Overview
Lake Superior is the largest of the five Great Lakes by surface area, volume, and water capacity. Located on the border of the United States and Canada, it is the largest freshwater lake in the world—spanning an area of about 82,000 square kilometers (31,680 square miles). Despite its shallow depth, Lake Superior’s subsurface waters are some of the deepest in the world, with a maximum recorded depth of 406.7 meters (1,334.5 feet). This immense body of water has a fascinating history, with huge implications for industry, culture, and the environment.
History and Geography
Originally connected to the other Great Lakes, Lake Michigan-Huron, Lake Superior was isolated from the ocean during the glacial period. This geological event created many of the interesting features of the lake, such as its immense surface area and the highest freshwater lake shores in the world. Spanning the entire continental divide of North America, the lake is believed to have formed over 2.6 million years ago.
Lake Superior is an iconic feature of Northern Ontario, with many of its towns and cities established along its banks. Thunder Bay, Duluth, and Sault Ste. Marie are among the major cities situated along the lake’s shoreline. The lake is a major transportation hub, connecting Canada and the United States across the international boarder. It is also a major shipping route, often forming the intersection of international trade.
Industry and Economy
Natural resources such as fishing, reserves of ore, and forestry have helped to shape the region’s economy. Fishing has been an important part of the region’s culture since the first Europeans settled along the shores in the 17th century. Fishing is still an integral part of the economy, with commercial and sport fishermen relying on the abundance of species, such as bluegill, perch, and walleye.
The mineral deposits in the area were also instrumental in the region’s development, with ore being mined from the lake since the late 1800s. Shipping also plays an important role in the economy, with Lake Superior forming an essential part of Canada’s shipping route system. The lake is serviced by ports in city hubs such as Thunder Bay and Grand Portage.
Wildlife and Environmental Impacts
Lake Superior contains the largest population of freshwater fish of any of the Great Lakes, with species such as lake trout, whitefish, cod, carp, and several species of salmon. The lake is also home to many aquatic organisms such as crustaceans, molluscs, and amphibians.
The lake provides important environmental benefits, serving as a buffer zone for extreme weather events by providing a steady source of moisture to the surrounding areas. A study conducted in 2013 showed that the lake has absorbed the equivalent of one-third of the carbon dioxide released by human activity over the last decade. As a result of its vast size, Lake Superior has a moderating impact on the climate of the region, with favourable water temperatures and winds helping to create a temperate climate throughout the year.
Cultural Significance
Culturally, Lake Superior has held a special place in the hearts of the people who live along its shores for centuries. It has provided a vast source of livelihoods for many generations, with fishing and mining playing a vital role in subsistence. Its natural beauty has captivated visitors for generations, and it has held an important place in Native American beliefs and mythology.
The lake has also been the subject of many literary works, with stories and poems depicting its tales. This ancient body of water has become a part of the region’s collective experience, inspiring imaginative works of art. To this day, Lake Superior continues to feature in popular culture, with books, films, and documentaries continually exploring its beauty and history.
Tourism and Recreational Opportunities
The lake’s shoreline provides many opportunities for recreational activities, from secluded coves to wide sand beaches. Watching legendary ‘Aguasabon’ waves crash against the cliff during the winter months is a popular tourist activity. Many of the lake’s beaches are home to unique ecological communities, such as cobblestone shores, mudflats, and inland wetlands.
In addition to its beaches, Lake Superior offers sailing, fishing, kayaking, and camping opportunities. There are a number of resorts available on the lake, providing visitors with a variety of options to take in the scenery. Throughout the summer months, the number of visitors can be high, so it’s important to plan ahead and book accommodations accordingly.
Conservation Efforts
In 2017, Lake Superior’s water levels had reached their highest point in over a century due to environmental changes. Conservation efforts have been put in place to prevent further erosion of the shoreline and protect the lake’s fragile ecosystem. To assist in these conservation efforts, restoration projects have been enacted to help ensure the lake’s ecological diversity and sustainability.
Environmental organisations have invested in research and clean-up programmes, to help reduce the amount of pollution entering the lake. This includes storm-water mitigation projects, sewage treatment systems, and the introduction of stricter regulations concerning hazardous waste, such as chemical spills and waste from agricultural runoff.
Economic Benefit
Lake Superior contributes to economic growth in the region, with tourist dollars from boating, fishing, and resorts providing vital income for local businesses. The lake is also a major shipping route for goods being transported between the US and Canada, with ports serving as a valuable economic resources. In addition, the lake supplies electricity and drinking water to nearby communities, and is home to hydropower generation facilities.
Finally, the lake contributes to research and education. Its large size and wide range of habitats offer many opportunities for scientists to study the effects of climate change and the impact of human activity on freshwater ecosystems. The lake’s importance in this regard is uniting people from both sides of the US and Canadian border and providing a platform for dialogue surrounding issues of conservation and sustainability.
Environmental Protection
Despite its immense size, Lake Superior is a fragile ecosystem, with any disruption to its natural balance having the capability to affect its entire environment. The Lake is susceptible to damage from over-fishing, sewage and chemical spills, runoff, and damage to its shoreline, caused by roads, bridges, and dams.
In order to manage these issues, governments and conservation groups have developed a joint ‘Lake Superior Basin Action Plan’, with the objective of protecting the lake’s water quality, wildlife species, and associated ecosystems. This plan has seen a reduction in stormwater.
Consequences of Global Warming
Climate change is one of the greatest threats to the lake, with rising temperatures causing a decline in the lake’s fisheries, a decrease in oxygen levels, and an increase in the frequency of algae blooms. Ice cover across the lake has been consistently declining since the late 1970s, leading to further changes in lake levels and the infiltration of pollutants into the lake.
In order to protect Lake Superior from the effects of climate change, governments have implemented an aggressive action plan, which includes improved controls of runoff, the conservation of wetlands, and the implementation of low-level water quality standards. These regulations, coupled with ongoing research, have been essential in conserving the lake’s future.
Environmental Education
Environmental education is an important part of protecting Lake Superior, with schools, universities, and local organisations introducing measures to help protect the lake’s ecosystems. In addition to providing educational sessions and materials, environmental organisations have produced guides and educational tours to help people develop a more holistic understanding of the lake’s importance.
These initiatives have provided communities with the knowledge and resources to protect the lake’s watershed, understand the consequences of climate change, and appreciate the importance of ecological balance. The initiatives have also increased awareness of the lake’s importance to the economic and cultural life of the surrounding communities.
