Formation
Lake Superior is one of the five Great Lakes of North America. It is the second largest of these lakes and the largest freshwater lake in the world. The lake was formed by an ancient glacial process 10 to 14 thousand years ago. It is located on the extreme northern end of the mid-continent rift system; a tectonic plate boundary that was active along the Lake Superior region. The powerful processes of the shifting plates caused great waves of pressure under the surface which created the basin the Lake now inhabits.
Size & Depth
Lake Superior forms the largest surface area of any freshwater lake in the world. The length of the lake is 350 miles and the width varies from 160 miles at its widest point to 41 miles at its narrowest. Its average depth is 500 feet and its deepest point is an astonishing 1333 feet. With around 2,900 miles of coastline the total surface area of Lake Superior is approximately 31,700 square miles.
Wildlife & Climate
The clear, cold waters of Lake Superior support an incredible array of wildlife. Cold-water fish such as: trout, herring, walleye, pike, sturgeons and whitefish thrive in this environment as do many other species. Seals, whales, and many species of birds are often spotted in the region. The climate around Lake Superior is cooler than most other Great Lakes regions. In the winter, temperatures rarely rise above freezing and during the summer, the lake maintains an average temperature of between 50 and 59 degrees fahrenheit.
Current Status
Despite its great size and age, Lake Superior is known to have the highest water clarity of all the Great Lakes. This is mostly due to the fact that the lake’s vast surface area receives only a small amount of runoff from the surrounding areas and most of the inflowing water comes directly from the rain and snow of the region. Over the past century, human activity on and around the edges of Lake Superior has heavily impacted the lake’s ecosystem. Despite this, Lake Superior is still very much alive and remains an integral part of the lakes of the Great Lakes region.
Pinpointing an Age
Lake Superior is one of the oldest and most ancient of all the Great Lakes. However, it is difficult to pinpoint an exact age as the lake was formed in many stages over thousands of years. According to experts, it is estimated that the lake is roughly 10 to 14 thousand years old. The exact date still remains elusive as the geological forces involved in the formation of the lake are still not well understood.
Human Impact
Humans have had a major influence on the lake since first arriving several thousand years ago. Along the lake, enormous amounts of pollutants from industrial and agricultural activities have been poured directly into the lake. Overfishing, excessive boat traffic and the interruption of food supply for the animals that call Lake Superior home are also a major threat to its viability. Though, these human effects can be managed, preventing its demise is something earth scientists and environmentalists are still trying to figure out.
Tourism
Tourism has become an important part of the Lake Superior culture and economy. In recent years, the lake has become a major destination for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, camping, and sightseeing. The lake has also seen its share of international attention as a number of high profile celebrities and business executives have taken advantage of the lake’s serenity.
Climate Change
The effects of climate change can already be seen in Lake Superior. The lake’s water level is rising due to increased temperatures and increased rainfall. This means more water is being poured into the lake and is leading to more flooding and water-related damage in surrounding areas. As the temperature of the lake rises, the ecosystem of the lake is also being affected. Algae blooms, for example, are becoming a major issue as the warmer waters are providing an ideal environment for their growth.
Water Quality
The quality of the water in Lake Superior has been affected by human activity in many different ways. The nutrients from fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides from agriculture and urban runoff have contaminated the lake and caused excessive algae growth in some areas. Sewage output from nearby cities is also of great concern to the health of the lake and its surrounding environment. Thankfully, awareness of this issue is increasing and many efforts are being made to reduce the negative impacts on the lake’s water quality.
Conservation Efforts
The conservation of Lake Superior has been a major focus of recent years. Government agencies and private organizations have been working together to reduce waste, combat pollution, and improve the overall health of the lake. Several lakeside communities have implemented regulations that aim to reduce the amount of runoff and contaminants that are entering the lake. The U.S. and Canadian governments have also joined forces in an effort to protect the lake which has been designated as a biosphere reserve.
Protection
Protection of Lake Superior is essential for the long-term sustainability of not just the lake, but the Great Lakes as well. If the lake’s health is compromised then the well-being of the entire region is at risk. Marina operators, conservationists and everyday citizens can all do their part in the effort to protect and preserve Lake Superior for future generations.
Recreation
With its abundance of clear, cold waters and dramatic shorelines, Lake Superior is one of the most popular recreation spots in Canada and the United States. Swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, sailing and surfing are all popular activities on the lake. There are even skiing and snowmobiling opportunities in the winter months. Lovers of the great outdoors can explore any of the parks located around the lake’s shores and enjoy camping, hiking, and biking.
Conclusion
Lake Superior is one of the world’s most ancient and impressive freshwater lakes. Its age is estimated to be around 10 to 14 thousand years old though its exact origins are still unknown. The lake is dotted with communities and parks and is a popular destination for recreation and tourism in the summer months. Despite human influence, the lake is still thriving and its conservation efforts are preserving the beauty and health of the area for many years to come.
