The Drying of Lake Superior
At its deepest, Lake Superior is nearly 500 feet deep and with more surface area than any other Great Lake, its immense size is unquestioned. However, the rate of water loss that the lake is experiencing may be a cause for some concern. Recent reports suggest Lake Superior is drying up faster than saw estimates and some experts are warning that it could become a serious ecological problem.
Lake Superior, at 363 miles in length, is the largest of the five Great Lakes and is holds ten percent of the world’s available fresh surface water. The Great Lakes are said to play a vital role in North American climate and ecology. Studies have revealed that the lake is suddenly losing its volume of water at a rate that far outstrips its regeneration rate.
The loss of water has environmental implications which cannot be overlooked, as the lake is home to a diverse range of species. The decrease in water levels may lead to a decrease in the abundance of species because they will have to search for new habitats in order to survive. A decrease in aquatic vegetation may also have a long-term impact on the lake’s food chain.
The cause of the accelerated loss of water from the lake is hard to pinpoint. However, rising levels of sedimentation, deforestation, urbanization and increased human water consumption are believed to be the major contributing factors to the loss of water. With such high levels of instability in the Great Lakes, it is essential that steps are taken to try and preserve Lake Superior and its precious ecosystem.
It is extremely difficult to reverse the damage caused by human activity, but there are some action that can be taken in order to stop the level from falling any further. The United States and Canada have instituted codes of conduct which outline the requirements for sustainable farming practices and conservation efforts, in order to limit the amount of water that is taken from the Great Lakes. The public is also encouraged to use water resources more responsibly and to avoid activities that will lead to contamination.
In addition to policy changes, it is also essential that public and private groups work together in order to reduce the amount of agricultural runoff entering the lake. It is estimated that agricultural runoff is the greatest cause of sedimentation and this needs to be regulated in order to protect the lake. A co-ordinated conservation effort could significantly reduce the amount of sediment entering the lake and help slow down the rate of water loss.
Although the immediate future might be uncertain for Lake Superior, it is encouraging to know that there are measures that can be taken in order to preserve and protect the lake. Through a combination of policy changes, public awareness and responsible water usage, it is possible to keep the water levels from falling any further and ensure the long-term survival of the lake’s delicate ecosystem.
The Impact On Lake Superior’s Ecosystem
The changing water levels in Lake Superior have had a major impact on the local ecosystem and this is particularly true of species that live in the shallow waters near the shore. The decline in water levels has led to the decline of certain species of fish, as they have been unable to adjust to the changing environment. In addition to this, the decline in water levels has also affected the breeding grounds of several species of migratory waterfowl.
The decline in water levels has also meant that the lake is losing its ability to hold nutrients. As the lake becomes shallower, the water has a harder time holding dissolved oxygen, which can be detrimental to fish and other aquatic life. In addition to this, the decline in water levels has caused the lake to become increasingly acidic, which is having a detrimental effect on the growth of aquatic plants.
The decline in water levels has led to the decline of fish populations, as the water variation has affected their spawning grounds. The loss of fish habitat has also affected the wider ecosystem, as the reduction in fish populations has had a knock-on effect on the food chain. For example, diving ducks and other species of waterfowl have seen a decline in the number of aquatic prey that they are able to hunt.
The decline in water levels has also had an impact on the recreational activities that can be enjoyed at the lake. Boating, fishing, and kayaking all require deeper waters than what is currently present in Lake Superior and this has reduced the number of people able to enjoy these activities. This can have a huge impact on local economies, as tourism in the area is heavily reliant on these activities.
The decline in water levels has put immense strain on the lake’s ecosystem and this can be seen in the decline of species such as lake trout and lake sturgeon. There is also the potential for long-term environmental damage, as the lake may become too shallow to sustain its diverse wildlife. In order to preserve the lake’s ecosystem it is essential that steps are taken to limit the accelerated loss of water.
What Can Be Done To Save Lake Superior?
In order to limit the rate of water loss in Lake Superior, it is essential that action is taken in both the public and private sectors. It is important that farmers and other land owners take steps to reduce soil erosion and runoff, and employ preventive measures such as buffers, terraces and soil retention ponds. On an individual level, people can play their part by avoiding contaminating the lake with hazardous materials, planting trees and other vegetation near the lake and practicing water conservation.
The government also has a role to play in the preservation of Lake Superior and has put measures in place to limit water pollution, promote the use of technology to reduce water usage and encourage sustainable fishing practices. In addition to this, government agencies are also working on ways to reduce the threats posed by sedimentation and invasive species.
What Can Be Done To Improve Understanding?
In order to raise awareness of the plight Lake Superior faces, an understanding of the implications of its drying must first be developed. Education initiatives that teach children and teenagers the importance of looking after their environment and the threats posed by human activity should be implemented. In addition to this, public spaces such as beaches should also be monitored in order to detect any changes in water levels.
Organizations and NGOs should also be encouraged to publicize their environmental initiatives and highlight the impacts of climate change on the lake. The media can also play a role in raising awareness and educating the public; for example, through documentaries and radio documentaries.
Conclusion
The rapid decline in water levels in Lake Superior is an ecological concern that cannot be overlooked. If no steps are taken to conserve the lake’s resources it could lead to disastrous consequences for the ecosystem. It is therefore essential that the public and private sectors take steps to protect and preserve the lake, and that people are educated about the threats posed by human activity. Only through a concerted effort can we ensure the future of Lake Superior and its diverse wildlife.
