Description of Lakes
Lake Superior is the largest fresh water lake in the world, covering 31,700 square miles and holding a volume of 2,900 cubic miles of water. Lake Superior has a maximum depth of 1,332 feet, making it the deepest of the Great Lakes. It is bordered by the US states of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan, and the Canadian province of Ontario. Lake Michigan is the second-largest of the Great Lakes, with an area of 22,300 square miles and a volume of 1,180 cubic miles of water. It has a maximum depth of 923 feet and is entirely in the United States and bordered by the states of Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin.
Size Comparison
When it comes to size, both lakes are impressive, but it is clear that Lake Superior is the larger of the two. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), Lake Superior is 200.5 miles across at its widest point and 350 miles in length, while Lake Michigan is 118 miles across and 307 miles in length. Thus, it can be seen that Lake Superior is 31.6% larger in surface area and 145.9% larger in volume than Lake Michigan.
Research Perspectives
Research on the topic of lake sizes and lake beds has been conducted by the USGS. According to a published report from the USGS, “Lake Superior’s average depth… is 483 feet, approximately twice the depth of Lake Michigan’s 240-foot average depth.” They also point to the fact that Lake Michigan has a large number of as many as 830 shallow bays interconnected throughout its shoreline, which has affected its average depth in comparison to Lake Superior.
Implications
The implications of the size difference can be seen in the recreational opportunities of each. For example, Lake Superior has many deeper and far more isolated areas that are perfect for deep sea fishing. In contrast, Lake Michigan would be considered relatively shallow and has limited access to deep waters. Additionally, the USGS report stated that Lake Superior’s “waters warm more slowly in spring and cool more slowly in fall… making [it] an excellent destination for northern fish species.”
Environmental Factors
In addition to its size, Lake Superior is also known for its relatively pure waters. This is because of its naturally occurring “limnological processes” that filter out small particles, heavy metals, and other pollutants due to its larger size and vast circulation of the waters. This makes Lake Superior a popular destination for anglers, swimmers, and tourists. In contrast, Lake Michigan has suffered from many environmental detriments due to commercial shipping, industry runoff, and agricultural chemical runoff.
Regional Comparisons
Lake Superior can also be used as a point of comparison when looking at other similar lakes in the region. For example, Lake Huron, which is the third-largest lake in the Great Lakes, has a total surface area of 23,000 square miles and a maximum depth of 750 feet. Lake Ontario, the fourth-largest lake of the Great Lakes, has an area of 7,340 square miles and a maximum depth of 802 feet. These lakes are much smaller than Lake Superior in both size and maximum depth.
Human Factors
Lake Superior is also significant due to its importance in the world economy. It is the source of a significant portion of the world’s freshwater supply, and its relatively clean waters provide an important source of transportation for shipping companies to carry goods from around the world. As a result, it is of immense importance to many countries, organizations, and businesses that rely on its resources for their success.
The Influence of Climate Change
Climate change has had a major impact on the water levels of both of these lakes throughout history. As a result of increased temperatures, both lakes have seen a considerable increase in their water levels in recent years. This has had both positive and negative effects on the environment and surrounding economy. For instance, it is argued that this rise in water levels has made seawalls, docks, and other infrastructure more vulnerable to damage in the long-term.
Counterpoints to Consider
Despite the many advantages that Lake Superior has over Lake Michigan, there are also some counterpoints worth considering. For one, Lake Michigan is closer to larger populations and cities and provides more opportunities for recreation. Additionally, it has been argued by scientists that Lake Michigan’s relatively shallow water can help protect aquatic ecosystems due to its warmer temperatures.
Impacts of Human Activities
Humans have had a far-reaching impact on both of these bodies of water, especially Lake Michigan. As mentioned, the increase in commercial shipping traffic, agricultural runoff, and industry runoff can all lead to the contamination of the water and harm the surrounding environment. Additionally, Lake Michigan’s close proximity to population centers and cities can also lead to an influx of pollutants from runoff from roads and other everyday activities.
Conclusion
The evidence is clear that Lake Superior is significantly larger than Lake Michigan in both surface area and volume, however, when discussing the impacts of both lakes, there are a variety of factors to consider. Lake Michigan’s relative shallowness and close proximity to cities and population centers have both had a positive and negative impact on its aquatic ecosystems, while Lake Superior’s size and purity have made it an important resource in terms of the world economy and recreation.
