Background Information
Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area. It is located on the border of the United States and Canada and is part of the Great Lakes Basin. The lake is bounded by Ontario, Canada to the north and east, and Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan to the south and west. Its surface area of 82,170 km2 makes it bigger than each of the other Great Lakes combined. The lake has an average depth of 148 m and a maximum depth of 406 m. It is known for its deep, crystal-clear waters and its rugged, craggy coastline.
How Big Is Lake Superior?
Lake Superior is the largest lake in North America by area, with a surface area of 82,170 km2, but it is surprisingly narrow. Depending on the measurement method used, Lake Superior is from 606 km to 616 km wide, averaging around 610 km. That’s about 360 miles across. It is approximately 350 km long, with a shoreline extending for about 2,726 km. The lake has a total volume of 12,232 km3, the equivalent of eight Lake Eries.
Unique Characteristics of the Lake
Lake Superior is an inland sea and has many unique characteristics. The lake is known for its extreme cold temperatures, particularly during the winter months, when the water temperature sinks to below 0°C (32°F). It has a stable population of creatures including fish, mussels, and turtles, as well as otters, beavers, and other mammals. The lake is also home to several species of seabirds. The largest islands include Isle Royale and Madeline Island.
The Impact of Climate Change
Climate change is the major threat to the sustainability of Lake Superior. The lake’s surface temperature has risen substantially in recent decades, with the warmest temperatures occurring in summer. The higher temperatures have caused an increase in the lake’s water levels and a decrease in oxygen levels. As a result, the lake’s biodiversity has decreased as some species have struggled to adapt to the changing conditions.
Environmental Concerns
The lake faces a number of environmental issues, including water pollution, invasive species, and pollution from agricultural and industrial runoff. Much of the lake’s shoreline is covered with nutrient-rich sediment, which is the result of decades of fertilizers, sewage, and manure runoff. A number of invasive species, such as zebra mussels, have also been introduced to the lake, which has caused a noticeable decline in native species.
Relative to the Other Great Lakes
Lake Superior is much larger than its neighbour Lakes Huron, Michigan, and Erie, and significantly deeper. It holds approximately three times more water than all three of the other Great Lakes combined. The water levels of the lake fluctuate year-to-year due to its large size, but the lake rarely experiences high water levels except during wet periods.
Setting the Scene
The majestic Lake Superior serves as a gateway to the natural beauty of the North American continent. The vast size of the lake sets the scene for adventures, be it fishing in the deep waters or swimming in the cool, clear waves. Those seeking the peace and serenity of the great outdoors will find much to explore and experience around Lake Superior. While enjoying the natural beauty of the largest of the Great Lakes, it is worth noting how many miles across it actually is.
Economic Benefits
Lake Superior and its surrounding area offer many economic opportunities. Tourism is a significant source of income in the local economies of the four states that share the lake’s shoreline, generating billions of dollars in business and creating thousands of jobs. Commercial fishing is thriving, as well, especially on the Canadian side, where Lake Superior is the third-largest freshwater fishery in the world.
The Protection of the Lake
Lake Superior is an important resource for the Great Lakes region and it needs to be protected for future generations. To this end, many organizations have been created to monitor and manage the health of the lake. The Great Lakes Commission is one example, working with the provincial, state, and federal governments to improve the lake’s water quality and sustainability. In Canada, the Great Lakes Water Institute at Trent University serves as a hub for research and education to support lake stewardship.
Preserving and Improving the Lake’s Quality
To preserve the lake’s pristine environment, it is important to limit pollution and reduce the impacts of climate change. Local communities and governments need to work together to reduce runoff from farms and reduce pollution from urban areas. Additionally, steps need to be taken to control the spread of invasive species and to protect important breeding grounds for native species. We need to work together to ensure that Lake Superior remains an ecological and economic asset for generations to come.
