What State Is Lake Superior Located
Lake Superior is the largest of the five Great Lakes in North America. Located on the Canadian-US Border, it is in the Great Lakes region, straddling the province of Ontario and the US states of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. Spanning over 31,700 square miles, it is the worlds largest freshwater lake by surface area and the third largest freshwater lake by volume, with a maximum depth of 1,333 feet.
The lake was formed as a result of glaciation during the last ice age. This was around 10,000 years ago, when the north American continental glacier moved south and carved out large basins in the landscape – resulting in the formation of the massive Lake Superior. This water body is fed primarily by rivers including the St. Marys and the Nipigon. The outflow is at its eastern end, as the St. Marys River, which passes into and becomes part of the St. Lawrence River.
It is home to over 300 islands, many of them uninhabited, including Isle Royale and Michipicoten. The waters of the lake are not only used for recreation and transportation, but also for power generation. Currently, Ontario Hydro and the US Department of Energy generate hydroelectric power from the lake; primarily from the St. Marys Dam, located near Sault St. Marie.
The lake’s temperatures and levels are affected by the changing climate. The lake has seen an increase in temperature over the past decade, and water levels have risen steadily since 2010, leading to shorgage of shoreline habitats, erosion of beaches, and loss of fish and aquatic species.
The lake’s scenic beauty has attracted the attention of filmmakers, naturalists and writers. Numerous stories, songs and books have been written about the lake and its history. Films have been shot on the lake’s shores, including The French Lieutenant’s Woman and numerous documentaries featuring wildlife in the lake.
Lake Superior is one of the most heavily managed lake systems in the world. Fisheries, shipping, hydroelectric and eco-tourism are major forms of economic activity around the lake. As a result, many regulations have been put in place to protect the lake’s delicate environment and its inhabitants. Various research projects and conservation efforts have been conducted around Lake Superior, with a focus on protecting the lake’s vital resources.
Native Peoples and Lake Superior
First Nations Peoples, mostly Chippewa and Ojibwa tribes, have lived around the shores of Lake Superior for centuries. They have established villages, traded goods, and enjoyed the bounty of the area. In the 19th century, the Ojibwa Nation explored much of the North Shore around Lake Superior, establishing a portage route from Grand Portage, Minnesota to the Pigeon River. This was part of the vast fur trading network spanning across the continent.
Today, Native American communities continue to carry on their traditions and culture around the lake. Tribal councils strive for sustainable resource management and work to promote a healthy environment for its inhabitants. Tribes are actively engaged in interpreting the natural and cultural heritage of the area, and many educational and cultural centres have been established around the lake.
Environmental Impact of Lake Superior
Lake Superior is one of the most pristine freshwater lakes in the world, and is known for its startlingly clear water. However, the lake is not without human-induced stressors. Over the past decades, industrial practices, agricultural runoff, urban development and unprecedented climate change have all taken a toll on the lake.
Once abundant with fish, the waters of Lake Superior have seen a significant decline in wildlife, mainly due to pollutants such as mercury. The lake’s lake environment is also threatened by invasive species such as quagga mussels, round gobies and zebra mussels, which are difficult to control and can affect the lake’s ecology.
Lake Superior is also dealing with eutrophication – an increase in nutrient levels caused by over-fertilization of agricultural lands, which accelerates the growth of aquatic plants. These can cover the lake’s surface and decrease oxygen levels, affecting the health of the lake’s inhabitants.
Lake Superior in Popular Culture
Lake Superior is an international symbol of beauty and grandeur and has been featured in a number of movies and books. The lake has been a popular location for photographers and filmmakers, as its picturesque beauty is breathtaking. The lake has been featured in The French Lieutenant’s Woman, The Lake House, What Waits Below and most recently, the BBC documentary Frozen Planet.
In literature, Lake Superior has been a major source of inspiration for the Nobel Prize-winning novelist, Saul Bellow, who set many of his stories along the lake’s rugged shore. Other noted authors who have visited, wrote or are based around the lake include Ernest Hemingway, Anne of Green Gables author, Lucy Maud Montgomery, and Folklore collector, Henry Rowe Schoolcraft.
Tourism in Lake Superior
Lake Superior’s beauty has long been a major draw for tourists, both domestic and international. The lake boasts a number of spectacular scenic views and serene landscapes, which offer an escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Popular activities around the lake include sailing, kayaking, fishing, wildlife watching, camping, hiking and more.
The lake also attracts tourists for its history. It is a fascinating place for those who are interested in historic sites, lighthouses, shipwrecks and Native American stories. Popular towns in the region include Grand Marais, Minnesota; Thunder Bay, Ontario; and Munising, Michigan, which all boast beautiful places to explore, ranging from scenes of rugged shorelines and majestic islands to bustling seaside towns.
Celebrations on Lake Superior
The lake is also celebrated in a number of vibrant festivals and events. Every summer, the Great Lakes Experience takes place in Duluth, Minnesota, bringing together a number of activities including swimming and sailing, beach bonfires, outdoor movies, and music performances. The annual Great Lakes Gathering is a lively collaboration of art, music, food, and maritime culture.
Those with a penchant for creative expression will enjoy the annual Bayfront Reggae Festival, which celebrates Jamaican culture and the beauty of Lake Superior. And, the week-long Bayfront Blues Festival is a great opportunity to enjoy live music on the lake’s shorelines.
Lake Superior Research Project
The limpid blue waters of Lake Superior harbour great secrets, and many scientific research projects have been conducted to further explore these secrets. Scientists have discovered new species of jellyfish, new fish and new kinds of algae, and have studied the lake’s effect on global climate. Other projects have examined the effects of pollution, invasive species, and the impact of human activity on the lake’s wildlife and habitats.
The research conducted on Lake Superior is incredibly important for both its immediate health, as well as its effects on climate as a whole. The lake’s goal is to preserve it as best it can in order to protect the resources that are so important to its core communities – both human and animal. Scientists, researchers, environmentalists and individuals can all work together to find new ways to keep this majestic lake healthy.
Conservation Efforts
In addition to scientific studies and research, a number of conservation initiatives have been instituted around the lake. The Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve was established in 2010 to conserve the lake’s natural ecosystems, protect wildlife and promote education and public outreach. A commitment has also been made to establish a National Marine Sanctuary, which would ensure the lake receives increased protection from industrial and recreational activities.
Recently, US states and Canadian provinces have launched the Lakewide Action and Management Plan, creating a united effort to conserve the lake’s resources. This program seeks to take proactive steps to prevent pollution and degradation, clean up existing contamination, restore fish habitats and increase public awareness about the importance of conservation in Lake Superior.
Lake Superior is an international treasure, and understanding its natural, cultural and environmental history is important if we are to protect it. Keeping an eye on the lake’s water levels, temperature, and ice cover is essential in order to protect its delicate environment, its inhabitants and its visitors. With the commitment of governments and citizens, Lake Superior can remain one of the world’s most valuable natural resources.
