Lake Superior Basics
Lake Superior is the largest of the five Great Lakes of North America. It is located on the border of the United States and Canada, between Ontario to the northwest and Minnesota to the south. The lake covers an area of 31,700 square miles and has a combined shoreline length of more than 1850 miles. Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world, containing approximately 10 percent of all the world’s freshwater. It is also the deepest of the Great Lakes with a maximum depth of more than 1,300 feet.
Lake Superior is fed by more than 200 rivers and dozens of tributaries which empty into the lake. The St. Marys River is the most significant river supplying the lake with nearly half of its total inflow. It is also fed by Great Lakes precipitation and snow melt from the surrounding region. The Lake Superior basin drains an area of 880,000 square miles, which includes the Upper and Lower Peninsula of Michigan, Wisconsin, the northern tip of Minnesota, northwestern Ontario, and northern Quebec.
The lake’s total surface area is 3,300,000 ha (8,100,000 acres), making it the second-largest lake in the world (after the Caspian Sea) by surface area. The average water temperature of Lake Superior varies between 0 °C (32 °F) in winter and 16 °C (61 °F) in summer. The lake has approximately 50 islands and more than 100 bays and harbors, many of which are unsuitable for navigation because of their shallow depths.
Lake Superior’s watershed is divided among four states and two Canadian provinces. The majority of the watershed lies in the United States, with portions in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec. The majority of U.S. shoreline is located within the state of Michigan, but the lake’s watershed also includes portions of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and northern New York.
Lake Superior is home to numerous species of fish, including lake trout, lake whitefish, cisco, and white perch. In addition to its abundance of fish, the lake also contains numerous species of amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals such as loons, grebes, partially submerged forest ecosystems, and bald eagle. The lake is an important part of the Great Lakes ecosystems, providing essential habitat for many species.
What Continent is Lake Superior On?
Lake Superior is located on the continent of North America, which is both a geographical and political designation. It is one of seven continents on our planet, and is located in the northern part of the Americas. The continent is bounded by the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Arctic Ocean to the north and the Caribbean Sea and Central America to the south. It is connected to South America by the narrow isthmus of Panama in Central America.
Despite its geographic location, Lake Superior is sometimes considered part of the Great Lakes Basin, which includes parts of the United States and Canada. Great Lakes Basin is one of the largest and most important basins in the world. It is estimated to cover more than 3,200 miles and contain more than 20 percent of the world’s surface freshwater. The Great Lakes Basin is a vast inland sea system connected by river systems. Lake Superior’s role as the largest of the Great Lakes and its importance to the North American economy make the discussion of which continent it is a part of a relevant topic.
Since Lake Superior is part of the Great Lakes Basin, it is sometimes grouped with the other four Great Lakes, which are located mostly within the United States, although parts of them also pass through Canada. This is an interesting dichotomy and highlights the close partnership between the two countries as they share responsibility for managing these important resources. This also reveals the complexity of considering which countries and continents the lake belongs to.
Economic Importance
The strategic location of Lake Superior plays an influential role in regional and global commerce. The lake’s shipping lanes are a common sight in the economies of the Midwestern and Great Lakes regions, as nearly a third of Canada’s trade with the United States goes through its waters. More than 160 million tons of iron ore, coal, grain, and other commodities were shipped through the lake in 2019. The lake is also a majorsource of recreational and tourist dollars that support local economies.
Further, Lake Superior serves as the primary source of drinking water for the states and provinces where it is located, providing an essential resource for a wide range of uses. The lake also plays an important role in the region’s ecosystem, home to numerous species of fish and other wildlife. The diverse fish and aquatic species living in and around the lake are vitally important to commercial and recreational fishermen, and provide a basis for the region’s thriving sport fishing industry.
In addition to its economic importance, Lake Superior also plays an important role in the cultural identity of the region’s residents. The lake’s expansive shoreline and its many islands, bays, and harbors are home to numerous historical sites, artifacts, and cultural practices, providing locals and tourists alike with a unique look into the past.
Pollution and Conservation Issues
Lake Superior is the most pristine of the Great Lakes and thus the most at risk from pollution. Unfortunately, the lake suffers from mercury pollution, primarily from coal-burning power plants and industrial sites located near the lake’s watershed. In addition, there is a growing threat of invasive species, such as the round goby and blue-green algae, as well as algal blooms caused by fertilizer runoff.
In response to these threats, various organizations and agencies have taken steps to protect and conserve the lake. The Lake Superior Basin is regulated by both the United States and Canada through the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, which regulations water quality and the introduction of invasive species. The two countries have also established several protected areas to protect Lake Superior’s ecosystem.
Individuals can also take part in conservation efforts by reducing their contribution to pollution and educational efforts on the importance of keeping the lake clean. Many organizations and communities in the area host cleanup days along the shoreline to remove garbage and other pollutants. The public can also become involved in conservation efforts by volunteering at local environmental organizations or speaking out on issues that threaten the region’s water quality.
Native Tribes Rely On Lake Superior
The native tribes who have owned the land around Lake Superior for centuries continue to rely on the lake’s resources for subsistence and cultural ways of life. Since the 16th century, the Ojibwe people have depended on the lake for fishing and gathering food, making it an important part of their culture. Hunting and trapping are also important to their way of life as they use the lake’s natural resources to sustain themselves.
In recent years, their traditional way of life has come under threat due to recreational activities and commercial fishing, and their access to the lake is becoming increasingly restricted. The native tribes are campaigning for rights to a fair share of the lake’s resources and for access to lakes and rivers for their own subsistence use.
The native tribes also have an important role in conservation efforts. Tribal members have organized campaigns and demonstrations to raise awareness of the lake’s environmental issues and the need for conservation and protection of its resources.
Environmental and Cultural Heritage
The unique environment and cultural heritage of Lake Superior is one of its biggest draws for tourists and locals alike. The lake’s majestic beauty, picturesque shoreline, and rich cultural heritage make it a popular destination for visitors from around the world. Tourists flock to local hotels, resorts, and attractions to experience the lake’s majestic beauty and visit historical sites. The environmental and cultural heritage of Lake Superior is an important part of the region’s economy and an essential part of its identity.
The beauty of Lake Superior, the rich cultural heritage of its native tribes, and the importance of its resources to the regional economy make it an important part of the continent of North America. Despite its size and complex legal history, Lake Superior is often seen as a shared resource between the U.S. and Canada, and a source of both economic and cultural pride for the region.
Preserving Its Natural Resources
There is an ongoing need to protect the natural resources of Lake Superior through responsible management and conservation efforts. This will require a continued effort from both the public and the private sector. Governments, agencies, and companies need to continue their commitment to reducing pollution and protecting the lake’s environment from invasive species. In addition, recreational activities such as fishing and boating, must be managed and regulated in order to protect the lake’s unique ecosystem.
Local organizations are also helping to preserve the lake’s natural environment through education and awareness campaigns. Through the work of such groups, the public can become involved in lake conservation and protection efforts. By supporting the efforts of such organizations and taking part in local environmental initiatives, everyone can play a part in protecting Lake Superior.
Conclusion
Lake Superior is a vast and beautiful waterway, located on the continent of North America and spanning several states and provinces. It is the largest of the Great Lakes, and its importance to the economy, environment, and cultural heritage of the region is undeniable. Despite the many challenges that Lake Superior faces, it is still considered to be a shared resource between the United States and Canada. If we want to keep its natural beauty and resources for generations to come, it is essential that we continue to focusd on conserving, protecting, and preserving its resources.
