Lake Superior is the largest, deepest, cleanest and coldest of the five Great Lakes. It is often referred to as the world’s largest inland body of water and is home to a wide variety of aquatic species, many of which are unique to the region. From deep-sea creatures to freshwater fish, the depths of Lake Superior hold a remarkable diversity of life examples.
Though the largest predator in the lake is the whitefish, it is the smaller creatures which are the most interesting. The best place to find these extraordinary inhabitants is at the bottom of the lake. There, one finds a mesmerizing ecosystem of creatures living in a chemical environment unlike anywhere else on the planet.
The lake bottom is composed of three layers: a top layer of mud and silt, a middle layer of sand and rocks, and a bottom layer of boulders, cobbles, and pebbles. Each layer contains a wide variety of organisms adapted to the particular conditions present. Bacterial mats live within the mud and silt, providing sustenance and a protective environment to creatures that live there. Among the unique organisms found in the lake bottom are isopods, which are small crustaceans that feed on microscopic organisms. These creatures often journey to the lake surface in search of food and can be seen swimming in the shallower waters.
Other unusual creatures that one might find at the bottom of the lake include sea lampreys, molluscs and giant freshwater sponges. These animals thrive in the oxygen-poor environment of the lake and feed on small invertebrates or the large number of fish that live in the lake. Eels and small fish are attracted to the rocky terrain of the lake bottom in search of food, and a wide variety of marine mammals can also be seen in the deeper waters.
Though most of its inhabitants inhabit the deeper levels of the lake, the area around the shoreline is home to a wealth of aquatic life. Several species of fish, turtles, and even amphibians can be seen in the shallow waters near the shore. As well as fish, larger mammals such as otters and beavers hunt and feed near the shoreline.
Lake Superior Zooplankton
The most prolific inhabitants of Lake Superior are microscopic zooplankton, which inhabit the top 15 meters (50 feet) of the lake’s depths. Zooplankton feed on the microscopic plankton and algae found in the lake and can be seen from the shoreline or from a boat. Several species of fish feed on the zooplankton, further demonstrating the value of these organisms to the lake’s ecology.
The Pressure at the Bottom of Lake Superior
The pressure of Lake Superior’s depths is immense, with the pressure at the lake’s bottom having been measured at around 16.2 pounds per square inch. This is three times the pressure of atmospheric pressure on the surface and the increased pressure leads to the compression of the air within the lake’s depths. This can lead to the formation of unique chemical structures which in turn can provide sustenance to the unique species found at the bottom of the lake.
Caves at the Bottom of Lake Superior
The pressure of the lake’s depths can also lead to the formation of caves and other geological features. These newly formed structures often provide a home to a wide array of creatures that would not exist anywhere else on earth. The presence of so much living material gives rise to an entire ecosystem that has evolved around these structures, which are almost always located near the deepest parts of the lake.
Unique Toxins Found at the Bottom of Lake Superior
Due to the unique conditions of Lake Superior’s depths, certain species of bacteria are able to produce toxins. These toxins are lethal to other organisms that inhabit the lake’s depths but can be neutralized by invertebrates. By studying these unique ecosystems, scientists are able to better understand the biology of the lake and the organisms that call it home.
Important Research At the Bottom of Lake Superior
Lake Superior has recently become the focus of much research, both by scientists and the public. Many species of fish have declining populations, for instance, and researchers are studying why this may be occurring in a bid to protect the species. Meanwhile, the remote areas of the lake have become prime sites for exploring by divers and underwater photographers who are looking to document the lake’s wonders. However, with the sheer depths of the lake, the research and exploration remain a difficult and hazardous endeavor.
Unique Species Found at the Bottom of Lake Superior
Among the species of fish living at the bottom of Lake Superior are sturgeon, which have been found to survive at depths of up to 525 feet (160 m). These huge fish can reach lengths of up to six feet (1.8 m) and are an important species to the lake’s ecosystem. There are also several species of crawfish which make their home at the bottom of the lake. These species are prized by anglers for their unique flavor and texture.
Aquatic Pollution at the Bottom of Lake Superior
Unfortunately, in recent years, the lake has become a target of commercial overfishing and some of the lake’s unique species are now at risk of becoming endangered. Pollution from industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and runoff from landfills also threatens the lake’s inhabitants. As well as having a direct ecological impact, these pollutants can also have an indirect impact, such as reducing the amount of light entering the lake, disrupting food webs, and changing the chemical makeup of the lake.
Role of Volunteers at the Bottom of Lake Superior
Lake Superior is an important part of the region’s biodiversity and is an area of immense scientific, economic, and cultural importance. In recent years, volunteers and conservationists have been working hard to ensure that the lake remains healthy and that its unique creatures and habitats continue to remain safe. Conservation efforts focus on controlling alien species and eradicating pollutants, while also encouraging the public to take part in preserving the lake’s biodiversity and beauty.
