History of Lake Superior
Lake Superior is the world’s largest lake with a surface area of nearly 82,000 square kilometers. It is part of the Great Lakes system, which includes Lakes Huron, Michigan, Erie, and Ontario. Lake Superior is located on the northern border of the United States and Canada.
Early inhabitants of the area included Indigenous peoples, who relied on the lake for sustenance and transportation. Fur traders, who explored the lake in search of pelts, soon followed. By the mid-1800s, ports at the western end of the lake had flourished, and Lake Superior eventually became the main shipping route for North American grain into the world markets.
In 1858, a major shipwreck occurred when an iron ore freighter sank off the coast of northern Wisconsin. The passengers of the wrecked ship survived, and the investigation that ensued shaped regulation of shipping and water safety in the Great Lakes. In 1969, the U.S. government and some Canadian provinces established the International Joint Commission, which provides safeguards to prevent pollutions of the Great Lakes and monitors water levels.
Factors Affecting The Temperature Of Lake Superior
Lake Superior is the world’s largest lake, so its temperature is impacted by a variety of natural and human factors. One of the main factors is air temperature, since cold air and warm air affect the lake’s temperature. Winds, precipitation, and cloud cover also affect temperature, either by bringing in new water or mixing up existing water. In addition, the lake’s complex network of tributaries can cause fluctuations in temperature as they move cold and warm water around.
Though human activity can potentially affect Lake Superior’s temperature, its size and depth help to regulate its temperature. For example, the water at the bottom of the lake stays cold throughout the year because it is too deep for the sun’s rays to reach the bottom.
Climate change is already having an effect on the temperature of Lake Superior, making the surface water slightly warmer. According to National Geographic, water temperatures over the past 40 years have risen about 5°F, a trend expected to continue in the future.
Current Temperature Of Lake Superior
The average temperature of the surface water of Lake Superior varies by season. In the summer, the average temperature for the lake is about 68°F, while in the winter it can drop to around 36°F. The deeper depths reach temperatures of around 39°F year-round.
The Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab, a branch of the U.S. Geological Survey, updates the temperature of Lake Superior daily. According to their report, on March 28, 2021, the temperature of the surface water was 36.7°F at Isle Royale National Park and 34.3°F at Keweenaw Bay.
Effect On Local Wildlife Harbors
The current temperature of Lake Superior is important to local wildlife harbors, like Isle Royale National Park. Many species of fish, such as lake trout and whitefish, spawn in the shallow waters of the lake during the early summer months, when the surface temperature is usually between 58°F and 60°F. If the temperature is too warm, the fish will not spawn and the population will suffer.
In addition to fish, aquatic mammals such as beavers, ducks, muskrats, and otters also rely on Lake Superior for food and shelter. To ensure continued support for these species, the International Joint Commission works to regulate water levels and temperatures of the lake.
Environmental Impact On Lake Superior
Lake Superior is a vast and vital resource, and it is important to monitor the environmental impact that can affect the health of the lake. Excess nutrients, sediment, and pollutants created by human activity can damage water quality and reduce the natural beauty of the lake.
The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative works to reduce pollution in the Great Lakes system, including Lake Superior. The initiative funds numerous projects to control non-point source pollution, provides educational opportunities, and helps mitigate the effects of climate change.
In addition, the organization works to reduce the amount of trash and debris entering the lake. Local organizations like the Lake Superior Estuaries Project help to organize beach cleanups and stop illegal dumping into Lake Superior.
Effects Of Climate Change On Lake Superior
As part of the Great Lakes system, Lake Superior is vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Scientists have warned that a rise in global temperatures will lead to more frequent and intense storms, which could have a major impact on the lake’s delicate ecosystem.
Climate change will also cause water levels in the Great Lakes to rise and fall unpredictably, which could affect the habitats of native species and disrupt the commercial fishing industry. In addition, warmer temperatures can cause more algae blooms, which can compromise the quality of the lake’s water.
The International Joint Commission has released an action plan to help mitigate the effects of climate change on the Great Lakes. The plan focuses on reducing carbon emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and encouraging sustainable land use across the region.
Impacts On Local Communities
The natural beauty and ecological significance of Lake Superior is of vital importance to local communities. Tourism, fishing, and recreational activities related to the lake bring jobs and income to the area. The lake is also important for transportation, providing a gateway for goods and goods entering and leaving the region.
In addition, the lake provides drinking water and a habitat for generations of wildlife, plants, and indigenous people who use the lake for sustenance and sustenance. As Lake Superior continues to respond to climate change, local governments work to protect the lake and its resources for future generations.
Protection Strategies
The government, environmental agencies, and local organizations are working to protect Lake Superior from the impacts of climate change and human activity. One strategy is the introduction of regulations to limit nutrient and sediment runoff, which can cause harmful algal blooms and other pollutants in the lake.
In addition, the monitoring of water levels and temperature, as well as initiatives to reduce trash and debris entering the lake, are also important components of a successful protection plan. Education such as beach cleanups, water safety campaigns, and species rescue programs brought to the local community can also help protect Lake Superior.
Conservation efforts, such as the federal Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, are an essential part of ensuring the long-term sustainability of Lake Superior. Through continued research, collaboration, and comprehensive policies and regulations, the lake can remain a valuable resource for generations to come.
