Geography and Landscape
Lake Superior is the largest of the five Great Lakes and is located along the border of the United States and Canada. Its total surface area is 31,700 square miles, making it the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area. Lake Superior is more than 350 miles in length, about 160 miles wide, and 1200 feet deep at its deepest point- over 500 feet deeper than the other Great Lakes. It is considered to be the world’s largest inland sea and is often compared to an ocean. It holds 3 quadrillion gallons of fresh water—roughly one-tenth of the entire planet’s fresh water supply.
The lake is surrounded by several states including Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Ontario (Canada). The westernmost portion of the lake is located in Minnesota, which covers another 8,350 square miles. In total, Lake Superior is the source of water for nearly 10 million people living in five countries and the U.S. states of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.
History and Culture
The same region affected by the Great Lakes is a place of deep cultural and humanitarian importance to many Native American tribes in the nearby states, as well as the Ojibwe and Potawatomi Nations in Canada. Lake Superior is also home to several centuries-old shipping routes and ports, including Duluth, Minnesota-Superior, Wisconsin and two Canadian ports. This majestic lake has been a major transportation hub for more than two centuries, with numerous ships carrying goods, people and cultures to the region.
Tracing the lake’s history and human influences, one can find evidence of how this body of water has changed lives and shaped history for centuries. Native American tribes have called the region home for more than 5,000 years and live on many of the surrounding reservations today. In the early 1600s, French fur traders and Jesuit missionaries began to visit the lake and bring with them the impact of European arrival and colonization.
Economy and Tourism
Today, the Lake Superior region’s economy is heavily reliant on tourism. Not only is the lake a tourist destination, but so are the various beaches, parks, and nature preserves in the surrounding states. Millions of people visit the lake shores and nearby sites every year. The local towns and cities also benefit from increased transportation and shipping traffic, thanks in part to goods and services transported across the Great Lakes.
Due to its expansive size, Lake Superior has a range of recreational, commercial, and scientific uses. From fishing and boating to ferries, boat charters, and cruises, the lake provides countless opportunities for recreational activities. On the commercial side, the shipping and transportation industry has provided countless jobs for the communities surrounding the lake, and it helps to move goods and services throughout the region. Scientifically, Lake Superior helps to regulate the climate, mitigate floods, and provide a source of fresh water to the local environment.
Environmental Concerns
As beautiful and majestic as Lake Superior is, it is also one of the most fragile and vulnerable areas on Earth. It is home to many unique and sensitive ecosystems, and human activities such as logging, farming, and development have put a strain on the lake’s delicate environment. Pesticides, water pollutants, and invasive species, as well as the effects of climate change, are all contributing to the lake’s deterioration. Numerous conservation efforts are underway to protect and preserve the lake for future generations.
Organizations such as the Great Lakes Commission, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, and the International Joint Commission are doing essential work to preserve the lake’s delicate environment. The region’s governments are working together to limit the impacts of human activities and create protective regulations to keep Lake Superior in its current state.
Infrastructure Development
The many states that border Lake Superior are working to improve the infrastructure in their local areas and make them more attractive destinations. This includes expanding public transportation networks, creating bike paths, and encouraging walking trails- all of which lead to the lake. It also includes implementing green energy initiatives, such as installing solar panels and wind turbines, that can help reduce air pollution and preserve the area’s pristine beauty.
The Great Lakes states are also developing more efficient water management systems to help conserve the lake’s vast water supply. As the climate continues to change and the effects of global warming start to become more noticeable, protecting the lake’s water supply will become increasingly important. Additionally, new technologies are being developed to help identify and reduce sources of water pollution.
Conclusion
Lake Superior is truly a special place. With its expansive size and seemingly endless beauty, it is one of the most remarkable examples of Earth’s natural beauty. The lake is also of immense importance to the region’s economy, culture, and environment. Through a combination of conservation efforts, infrastructure development, and scientific research, the states surrounding Lake Superior are working hard to protect and preserve this natural wonder.
