Natural Benefits
Lake Michigan and Lake Huron are two of the Great Lakes that share a natural border. The main geologic feature that separates them is the Straits of Mackinac, a narrow opening which acts as a bridge between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. The straits are home to incredible biodiversity, including lakeside beaches, sea grass beds, wetlands and a treasured set of unique fish and plant species. Also, the sparkling deep blue waters of both lakes provide stunning visuals for visitors.
At a glance, the waters of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron appear similar. But, upon further examination, the two water bodies have many differences, from the size and shape of the lakes to the chemistry of the water. Lake Michigan is roughly twice the size of Lake Huron, making it the largest lake of the five Great Lakes by total surface area. While Lake Michigan is primarily in the shape of an arc, Lake Huron is roughly circular in shape with its southernmost tip reaching northward towards the Straits.
Chemical Make Up
The chemical makeup of each lake also shows interesting differences. The two lakes contain a different combination of elements, from calcium to sodium, and possess distinct salinity levels. This is due to the separate sources of water that enter each lake. Lake Michigan derives its water from various streams, rivers, and from precipitation, while Lake Huron receives its water from precipitation and other Great Lakes, including Lake Superior.
An important consideration for anyone that visits either lake is the temperature of the water. On average, Lake Michigan’s water temperatures tend to be a few degrees warmer than that of Lake Huron’s in the summer, and typically a few degrees cooler in the winter. Due to this, Lake Michigan may have a longer recreational season in comparison.
Ecosystem
The different qualities of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron also affect their respective ecosystems and those that rely on them. Lake Huron’s waters are considered the clearest waters of the five Great Lakes, with a transparency level averaging 6.5 meters and reaching depths of up to 229 meters. The clarity of the water is ideal for preserving the delicate balance of species in the lake, such as the whitefish, lake sturgeon, and lake trout.
In contrast, Lake Michigan has an average transparency of 4 meters, along with a much shallower maximum depth of about 165 meters. Despite this lower clarity, Lake Michigan is home to an incredible variety of aquatic life, from plankton and crabs to the largest fish in the Great Lakes – the lake sturgeon.
Environmental Challenges
Though the strait between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron is quite narrow, the two lakes still manage to retain their separate identities due to the differences in their compositions and ecosystems. However, both of these great lakes are currently facing environmental challenges such as aquatic invasive species, water pollution, and habitat degradation.
The Great Lakes Commission, which is an organization dedicated to ensuring the Great Lakes’ health, is working towards mitigating some of these issues. The Commission has formulated a framework for managing the Straits of Mackinac and the Great Lakes, which includes efforts to reduce the introduction of invasive species, as well as improving water quality.
Conservation Efforts
When it comes to conservation efforts, environmental organizations are also taking part in the effort to safeguard Lake Michigan and Lake Huron’s ecosystems. The National Wildlife Federation, for example, has created a program to restore habitat, reduce pollution, and promote healthy shorelines and wetlands around Lake Michigan.
Organizations such as the Nature Conservancy are also protecting and preserving some of the habitats of Lake Huron, and organizations like the Lake Michigan Association are advocating for policies to protect the lake and its surroundings. Together with governmental organizations and individuals, these organizations are striving to keep Lake Michigan and Lake Huron healthy and vibrant.
Economic Impact
Not only are Lake Michigan and Lake Huron beautiful to behold, but they also serve an important economic and cultural purpose. Both of these lakes are integral parts of the midwestern and Great Lakes region’s economy, providing transportation for goods and services, as well as supporting tourism. There are numerous businesses and industries that rely on these breathtaking waters for shipping, transportation, and recreation.
Moreover, the Great Lakes region is culturally significant to many Native American tribes and First Nations. For centuries, communities along the shorelines of both lakes have relied on the waters for sustenance and commerce.
Cultural Relevance
People also gather along the shorelines of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron to take part in acts of recreation. Birdwatchers flock to these areas to see incredible species, while hikers have the opportunity to explore national parks and state forests. Many people visit the beaches and towns to relax, picnic, and camp while taking in the breath-taking views of the two lakes.
Furthermore, Lake Michigan and Lake Huron also have a long history of nautical activity. Throughout the years, these waters have seen a rich tradition of freighters, cruise ships, sailboats, and fishing boats. And, with the Straits of Mackinac connecting both of these lakes, visitors can experience travel by boat between the two.
Environmental Education
Apart from fostering the socioeconomic development of the area, organizations and individuals are also striving to educate the public about environmental stewardship and the importance of protecting Lake Michigan and Lake Huron’s respective ecosystems. Social media campaigns, workshops, field trips, and other initiatives are providing people with a chance to learn more about these two beautiful lakes, as well as to appreciate the need for protecting them for future generations.
Though there are many differences between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, these two great lakes will always remain intrinsically linked by their crucial role in maintaining the natural balance of the environment. It is therefore essential to take part in conservation efforts to protect and preserve them, so that they remain a source of beauty, joy, and wonder for the citizens of the Great Lakes region.
