How Are Lake Superior And Lake Michigan Connected?
Lake Superior and Lake Michigan are both formed by the Great Lakes of North America, and they are connected by the St. Mary’s River in Michigan, IN the US. The river’s direction starts in Lake Superior and continues until it meets Lake Huron. This connection of waters is critical for the habitat of several fish species that inhabit the two lakes, as the river is their spawning ground.
The lakes are approximately 1,500 kilometers apart, but their dynamics and topographical features are similar. Both lakes have mostly shallow water with an average depth that is less than six meters. But Lake Superior is much deeper beyond the deeper locations and its maximum depth is 406 meters, which is much higher than any other lake in North America.
Lake Michigan is located in the east of the Great Lakes, and Lake Superior is located far east and north. To determine the direction of Lake Superior from Lake Michigan, one could imagine the two as two points on a map and use basic mathematical principles. In more easy-to-understand terms, Lake Michigan is northwest of Lake Superior, and the two points that connect them on the map are located southeast and southwest from Lake Superior.
The biggest source of water for Lake Superior is the Superior tributary, which carries the waters of the Nipigon and Michipicoten Rivers. These rivers join the Superior, creating a circuit that reaches the St. Mary’s River and spills over into Lake Michigan.
The Effects Of Climate Change On The Two Lakes
Climate change has caused an increase in the temperatures of both Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. This temperature change has caused an effect on the species that inhabit both lakes. The Zebra Mussels, a species of mussels that are commonly found in the freshwater of North America, have done well because of the increased temperatures. The increased temperature has enabled them to spread like wildfire home the two lakes, and this has destroyed the balance of the ecosystem.
The Algal Blooms that cause an abundance of algae, which then disrupts the natural balance of the waters, are another effect of the climate change. The warmer temperature is allowing the algae to grow without restriction, leading to water contamination and other problems related to water balance.
The invasive species of the two lakes are also very challenging in terms of controlling the balance of the ecosystem. The Round Goby, an invasive fish species, is a bigger threat to the aquatic environment than the Zebra mussels. The Gobies move from one lake to another, causing much more disturbance than the mussels.
Preventative Measures
To prevent further imbalances in the system, many precautions should be taken to reduce the effects caused by the invasive species and the climate change. As the Zebra Mussels are widespread in both lakes, preventing the setting up of invasive species is one of the most important preventative measures.
The government also should help in finding solutions to increase the temperature of the lake. Reducing emissions and improving the infrastructure to reduce the risk of energy loss and excessive heating should be done. For example, the use of aerators, which are installed under the lake bed, can help to remove the excess heat that is present in the lake.
The authorities should also invest more in controlling the population of the Round Gobies. Fishing competitions that help to eliminate the population have been successful in some areas, and other measures such as the use of loud underwater noises have also proved to be effective.
The Long-Term Effects Of Climate Change
The long-term effects of climate change on both lakes are yet to be discovered, but one can only assume what could happen. It is estimated that by the middle of this century, temperatures may rise around the world, leading to an increase in the water temperature of the two Great Lakes. An increase in the water temperature could lead to more Algal Blooms and other unwanted occurrences, which would be negative for the aquatic environment.
The rise in temperature could also increase the intensity of storms and other natural catastrophes in the area. These could lead to flooding and mudslides, which in turn, would cause a huge decrease in the water levels of the lakes. This imbalance in the levels, as well as the decrease in the volume of water, can harm the existing species and create an environment in which it is difficult to inhabit.
What Are The Political Responses To Climate Change?
The political responses to climate change are mostly in terms of regulations and some laws, but they are not yet enough to protect the environment and prevent further damage.
The US government has enacted some environmental laws that mainly regulate the emission of pollutants, but they are not enough to prevent or control the changing temperatures. These regulations also do not monitor or regulate the effects of climate change on the Great Lakes.
In recent years, Canada and other countries have also enacted laws that aim to reduce pollution, as well as to protect the environment from the damage caused by human actions. Still, more needs to be done in order to prevent further imbalances in the two lakes.
What Stakeholders Are Involved In The Protective Measures?
Several stakeholders are involved in the protective measures that are being taken to avoid further damage to Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. Governments, educational institutions, and research facilities are the ones that are mostly concerned with the protection of the environment.
Through research and scientific experiments, they are trying to find the best way to protect the environment, while also promoting sustainability. Non-profit organisations are also actively involved in the conservation of the environment, and they mostly focus on awareness campaigns, so people can understand the importance of protecting the environment.
Finally, private companies also have a large role in protecting these two lakes, as they are the ones responsible for the production of most of the products consumed in the Great Lakes region. These companies must follow, not just the regulations imposed by the governments, but also abide by corporate social responsibility policies, so they can contribute to the protection of the environment.
What Are The Risks Of Acting Too Late?
The risks of acting too late when it comes to preserving the environment are extremely high, especially in the case of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. The lakes are home to a variety of fishes and plant species, and any alteration in the water can put them at risk.
In addition to this, an increase in the water temperature could cause more Algal Blooms, which are the main cause of water contamination. They can also lead to a decrease in the oxygen concentration of the lake, making it impossible for the aquatic species to survive. In worst cases, the lake could eventually be uninhabitable, as was found in cases such as the Great Salt Lake in Utah.
The main risk of acting too late is that much of the damage to Lake Superior and Lake Michigan will be irreversible, leading to more diversity and imbalance in the two lakes.
How Can People Help To Preserve The Great Lakes?
Most of the people need to take more responsibility to preserve the Great Lakes. People should reduce the amount of water and energy they consume, as it is one of the main causes of emissions and pollution.
Moreover, citizens should also try to spread more awareness and be active in environmental causes. Writing letters, talking to the authorities, and taking part in Clean Up Day events could have a great effect on the environment.
People can also make a difference by supporting policies, regulations, and laws that are meant to preserve the environment. Participating in campaigns and voting with reason could ensure that the jurisdiction of the Great Lakes is protected, and the environment is not further degraded.
Finally, citizens could also inform themselves more about the importance of the environment, and make their own efforts to save the Great Lakes by making conscious decisions about their consumption patterns.
