Many have asked what the difference is between a lake and a sea. Some say that the only difference is size, while others say that there is more to it and that it depends on the location and climate. This question becomes even more complicated when it comes to Lake Superior, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. Is Lake Superior a lake or a sea?
To begin to answer this question, it is essential to understand the size, geography and climate of Lake Superior. The lake is the largest of the Great Lakes with an area of 82,100 square kilometres and a shore length of 3,082 kilometres. It is located on the border of Canada and the United States, and its waters are fed by more than 300 rivers and streams. Its surface temperature is usually between 7°C and 8°C – much cooler than that of the sea – and its deepest point is 406 metres. The lake also has an average depth of around 80 metres, while the average depth of the sea is around 3,000 metres.
Many experts have argued that Lake Superior is not a sea, but a lake. Professor Mark Kaemingk of the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor points out that “because its surface area is much smaller and its depth much shallower than the average large ocean, the basic definition of ‘sea’ does not apply to Lake Superior.” Other experts, such as Professor Jeffery Walters from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, explain that the Great Lakes are “part of a different ecosystem—one that is unique and distinct from oceans and seas.”
The debate also extends beyond the scientific definition. For many people, Lake Superior has a supernatural aura about it, due to its breathtaking views, its unpredictable weather and its powerful waves. Professor Bradley Saulsburry from the University of Manitoba notes that it “influences cultural practices and values, like the idea of Harbouring Islands, the Blue Flag Project, and the Voyageur Canoe Race.” He states that “it is an integral part of the Great Lakes region and has been a central source of inspiration for generations of people.”
So, what is the verdict? Is Lake Superior a lake or a sea? The answer isn’t simple and depends on who you are asking. According to experts, it is a lake. However, those who have been inspired by its beauty may disagree. One thing is certain: Lake Superior is an immense and majestic body of water that has fascinated people around the world for centuries.
Impact on Native American Culture
Native American cultures and communities have been living around Lake Superior for thousands of years. To this day, there are Anishinaabe, Ojibwe, Cree and other Indigenous Nations that are connected to the lake, through spirituality, language and culture. The lake has impacted and shaped their lives in more ways than one, from providing sustenance to spiritual guidance. It is a source of pride for many, who revere and protect it.
The Ojibwe, for example, consider themselves “The People of the Water” and rely on the lake to support their livelihoods and traditions. Members of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa have started the Blue Flag Project, which focused on “raising awareness of the need to protect this important part of the Lake Superior watershed, while ensuring that the rights, cultures and traditions of local tribes remain respected.”
Despite its immense cultural and spiritual importance for Indigenous peoples, Lake Superior remains a fragile and vulnerable body of water – its health vulnerable to climate fluctuations and human activities that increase pollutants and contaminants.
This is why local tribes and communities strive to preserve, protect and revitalize the lake. They continue the fight to keep the lake clean, healthy and free of pollution, in the hopes that future generations may also be able to enjoy its beauty and power.
Unique Flora and Fauna
Lake Superior has a remarkably diverse array of flora and fauna, both in and around its waters. It is estimated that there are over 70 species of fish living in the lake, including walleye, lake trout, whitefish, herring and the endangered lake sturgeon. The lake is home to several species of mammals, such as the iconic North American loon, and more than 130 species of birds, from the iconic bald eagle to the large cormorants.
The waters of Lake Superior are also home to unique plant life such as the wild rice, wild lilies and water lilies. Moreover, the lake has thousands of shoals that provide natural habitats for a variety of aquatic species. These shoals also bring nutrients and shelter to the lake’s fish, amphibians and reptiles.
The ecology of the lake continues to be impacted by human activities, both on land and in the water. Pollution, overfishing and other forms of contamination can have lasting effects on the environment and the species that live in the lake. Conservation efforts are needed to ensure that the flora and fauna can continue to thrive and that the lake remains healthy and vibrant.
Signs of Climate Change
Climate change is having a dramatic effect on Lake Superior and the Great Lakes region. While the lake has always been affected by climate fluctuations, scientists have noticed a “rapid and dramatic increase” in climate variability in recent decades. This has resulted in higher water temperatures, more frequent and intense storms, and other changes that are threatening the lake’s health and ecosystem.
The intensified storms can cause erosion and drastic changes in lake levels, which can lead to property damage and flooding. Increased temperatures can lead to the spread of invasive species, such as zebra mussels, which can disrupt local ecosystems and endanger native species. Meanwhile, pollutants from agriculture, industry and urban areas continue to contaminate the water.
These changes have led to widespread concern among local communities and organizations, who have come together in an effort to protect their beloved lake. Numerous initiatives have been introduced in order to preserve the lake’s delicate balance and mitigate the effects of climate change. However, it is clear that continued effort is needed in order to prevent any further damage to the lake.
Jordan Anderson Plan
In 2009, Lake Superior gained national attention when the first Lake Superior Coastal Program was announced in Minnesota, designed to protect and improve the lake’s natural resources. This plan, known as the Jordan Anderson Plan, is named after an Anishinaabe elder from Ontario. Jordan Anderson had long been advocating for the protection of the lake in her community, and her efforts led to the first Lake Superior Coastal Program.
Today, the Jordan Anderson Plan is widely recognized as one of the most successful efforts to protect Lake Superior, and it serves as a model for other coastal programs around the world. It provides practical solutions for conserving and restoring the lake’s unique habitats, protecting sensitive species and improving water quality. By engaging and educating local communities, the plan seeks to empower people to become stewards of the lake.
The Jordan Anderson Plan is a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of protecting Lake Superior. By continuing the fight to preserve and protect the lake, we can help ensure that future generations may be able to enjoy its beauty and power.
Educating & Empowering Future Generations
Educating future generations about the importance of protecting Lake Superior is essential if we are to ensure its health and vibrancy. Fortunately, there are many organizations and initiatives working to engage and educate people about the lake, its importance and the steps we must take to protect it.
The Great Lakes Education Project is one such organization. It is committed to providing young people with the knowledge, skills and motivation needed to become stewards of the lake. With the help of teachers and naturalists, the project facilitates interactive learning experiences in which students are exposed to topics such as the lake’s ecology, the human impact and the importance of conservation.
The Voyageur Canoe Race is another initiative aimed at educating youth about Lake Superior. This annual event brings people together in a spirit of cooperation and understanding, as participants paddle 50 miles across the lake in 40-foot fully equipped canoes. Along the way, participants learn about the lake’s history, ecology and cultural significance from Anishinaabe elders.
These initiatives are inspiring more and more people to take part in the fight to protect Lake Superior. By empowering the next generation, we can ensure that the lake remains a source of inspiration and pride for many years to come.
Preservation of Nature
The preservation of nature is a main concern for the people who call Lake Superior their home. From the native Anishinaabe, who have been living along the lake’s shoreline for centuries, to the hundreds of thousands who visit every year, people have a long and deep connection to this lake.
In recent years, organizations have been created to protect the lake’s ecosystems, such as the Superior Islands Coalition and the Lake Superior Marine Heritage Foundation. These organizations are leading efforts to preserve the lake’s beauty and keep its waters clean, while promoting the local culture and traditions. They have also helped to create the Lake Superior Watershed Program, which works to protect the lake from potential threats.
At the same time, more and more people are embracing the sustainability movement and finding ways to live in harmony with nature. Sustainable practices such as gardening, composting and fishing with care are becoming increasingly popular. By following sustainable practices, people can help ensure that Lake Superior remains healthy and vibrant for future generations.
Conclusion
Lake Superior is an immense and majestic body of water that has captivated people for centuries. Is it a lake or a sea? That depends on who you are asking. While some may see it as a sea, experts agree that it is a lake, albeit a large and complex one. Regardless of what it is, this lake is of immense importance to local cultures, providing sustenance, spiritual guidance and inspiration.
The lake is also home to a remarkable array of flora and fauna and is now facing the effects of climate change, pollution and human activities. This is why there is a need for collective action and ongoing efforts to ensure the health and vibrancy of Lake Superior. With continued advocacy and education, we can help ensure that the lake’s unique beauty and power remain intact for generations to come.
