In the Great Lakes region of the United States and Canada, Lake Superior is the largest, most iconic, and most compelling of the five Great Lakes. Spanning over 31,700 square miles and stretching from the western shores of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan all the way to the eastern coasts of Ontario, Lake Superior has something for everyone; from outdoor enthusiast to powerful industrialists. The lake has been home to generations of Indigenous Peoples, providing sustenance for people and wildlife alike. With a tremendous reputation that has lasted centuries, the question arises: what feeds Lake Superior?
A major source of nourishment for Lake Superior is the more than 200 lakes, rivers, and streams that feed it. Numerous small rivers, creeks, and streams within the lake’s vast watershed pour their waters into the lake, and this runoff is paramount in providing the lake with the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and alive. From the relatively modest St. Louis River in Duluth all the way to the Saginaw River in Michigan, rivers and tributaries provide a large share of what sustains Lake Superior.
Air moisture also plays an important role. The constant cascade of air moisture coming in touches down on the surface of the lake, seeping into the soil around it and providing it with minerals and trace elements. From there, the soil releases the moisture and nutrients into the hydrosphere, where it is taken up by the lake.
When discussing Lake Superior, it is essential to consider the effects of climate change. With an ever-increasing population around the lake and more people engaging in activities such as powerboats and jet skis, Lake Superior has experienced a rise in temperature as well as an increase in nitrogen and phosphorus levels, both of which are linked to human activity. All of these pollutants are very harmful to Lake Superior’s delicate ecosystem, and steps must be taken to ensure that Lake Superior remains unpolluted and full of life.
Furthermore, Lake Superior is affected by land use. Agricultural runoff and urban waste are major sources of pollution that can be detrimental to the lake’s health. The zoning laws and regulations in place help limit the amount of pollutants and runoff entering the lake, but more needs to be done to reduce the amount of pollution entering Lake Superior.
The contributions of Lake Superior’s human residents should also be discussed. People who engage in recreational activities on the lake and monitor water quality play a huge role in maintaining the lake’s quality and health. Additionally, there are numerous organizations created to help protect the lake and its surrounding environment, such as the Friends of Lake Superior, the Superior Watershed Partnership, and the Lake Superior Citizen Advisory Council.
In this day and age, understanding what feeds Lake Superior is more important than ever before. It is crucial to protect this natural treasure and ensure it is maintained for years to come.
Wildlife
When talking about what feeds Lake Superior, it is important to consider not just what sustains it but also its inhabitants. Wildlife plays an invaluable role in Lake Superior’s ecosystem. The lake is home to over 200 species of fish, including trout, walleye, bass, cisco, and whitefish. These species feed off the lake’s abundance of food, including insects, plants, and other small organisms. Additionally, the lake supports more than 40 species of birds, including herons, ducks, and gulls. Lake Superior’s vital wildlife population should be respected and protected for generations to come.
The lake is also home to numerous other animals, such as beavers, muskrats, raccoons, and mink. These animals, although smaller in comparison to some of the other species in the lake, provide an important source of food. In addition to the terrestrial species, there are also aquatic species such as mollusks, crayfish, and dragonflies. All these species, both terrestrial and aquatic, work together to provide a balanced and diverse ecosystem.
Finally, Lake Superior’s mammals play a crucial role in the lake’s food web. These mammals include minks, otters, north American river otters, and seals. These species are important predators, preying on fish and other wildlife, thus helping to sustain the lake’s delicate balance of life.
Bacteria
Bacteria are also an essential part of what sustains Lake Superior. Bacteria is a key component of the lake’s food web, making it possible for the lake to break down organic material and recycle nutrients back into the system. Bacteria break down dead leaves and other debris that enter the lake, converting them into nutrients and providing them to organisms and plants residing in the lake. In addition, the bacteria provide oxygen to the water, allowing larger organisms, such as fish, to survive. Thus, the bacteria are a vital part of the Lake’s health and its ability to nourish its inhabitants.
The bacteria that call Lake Superior home also provide key insights into the health of the lake. Scientists measure the amount of bacteria present in the lake as an indicator of water quality. If the bacteria levels are high, then this is indicative of poor water quality and is a sign of an impending ecological problem. Conversely, if the bacteria levels are low, then this indicates that the health of the lake is in a healthy and balanced state.
The role that bacteria plays in Lake Superior cannot be understated, as it plays an integral role in maintaining the lake’s incredible diversity and allowing its inhabitants to thrive.
Zooplankton
Zooplankton are another key component of Lake Superior’s food web. These microscopic creatures consist of single-celled and multi-celled animals, and they are key food sources for the lake’s invertebrates and fish. The zooplankton are extremely sensitive to changes in their environment, and they help scientists measure water quality and detect any potentially adverse changes to the lake’s environment. Additionally, the zooplankton help to filter the lake’s waters and provide it with essential nutrients.
It has been suggested that an increase in the Lake’s temperature due to climate change has led to a decrease in the number of zooplankton. This reduction in zooplankton could lead to a decrease in the overall health of the lake due to the lack of nutrients and food sources for the lake’s inhabitants. It is for this reason that scientists are monitoring the lake’s temperature, and why climate change must be taken into account when discussing what feeds Lake Superior.
Without the presence of zooplankton, Lake Superior would not be able to sustain its delicate balance of life. It is thus essential that we protect this important species and ensure they can continue to sustain the lake and its inhabitants.
Algae
Algae are a key contributor to what feeds Lake Superior, as they provide oxygen and food to the lake’s various species. The most common type of algae is phytoplankton, which is a type of microscopic plant. When sunlight and nutrients enter the lake, the phytoplankton begin to grow and reproduce, taking up the nutrients in the process. This is known as photosynthesis, and it is a process that is essential for providing Lake Superior with much of its food sources and life.
In addition to providing food to the lake’s inhabitants, algae also serve as a filter, taking up pollutants that enter the water and preventing them from entering the food chain. Algae are essential in establishing a healthy balance in the lake’s ecosystem, and maintaining its health for future generations. It is thus vitally important that algae are given the protection they need to sustain Lake Superior.
By considering all of the sources of nutrition that feed Lake Superior, it becomes clear that a multitude of organisms and processes are necessary to sustain the lake. From playful mammals to microscopic bacteria, each of these species and processes come together to form the complex web that supports the lake and its inhabitants. As stewards of this magnificent lake, it is upon us to ensure it is protected and kept healthy for generations to come.
Agriculture
The agriculture that surrounds Lake Superior also contributes to its well-being. The runoff from these agricultural practices provides essential nutrients to the lake, creating an environment that is suitable for sustaining the lake’s many species. The crops and soil utilized for these purposes also serve to protect the lake from potential pollution, such as pesticides and fertilizers. Furthermore, the grass and shrubs planted around the lake also help to reduce erosion and provide habitat for various species of wildlife.
Agricultural practices must be conducted thoughtfully, however, as they can also have a negative impact on the health of the lake if not managed properly. Improperly managed runoff and land use can lead to an increase in pollutants entering the lake, resulting in water contamination. Additionally, agricultural practices can lead to an increase in nutrients entering the lake, which can lead to eutrophication, the process in which an increase in the level of nutrients leads to an overgrowth of plant life.
It is for these reasons that people living near the lake need to be mindful of their agricultural practices and ensure that they are conducted responsibly and with the lake’s health as the ultimate goal.
Waste
Finally, waste can also contribute to what feeds Lake Superior. Uncontrolled waste can enter the lake, which can be detrimental to its ecosystem. Sewage and urban waste, which can often contain harmful chemicals, threaten the lake’s balance of life. Additionally, the presence of plastic waste can be hazardous to the lake’s wildlife. Fish, birds, and other aquatic life can become entrapped or ingest the plastic, resulting in serious harm.
Due to the adverse effects that waste can have on Lake Superior, it is important to limit the amount of non-biodegradable pollutants entering the lake. By properly disposing of waste, utilizing biodegradable materials, and generally being conscious of the impact that man-made pollutants can have on the lake, we can help ensure Lake Superior remains healthy and unpolluted.
What Feeds Lake Superior encompasses many different sources of nourishment, from the essential bacteria to the waste and runoff from agricultural practices. Each of these elements, large and small, need to be considered if we are to truly understand and maintain the intricate ecosystem of Lake Superior.
