Background Information
Lake Superior, the second-largest of the Great Lakes of North America, is bordered by Canada to the north and the US to the south. It is roughly the same size as the country of Belgium, making up 81,103 km2 or the equivalent of 31,700 square miles. In terms of surface area, that makes it the largest freshwater lake in the world, even larger than the much-publicized Lake Baikal, which is around 31,500 km2 or 12,200 square miles. Lake Superior is often compared to an inland sea, due to its vast expanse of water.
Volume of Lake Superior
The volume of Lake Superior is often cited as one of the most impressive factors about the lake. In terms of volume, it is the second largest by volume in the Great Lakes, containing around 3,000 cubic kilometres or 2.4 million acre-feet of water.
Though often overlooked, the water level of Lake Superior is an important factor in determining its volume. The lake’s elevation usually averages around 180.5 metres (597 feet) above sea level, though this can sometimes change due to weather conditions and other natural elements. Considering this, the total volume of Lake Superior reaches roughly 12,232 cubic kilometres (12.2 trillion cubic feet).
Environmental Significance
It is not just the volume of Lake Superior that has made it so popular, but also its environmental significance. Lake Superior is one of the most unique and delicate ecological systems in the Great Lakes system, possessing its own distinct characteristics.
The lake’s ecosystem is comprised of numerous species of freshwater fish, reptiles and plant life, including various types of rare or endangered species. As a result, Lake Superior is often referred to as a “trout lake” due to its abundance of size and population of trout, both native and non-native. Furthermore, it also serves as a major breeding ground for many types of birds and mammals, making it an important habitat for wildlife.
The Impact of Human Activity
Unfortunately, human activities have had a significant impact on Lake Superior and its surrounding ecosystem, with contaminants and pollutants seeping into the lake waters posing a major threat. Pollution is the main threat to the lake, with water pollution levels becoming increasingly worse over the years.
Not only has pollution endangered the lake’s natural wildlife, but it has also had a detrimental impact on the lake’s water supply, as access to drinking water has become increasingly difficult. With this in mind, Lake Superior’s volume is a serious concern for local residents, who must regularly worry about their water sources.
Climate Change
Climate change is another issue facing Lake Superior, with temperatures in the lake increasing by around one and a half degrees Celsius since 1995. This has had a devastating impact on the lake’s ecosystem, as the warmer temperatures have caused many species of fish to struggle with reproducing and surviving. Furthermore, the higher temperatures of the water have caused the lake to become less oxygenated, leading to an increase in algal blooms.
Preservation Efforts
Despite the numerous threats and challenges facing Lake Superior, there is a growing movement dedicated to preserving the lake and its waters. Government and non-profit organisations have been working together to ensure that the lake is safe to inhabit and enjoy.
For instance, the International Joint Commission (IJC), a multilateral organisation created to prevent and resolve disputes over international boundaries, has been working to reduce the amount of pollution in the Lake Superior by setting up regulations to restrict the amount of polluted water that is released into the lake. Additionally, the IJC has enforced certain protections in order to make sure the lake is free from human interference, such as limiting industrial interests and agricultural practices in the Great Lakes.
Conservation Organizations
In addition to government organisations, several non-profit conservation organisations have been working to protect and conserve the waters of Lake Superior. These organisations focus on educating the public about the importance of the lake, as well as advocating for stricter environmental regulations.
For example, the Lake Superior Waterkeeper Alliance is a non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting Lake Superior and its surrounding ecosystems. This organisation works to raise awareness about the lake’s environmental issues, as well as advocating for greater government action. Numerous other non-profit organisations, such as the Great Lakes Protection Fund, also work to protect Lake Superior and its waters.
Recreational Use
The Great Lakes are a popular destination in North America, with over 13 million people visiting the area each year. With its vast expanse of water, Lake Superior is a popular boating, fishing and recreational destination, with numerous campsites, resorts and lodges.
The lake is also popular for other recreational activities such as kayaking, canoeing and sailing. Many of the cities surrounding Lake Superior, such as Duluth, offer visitors a range of activities to enjoy, including beach days and camping trips.
Economic Impact
In addition to recreational activities, Lake Superior has increasingly become a major economic player in North America. The lake is home to major industries and businesses, with the dairy industry being one of the most prominent. Shipping the lake is also popular, with large commercial freighters sailing regularly along the lake.
Additionally, Lake Superior has become a major tourist destination in recent years, with millions of tourists visiting the area annually. This influx of visitors helps to sustain the local economy, making the lake an even more important part of the region.
Different Industries Supported by Lake Superior
Lake Superior not only helps to sustain the local economy, but its waters are also used for various other industries. In particular, its waters are used for hydroelectric energy generation, making it a major source of renewable energy.
Furthermore, Lake Superior’s waters are also essential for supporting agriculture in the region. Rainwater from the lake is utilized by farmers to irrigate their crops, making the lake a vital part of the region’s agricultural industry.
Fishing Industry
Finally, Lake Superior is an important hub for the fishing industry. It supports numerous fisheries, making it an important part of the food supply chain and providing an important source of food for many people in the region.
The lake also supports a significant local fishing industry. Although foreign-based commercial operations are often criticized for overfishing the lake, local fisherman provide an important part of the region’s food supply, making Lake Superior an important part of the local economy.
Conclusion
Lake Superior’s vast volume, environmental significance and role in major industries have made it one of the most important elements of the Great Lakes system. Over the years, conservation organisations, non-profits and government organisations have been working together to ensure the preservation of Lake Superior, with various regulations and initiatives put in place to protect its waters.
The lake also serves as an important hub for the economy, supporting various industries and providing access to drinking water. While the lake faces numerous environmental challenges, the efforts of conservation organisations and the local residents have made sure that these issues are addressed properly and that Lake Superior sustains itself for generations to come.
