How Many States Border Lake Superior
The answer to the question “how many states border Lake Superior” may vary, depending on who you ask. In general, it is widely accepted that the states of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota border the northwest side of the lake, while the province of Ontario is situated along the northeastern side. These four jurisdictions overlap the shores of the massive Great Lakes — Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie.
With a total area of 82,100 square miles, Lake Superior is by far the largest and deepest of the five Great Lakes. It is so immense that it contains 11% of all of the fresh water in the world. Lake Superior’s immense size also makes it the largest freshwater lake in the world by area. It is 332 miles long, and its coastline stretches for 1,200 miles.
The three U.S. states that border Lake Superior are Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Michigan makes up the northern-most portion of the lake’s western side, and Wisconsin covers the remaining western area. Minnesota, on the other hand, is located along the entire northern side of the lake. On the eastern side, the only jurisdiction that borders Lake Superior is the Canadian province of Ontario.
In addition to being bordered by four different jurisdictional entities, Lake Superior is also the source of two major rivers, the St. Marys River and the Kaministiquia River, which flow out of the lake and into larger watersheds. The St. Marys River, in particular, is over 200 miles long and serves as the natural border between the U.S. and Canada. In fact, it flows over the course of 350 miles between Lake Superior and Georgian Bay before entering Lake Huron.
It is interesting to note that when two states or provinces border a large body of water such as Lake Superior, the international boundary often follows the coastline, meaning that its border is not necessarily determined by political borders. This is the case for Lake Superior because the U.S. states of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota all border the lake, while the Canadian province of Ontario has a portion of its territory extending along the lake’s eastern shore.
Lake Superior is one of the most important and most beautiful features of the Great Lakes region. Not only does it provide opportunities for recreation and tourism, but its immense size and importance as a source of fresh water makes it an integral part of the economy, environment, and culture of the region.
Facts and Figures About Lake Superior
Lake Superior contains an estimated 2,900 cubic miles of water, making it the largest of the five Great Lakes by total volume. Its greatest width is 350 miles, while its greatest depth is 1,300 feet. The maximum water temperature is 77 degrees Fahrenheit near Isle Royale in the warmer months and 45 degrees Fahrenheit in the colder months. Additionally, the average surface area temperature ranges from 39 degrees Fahrenheit to 42 degrees Fahrenheit.
The lake covers a total area of 31,700 square miles, and it contains nearly 10,000 islands. The largest island, Isle Royale, is located in the northwestern part of the lake and has a total area of 209 square miles. In addition, there are over 400 species of fish that inhabit Lake Superior, including 67 species of salmon, trout, and other coldwater fish.
Lake Superior is also connected to the other four Great Lakes by a series of manmade canals and locks. The world-famous Soo Locks, for instance, are located at the St. Marys River and allows ships to travel between Lake Superior and Lake Huron. Additionally, the lake is the source of the St. Marys River, which eventually flows all the way to Lake Huron.
The Impact of Pollution on Lake Superior
Unfortunately, Lake Superior has been negatively impacted by pollution, particularly in its coastal areas. Pollutants, such as chemical and pharmaceutical waste, have been known to enter the lake, endangering aquatic life and human health. In addition, agricultural runoff from nearby farms has led to increased sediment and nutrient levels in the lake, resulting in the deterioration of its water quality.
To combat the effects of pollution, several government initiatives have been implemented in recent years. These include the regulation of a number of activities in and around the lake, such as fishing, boating, and wastewater discharges. Additionally, many local organizations and businesses have been actively working to reduce the amount of pollutants entering the lake through outreach programs and public education initiatives.
In recent years, Lake Superior has been designated a protected area under both U.S. and Canadian legislation. The lake has also been designated as a Ramsar wetland of international importance, meaning that it is protected under the international treaty as a wetland of significant ecological value.
Tourism and Recreation Around Lake Superior
Lake Superior has some of the most beautiful shorelines and landscapes in the world, and it is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Water-based activities such as boating, fishing, kayaking, and swimming are popular, as are beach-goers and campers. Additionally, the lake’s scenic beauty makes it a popular destination for photography and sightseeing.
The lake’s numerous small islands and reefs make it an ideal destination for canoeing and kayaking, while its open waters are perfect for sailing and powerboating. Fishing is also a popular activity, with a large selection of coldwater fish such as northern pike, walleye, lake trout, and salmon. Additionally, several of the lake’s islands are designated as state parks and national wildlife refuges, providing opportunities for hiking, bird-watching, and other outdoor activities.
Ultimately, Lake Superior is the perfect destination for anyone looking to explore the Great Lakes region. With its stunning natural beauty and immense size, it offers a plethora of recreational activities for everyone to enjoy.
Environmental Consequences of Human Activity on Lake Superior
Human activity has had a significant impact on the environment of Lake Superior and its surrounding watershed. Logging and mining activities, for instance, have resulted in the disruption of shoreline habitats, causing severe damage to fish and other aquatic species whose habitats have been destroyed. Additionally, runoff from farms and urban areas have contributed to increased levels of nutrients, sediment, and other pollutants in the lake, resulting in the deterioration of its water quality.
In an effort to protect Lake Superior and its surrounding environment, various government initiatives have been implemented in recent years. Several state and provincial governments have enacted regulations to limit pollution and protect shoreline habitats, while local organizations and businesses have been actively working to reduce the impacts of pollution through outreach programs and public education initiatives.
Additionally, the lake has been designated as a protected area under both U.S. and Canadian legislation, and it has been designated as a Ramsar wetland of international importance, meaning that it is protected under the international treaty as a wetland of significant ecological value.
The Economic Benefits of Lake Superior
Lake Superior is not only an integral part of the ecology and culture of the region, but it also has an important role to play in the region’s economy. Its immense size provides vast opportunities for shipping and transportation, which are critical components of the regional economy. Additionally, the lake is a major source of fresh water for industrial, agricultural, and recreational purposes.
The lake has also been a major driver of tourism in the region. Its pristine beauty and abundance of outdoor activities make it a popular tourist destination for both domestic and foreign travelers. The lake also serves as a hub for regional festivals and events, which draw large crowds of visitors to the region each year.
In addition, the lake’s various islands and reefs are home to a wealth of natural resources, including minerals and precious metals. These resources have been exploited in the past, but they still remain an important part of the regional economy. Additionally, the lake’s vast fisheries provide an important source of food and income for the region.
Conclusion
Lake Superior is one of the most important and beautiful natural features of the Great Lakes region. The lake is bordered by Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota in the U.S. and the province of Ontario in Canada. Its immense size and significance as a source of fresh water make it an integral part of the ecosystem, culture, and economy of the region. Unfortunately, Lake Superior has been negatively impacted by pollution, but various initiatives are being implemented in an effort to protect it.
Lake Superior is also an important tourist destination, offering a variety of outdoor activities and beautiful scenery. Additionally, its abundant natural resources provide important economic benefits for the region. Ultimately, Lake Superior is not just an integral part of the Great Lakes region, but it is also an important part of our planet as a whole.
