Introduction
Lake Superior is one of five Great Lakes located in the northeast United States, and it is the largest by surface area. In fact, the lake spans an impressive 82,000 square miles, which is more than the entire countries of Croatia and Switzerland combined. Additionally, this freshwater lake offers a thriving ecosystem and outstanding biodiversity, making it a popular destination for tourists and natives alike. In the following article, we will explore the size, characteristics, and other interesting facts about Lake Superior.
Physical Characteristics and Size
Lake Superior is the largest by surface area and the deepest Great Lake, reaching depths of up to 1,332 feet. It has a surface area of over 82,000 square miles and is roughly 350 miles long and 160 miles wide. The lake has nearly a thousand islands, the largest being Isle Royale National Park in the Michigan portion of the lake. Although Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes, its volume makes it only the third-largest in terms of water volume, behind Lakes Michigan and Huron.
Environmental Impact
Lake Superior’s environment is incredibly diverse and supports a remarkable amount of wildlife. The fish species found within the lake include salmon, whitefish, and trout, and various other aquatic animals swim in its waters. The northern shore is mainly comprised of rocky areas known as boreal forests, with its southern atmosphere having more grassland terrain due to less precipitation. Additionally, the lake is an important source of freshwater for the Great Lakes region, supplying drinking water to six states and two Canadian provinces.
History and Economy
The lake is home to a rich history as it has been a popular trade route for more than 400 years. The lake was primarily traded via the St. Lawrence River and became a focal point for trade and a major transportation corridor for settlers in the 1800s. In addition to Native American tribes such as the Ojibwe and Odawa, the lake is still important to the economies of nearby Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Ontario, Canada. As a result, there are many industry and tourism opportunities found on and around Lake Superior.
Fascinating Facts
Lake Superior has many interesting facts, such as it contains enough water to fill all other four Great Lakes, its surface area is larger than Austria and holds 10% of the world’s freshwater supply. Additionally, the name “Superior” was given by the French explorer Pierre-Esprit Radisson, who named the lake because he thought it to be superior to other large freshwater lakes. . Not only that, but the lake is home to the famous shipwreck, Edmund Fitzgerald, which tragically sank in 1975 with no survivors.
Conclusion
Lake Superior is truly a marvel of nature, as well as an important cornerstone of the Great Lakes region. Its diverse ecology and thousands of years of history give the lake its distinctive character and beauty. Through trade and recreation, the lake continues to be an important part of the region’s economy and culture. As we have explored, Lake Superior is indeed the largest Great Lake and one that is worth visiting and exploring.
