Relevant Data
Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes. It covers approximately 82,100 square miles and has a maximum depth of nearly 1,335 feet. Lake Superior contains 2,900 cubic miles of water, which is enough water to submerge all of North and South America under one foot of water. It is over 350 miles long and averages 160 to 190 miles in width, making it one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. The volume of water in Lake Superior would fill all of the other Great Lakes 4 times. Approximately 300 streams and rivers feed the lake, while its only outflow is the St. Mary’s River, which empties into the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Experts’ Perspectives
According to experts from the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, the amount of water in Lake Superior is constantly changing due to evaporation, precipitation, and runoff. Because of this, Lake Superior is considered a dynamic body of water. On average, the lake can lose up to an inch of water each day over the course of a year. This may seem like a small amount, but it can add up over the course of the year. Similarly, the lake gains water from various sources, including precipitation and inflowing rivers. Therefore, it is impossible to give an exact amount of water that is in the lake at any given time.
Pollution and Interference
Lake Superior is vulnerable to pollution and interference by humans, which can have damaging long-term effects on its water supply and surrounding ecosystems. Agricultural run-off, industrial dumping, and sewage discharge are all factors that can contribute to excessive nutrient loading in the lake. Nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus can promote the growth of algae and aquatic vegetation, which can lower the level of oxygen and thus make it difficult for fish and other species to survive. The pollution and interference to Lake Superior can lead to a decrease in overall water quality and health of the lake.
Preserving the Lake
Given the ecological importance of Lake Superior, many organizations and government entities have taken steps to preserve its water supply. For example, the Great Lakes Commission, in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, has launched several programs to restore the lake and its surrounding river systems. These programs include efforts to reduce agricultural and industrial runoff, restore wetlands and marshlands, and help protect habitat. In addition, there are also efforts to reduce the amount of nutrient discharge into the lake.
Wildlife Hand-in-Hand with the Water
Furthermore, the water of Lake Superior is host to a unique and diverse array of wildlife. The lake’s deep cool waters are home to a variety of fish species, such as lake trout, whitefish, and lake sturgeon. The lake is also home to various species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. In addition, many of these species rely on the lake’s unique environment for their survival, making it all the more important to protect the lake and its inhabitants.
The Big Picture
Ultimately, Lake Superior is a living, breathing body of water. It is essential to preserve the lake and its surrounding environment to ensure that it can continue to provide sustenance and beauty to its inhabitants, both human and wildlife. There is no one exact amount of water in Lake Superior due to its dynamic state, but by understanding and protecting the resources it offers, we can help ensure its continual health.
Environmental Effects of a Changing Climate
A changing climate has the potential to significantly disrupt the health of Lake Superior and its surroundings. For example, increased temperatures are likely to lead to increases in evaporation, making the lake shallower and more prone to pollution and sediment accumulation. Additionally, changes in precipitation patterns will lead to changes in runoff rates, potentially resulting in disrupted water flows and nutrient loading. Furthermore, extreme weather events such as floods and droughts are expected to lead to imbalances in water levels, affecting the lake’s habitat and species.
Conservation Efforts to Protect the Lake
Given the potential impacts of a changing climate on Lake Superior, it is essential that conservation efforts are taken to help protect this valuable resource. For example, efforts should be taken to reduce nutrient loading, restore wetlands and marshlands, and help protect habitat. Additionally, watershed management plans should be put in place to better understand and monitor the lake’s water supply.
Educating the Public
Finally, it is vital that steps are taken to educate the public about the importance of protecting Lake Superior and its valuable resources. Through public education and outreach initiatives, people can learn how their actions can have direct impacts on the lake and its inhabitants. By educating people on how to properly steward the lake’s resources, we can collectively ensure the growth and sustainability of Lake Superior and its surrounding environment.
