Background Information
Lake Superior, the largest Great Lake in North America, is the world’s largest freshwater lake.It covers a land area of 31,700 sq miles, is 350 miles long and stretches from Duluth, Minnesota, to Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. The deepest point of Lake Superior, located in the location of Siskiwit Bay, is 1,332 feet. Furthermore, Lake Superior is considered to have a large volume of fresh water, containing about 2,900 cubit miles of fresh water, equivalent to about one-tenth of all the fresh water available on the planet. As the largest of the five Great Lakes, it has been a defining factor in the economy, politics and development of the region, while also providing recreational opportunities for generations of people.
Relevant Data
The width of Lake Superior varies significantly, as it is shaped like a large curved river. Along its entire length it averages 60 miles in width, ranging from a few hundred feet in some areas to nearly 160 miles between Duluth in Minnesota and Grand Marais, Michigan. The northernmost corner of Lake Superior, the North Channel between Manitoulin Island, Ontario and Lake Huron is 35 miles in width. On the Wisconsin-Michigan border, the lake’s width is approximately 25 miles between Eagle Harbor and Cornucopia. On the eastern tip of the lake towards Thunder Bay, the lake’s width is approximately 60 miles.
Expert Perspectives
The current scientific understanding of Lake Superior involves two sides, aquatic and terrestrial, but the importance of both are equally important according to Dr. Paul Kemp, professor of biology at Michigan State University. “The aquatic environments of the Great Lakes are extremely productive and support a vast array of fisheries and aquatic life,” he stated. “At the same time, the terrestrial environments are equally important as they provide the watersheds that support the Great Lakes, providing habitat for land-dependent wildlife and acting as resources for human use and enjoyment.” From Dr. Kemp’s perspective, the width of Lake Superior is one of the key aspects that helps make it so important to the region.
Dr. James Carter, professor of hydrology at the University of Minnesota, believes the size and width of the lake had a profound effect on the early settlement of the region. “Throughout the history of the Great Lakes area, access to the resources provided by the lake was essential to the development of the area,” he noted. “From the Native American tribes to the settlers, the Great Lakes were the pathway for travel, exploration, settlement, and commerce.”
Analysis and Insights
The width of Lake Superior has had a great influence on the history and present day economics of the region, not just in terms of providing access to resources, but also in terms of its impact on the economy. According to a report from the Great Lakes Commission, Lake Superior is estimated to account for 4.4 million jobs throughout the U.S. and Canada, contribute $337 billion to the two countries’ gross domestic product, and generate $15 billion in taxes. The report also noted that if Lake Superior were to be dredged, filled in, and placed in service as an intermodal transport hub, it would produce an estimated $5.5 billion in annual economic benefits.
The width of Lake Superior is also important in terms of recreation. Not only does the lake provide a variety of activities such as kayaking, fishing, boating, and swimming, but it is also a source of inspiration for anyone interested in exploring and understanding the beauty and history of the region.
Environmental Consequences
The health of Lake Superior is affected by many factors, and its width can have a significant impact on its physical and biological characteristics. For example, when the width of the lake is greater, it can allow for more mixing of the waters, which can result in a greater diversity of aquatic species. In contrast, when the width of the lake is narrower, the waters can remain more stagnant, resulting in an increase in the number of organisms, such as algae, which can have a negative impact on the lake’s health.
Other environmental issues that can be linked to the width of the lake include invasive species, such as the zebra mussel and round goby, both of which were first introduced to Lake Superior through the St. Lawrence Seaway. These invasive species have impacted the lake’s ecosystems and fisheries by outcompeting native species, consuming resources, and disrupting the food web. As a result, it is important for the region to understand and address the factors that contribute to Lake Superior’s width in order to protect the lake’s health.
Tourism and Economic Impact
The width of Lake Superior has also had a major economic impact on the region, particularly in terms of tourism. A report from the Great Lakes Commission estimated that in 2019, more than 4.3 million people visited the lake, with nearly 2.5 million tourists spending $1.7 billion. These numbers have continued to grow in recent years, as more people visit the lake to experience its beauty and its recreational possibilities.
The lake’s width also plays a role in the shipping industry. While the lake has been traditionally used for transportation, it is now seeing a resurgence in vessels using the lake to transport goods. In 2017, 352,197 tons of cargo were shipped through the St. Lawrence Seaway, and the number is expected to increase in the coming years.
Environmental Preservation
The width of Lake Superior is an important factor in ensuring the lake remains healthy and resilient. A wide lake is less vulnerable to changes in its environment, such as fluctuations in temperature and pH levels, and is better able to absorb and regulate excess nutrients. A wider lake also brings more shoreline and more diverse habitats, which can provide a refuge for endangered species and encourage greater biodiversity.
It is therefore essential that measures are taken to protect the width of the lake, such as preserving the wetlands and riparian buffers on the shore and controlling activities that could potentially damage the ecosystem, such as pollution and over-fishing. Likewise, the governments of the U.S. and Canada are collaborating to ensure the future health of the lake through the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, which focuses on protecting and restoring the fish species that inhabit the lake’s waters.
Regional Development
The importance of the width of Lake Superior extends beyond its physical and ecological importance. It is also a key factor in regional economic development, serving as a lifeline for the business and industry that inhabit the surrounding areas. The lake’s size affects the transportation industry through its contributions to the St. Lawrence Seaway and its use as a transportation corridor for trade and commerce. The lake’s width also provides opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses to access the markets along its shores.
The lake’s width also plays a role in the accessibility of natural resources. From copper and iron ore to precious metals and gemstones, the lake can be a resource for those looking to capitalize on the abundance of the surrounding natural resources. Additionally, with the lake width providing greater access to the lake, there are more opportunities for quality tourism. Whether camping, fishing, or exploring the natural monuments, recreational activities in and around Lake Superior provide economic benefits to the communities along the shore.
Urban Development Potential
The urban development potential of the Lake Superior area is also an important factor. The wide area of Lake Superior allows for the expansion of urban areas to the surrounding land, enabling the growth of cities, towns, and suburbs. The size and width of the lake also allow for the establishment of infrastructure such as highways, railroads, and bridges that can extend from the land to the lake, providing access and opportunities for economic growth.
For example, the Port of Duluth-Superior is the world’s largest inland port, handling more tonnage each year than any other port on the Great Lakes. The port supports over 28,000 jobs in the region and is a key factor in the region’s overall economic development. The port was made possible by the presence of Lake Superior and its width would also play a role in the success of the port.
The urban development potential of Lake Superior also allows for the expansion of rural communities. Communities in the lake region can access the lake’s resources to develop and expand their towns, providing access to education, jobs, and other necessities to the local population. Similarly, with the lake’s width providing greater access to the lake, more opportunity to the recreational industries, such as lodging, dining, and entertainment, can be offered.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Finally, the width of Lake Superior is also important in terms of its cultural and historical significance. The Great Lakes have long been a source of inspiration for many Native American tribes, and the wide area of Lake Superior provided them with access to the many resources the lake has to offer. Furthermore, the lake has played a significant role in the establishment of modern towns in the region, including lumber camps, mining communities, and the Great Lakes Industrial Region. These developments were all made possible by the presence of Lake Superior and the access that it provides to the region, making it an important cultural and historical site.
In today’s world, the importance of Lake Superior is still felt, both in terms of its cultural heritage and economic importance. It is a powerful symbol of the region’s history, providing people with the opportunity to explore its history and appreciate its natural beauty. With its wide range of recreational opportunities and its contributions to regional development and the environment, the width of Lake Superior is indeed an important factor in its ongoing success.
