Lake Superior is the largest and deepest of the five Great Lakes of North America and the world’s largest freshwater lake by surface area.Formed around 10,000 years ago, it is located on the border between Canada and the United States and is part of the Great Lakes Waterway. It has an average depth of 147 metres (482 ft) and a maximum depth of 406 metres (1,332 ft). Every year, millions of visitors flock to Lake Superior for its spectacular beauty, endless recreation opportunities, and fascinating history. But what lies beneath the dark depths of Lake Superior?
In recent years, scientists have been doing research to find out what lies beneath the lake’s surface. One of the most notable discoveries was made by the University of Minnesota’s Large Lakes Observatory, which used sonar to map the lake’s depths. In 2013, they discovered an underwater mountain range reaching depths of 600 metres (2,000 ft). This range, dubbed the “Mid-Continental Rift”, is thought to have formed approximately 1.1 billion years ago. It is still actively geologically active, with numerous hydrothermal vents and hundreds of fissures and crevices. Lake Superior is also home to hundreds of species of fish and other aquatic creatures, including the rarest species of freshwater mussel in North America, the Higgins’ Eye.
The unique geology of Lake Superior has long fascinated scientists, who are still learning about its history. The lake’s immense size and depth mean that its temperature and water quality remain fairly consistent throughout the year. The warmest average surface temperature was recorded in 1998 at 10.2°C (50.4°F). The coldest average temperature ever recorded was in 1979 with an average surface temperature of -0.9°C (30.4°F). The lake’s waters are also exceptionally clear, with researchers reporting a visibility of 40 metres (131 ft). In fact, it is so clear that large items such as sunken ships can be seen from the surface.
As previously mentioned, Lake Superior is home to a variety of aquatic life, but the lake’s organisms don’t just live in its depths; they are also found in the lake’s sediment. This sediment contains nutrients such as phosphorus, nitrogen, and carbon which are essential to the lake’s ecology. Sediment also serves as a habitat for aquatic organisms and allows scientists to study their evolution. For example, a study conducted in 1998 found that the age of some of the lake’s sediment was around 2.7 million years old.
The lake’s sediments are also an important source of information about the history of the area. Sediment cores taken from the lake can reveal information about past climate conditions, land use, and pollution. Sediment can also provide insight into the lake’s past inhabitants, as the sediment often contains mollusks and other fossils from centuries ago.
One of the most fascinating things about Lake Superior is that even after centuries of research, we still don’t know all of its secrets. Scientists are continually uncovering new information about the lake’s history and its inhabitants and will continue to do so for centuries to come. From its submerged mountain range to its ancient sediment, Lake Superior is truly an enigmatic destination, and no wonder why so many people are drawn to it each year.
Rock Formation
Lake Superior is also home to an array of different rock formations that add to the mystery of the lake. Some of the most prominent features include the Pictured Rocks, which are towering cliffs of sandstone, limestone, and shale that are formed from erosion and stand up to 35 metres (115 ft) tall. These formations are some of the oldest on the lake, dating back to the Proterozoic period. There’s also the Chapleau Creek flows from Centre Island and runs out over an ancient basalt lava flow, creating a unique waterfall. Other interesting features include the lava plugs — pillars of rock created by trapped lava — and the Agate Beach, which are fossilized remains of ancient sea creatures.
Aside from the raw beauty of these formations, scientists use them to study the history of the lake. For example, the basalt formations can provide insight into ancient volcanic activity, while the Pictured Rocks can help researchers gain an understanding of the geologic process that shaped the area. In addition to providing a glimpse into the past, these formations have also become a major tourist attraction. Visitors come from around the world to view these natural wonders and many of them continue to be protected as national parks or monuments due to their significant beauty.
The incredible rock formations that can be found in and near Lake Superior are yet another reminder of the fascinating geological processes that have helped shape the region. Much of these processes remain mysterious and continually provide an opportunity for scientists to uncover new information about the area.
Marine Life
Lake Superior is home to numerous species of fish, amphibians, and other aquatic creatures. The most common species of fish found in the lake are the minnow, rock bass, yellow perch, and brown trout. In addition to these, the lake also hosts many species of invasive species such as the round goby, European carp, and zebra mussels. The lake also holds a fairly diverse population of amphibians, including the eastern tiger salamander and the boreal chorus frog.
The unique ecology of Lake Superior also provides the perfect environment for some unusual species to thrive. For example, the lake is home to the freshwater jellyfish, which is the only native species of jellyfish in North America. In addition, the lake is home to one of the largest colonies of seagulls in the world, with some estimating that there are over 10,000 of them.
In addition to its large population of fish and amphibians, Lake Superior is also home to several species of whales. Belugas, orcas, humpback whales, and minkes have all been seen in the lake, with some even staying year round.
Lake Superior’s incredible diversity of aquatic life makes it a fantastic destination for scientists and tourists alike. With its clear waters and plentiful creatures, visitors can truly experience the beauty and complexity of underwater life.
Pollution
It is important to note that, while Lake Superior contains some of the world’s cleanest waters, it is far from immune to pollution. Human activities such as agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and wastewater treatment can all take a toll on the lake’s health. In addition, the lake receives around 1.4 billion litres (370 million gallons) of runoff from the surrounding land every day, which can add contaminants such as phosphorus, nitrogen, and sediment to the lake.
Fortunately, studies suggest that pollution levels in Lake Superior have been steadily decreasing since the 1970s, likely due to improved pollution controls and mitigation measures. Scientists have also noted an increase in the lake’s fish populations in recent years, likely due to improved water quality.
Pollution is unfortunately a reality of any body of water and it is important to take measures to reduce pollution and protect the lake’s health. However, Lake Superior’s relatively pristine state is a testament to the success of conservation efforts and the ongoing dedication to protecting the lake.
Animals
Lake Superior is not only home to a variety of aquatic creatures, but it is also home to a wide range of land animals as well. The most iconic of these is the moose, which was introduced to the area in the late 19th century and has since become a symbol of the region. Other animals found in the area include whitetail deer, black bears, grey wolves, and beavers.
In addition to these land animals, Lake Superior’s waters are also home to a variety of marine mammals. Most notably, the lake is home to a population of highly endangered freshwater seals known as the Lake Superior ringed seals. Other marine mammals found in the lake include beluga and grey whales, harbor porpoises, and the endangered American mink.
The lake’s unique ecology makes it an excellent habitat for a variety of animals, which in turn helps to maintain the region’s biodiversity. In addition, the presence of these animals provides an opportunity for tourists and nature lovers to observe and appreciate their beauty and behavior.
Conservation
Given the lake’s stunning beauty and abundance of aquatic life, it is no surprise that conservation efforts are a top priority for many involved in protecting Lake Superior. The lake is an important source of drinking water for the surrounding community and its aquatic life is also essential to the region’s economy. Fortunately, there are many organizations dedicated to protecting the lake and its wildlife, both on a national and local level.
The Great Lakes Commission, a binational agency that works to protect the lakes, has launched initiatives such as the Clean Aquatic Invasive Species Program to reduce the spread of invasive species such as zebra mussels and round gobies. In addition, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality have both implemented programs aimed at reducing nutrient runoff from agriculture and other sources.
The future of Lake Superior is dependent on the actions we take today to protect its health and preserve its beauty. Thankfully, there are already many organizations working to protect the lake and its inhabitants. We can only hope that with continued conservation efforts, Lake Superior can remain a pristine destination for generations to come.
