, the U.S. and Canadian governments have enacted a number of regulations and programs to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species in the lake.
The Lake Superior watershed is also affected by nutrient pollution, primarily driven by runoff from agricultural fields and urban areas. This runoff can lead to eutrophication, which is when an excessive amount of nutrients are present in a body of water, leading to the growth of algae and other aquatic plants.
As the lake’s water quality continues to decline, it has become increasingly important for local, regional and global communities to work together to protect the Great Lakes. Organizations around the world have begun to recognize the importance of freshwater ecosystems and their potential to contribute to a healthy and sustainable future.
Socioeconomic Impact of Lake Superior
In addition to its immense environmental value, Lake Superior also has a profound economic and social impact on the region. In particular, tourism is a key driver of the local economies in the region, with millions of visitors flocking to the lake each year to soak up its natural beauty, partake in recreational activities, and explore its many attractions.
The fishing industry is also a major economic activity in the region, with the local communities relying heavily on commercial fishing for their livelihoods. In addition, many of the local communities depend on the lake for transportation and commerce, with dozens of ports and harbors located along the lake’s shoreline.
The lake also supports many socio-economic initiatives, such as education, healthcare, and local infrastructure. For example, the Great Lakes Program at the University of Minnesota is a unique program that focuses on the environmental conservation and protection of the lake. This program is also responsible for conducting research that contributes to the understanding of the lake’s ecosystems, monitoring water quality and health, and providing educational resources to local communities.
Ultimately, the long-term impacts of Lake Superior are far reaching and have a profound effect on the regional and global communities around it. By understanding the lake’s significance and working together to protect its many resources, people from around the world can ensure that the lake and its surrounding environments are preserved for generations to come.
