Lake Superior is the world’s largest freshwater lake. It is surrounded by 4 U.S. states, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, and sometimes even Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Lake Superior is a part of the Great Lakes and is the only lake that doesn’t touch part of Canada. With a surface area of 31,700 man square miles, it is the largest surface freshwater lake in the world, and the second-largest lake behind the Caspian Sea. Its unique location gives it its own special microclimate and makes it a great place for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, camping, and kayaking. The great lake, as it’s often called, is the deepest of the Great Lakes and the cleanest freshwater lake in the world.
Mesabi Iron Range, an important, influential factor in the Lake Superior region, is an alluvial plain located in the northeast part of Minnesota. The range contains several hundred iron ore deposits that supply much of the iron ore used in the US and other countries. The region is known for its scenic beauty and for its rich deposits of minerals, including copper, zinc, silver, and gold. As a result, many people visit the Mesabi Iron Range to view its landscape and the minerals that can be found there.
The Great Lakes are home to some of the most interesting and diverse wildlife on Earth, and Lake Superior is no exception. The lake is home to numerous kinds of waterfowl, such as loons, terns, and mergansers, as well as a variety of fish species. The lake also offers great sport fishing opportunities, with salmon, walleye, and lake trout being some of the most sought-after species. The lake also offers great opportunities for birdwatching and nature observation.
The human population in the region of Lake Superior has a long history. Native American tribes such as the Ojibwa, Potawatomi, Ommeig, and Ho-Chunk inhabited the area. In fact, the lake is said to be the sacred birthplace of their people. In the 19th century, European settlers began arriving in the region, and mining was the engine of the economy. Mining towns popped up throughout the region and the namesake ‘Mesabi’ Iron Range was formed.
Because of its great size and relative isolation, Lake Superior is a unique body of water. The great lake is composed of two distinct bodies of water, the northern part of the lake being cooler and more isolated, while the southern part of the lake is warmer and more agitated. The contrasting temperatures make for a diverse array of wildlife and aquatic life, making it a great area for recreational activities.
The four states that are adjacent to the minnesota portion of Lake Superior are Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Furthermore, it is also surrounded by Ontario and Quebec, both of which are in Canada. The surrounding terrain is also different between the U.S. states and the Canadian provinces, with the United States having higher elevation landmasses and moreopen water.
Given its size, isolated location, and unique environment, Lake Superior is an important source of fresh, clean water and is a popular tourist destination. The natural beauty of the lake draws millions of visitors each year and its recreational opportunities provide visitors with an unforgettable experience. With its great size, it provides important habitat for wildlife and aquatic species. The Great Lake also provides jobs and economic opportunities for the surrounding states and provinces.
Valuable Natural Resources on Lake Superior
Lake Superior is home to many valuable natural resources. The lake is a major source of fresh drinking water and plays an important role in providing fish for human consumption. Many species of fish are found in the lake and include trout, salmon, smallmouth bass, lake sturgeon, and lake whitefish. The lake also provides valuable game fish such as lake trout, northern pike, and walleye. In addition, the lake is a popular destination for recreational anglers, who cast their lines in search of the lunker of a lifetime.
The lake also has rich deposits of minerals, including iron, copper, zinc, and silver. Many of the minerals found in the Lake Superior Basin are used in the production of steel. The basin also contains vast deposits of quartz, a source of sand and gravel used in the construction of roads, buildings, and other forms of infrastructure. Furthermore, the lake plays an important role in the shipping industry, providing a safe and reliable route for large commercial vessels.
Lake Superior is home to many beautiful and ecologically significant wetlands, which provide habitat for a variety of plant and animal species. The wetlands provide food and shelter for a variety of birds, amphibians, and other wildlife. In addition, the wetlands also help to filter pollutants, improve water quality, and provide valuable habitat for many species of fish and aquatic life.
The lake’s immense size, location, and natural resources make it an important resource for those living in the region. With its vast size and number of resources, the Lake Superior Basin provides plenty of opportunities for people to benefit from its natural beauty and resources.
Environmental Issues in Lake Superior’s Region
As with many of the Great Lakes, one of the most pressing issues facing Lake Superior’s region is water pollution and contamination. Over the years, Lake Superior has become increasingly polluted and contaminated as a result of human activities. Pollutants such as nutrients, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment runoff are discharged into the lake from farms, sewage systems, industry, and roadways.
The pollutants in the water can have a serious impact on the environment and the health of the wildlife in the lake. For example, high levels of phosphorus can lead to algae blooms that block out the light, deplete the oxygen in the water, and disturb aquatic life. Nitrogen and phosphorus also act as fertilizer in the lake and can lead to changes in aquatic plant species.
Overharvesting is another major problem facing Lake Superior’s region. The lake is home to many species of fish and other aquatic life, and fishermen often take more than the sustainable amount of fish from the lake. This can lead to a decrease in the population of fish and other species, which is devastating for the lake’s ecology.
Climate change is also a growing concern in the Lake Superior region. As the climate warms and the level of the lake rises, it can lead to changes in the temperature, chemistry, and species of the lake’s ecosystems. In addition, warmer temperatures can lead to the spread of invasive species and the overharvesting of aquatic life.
Government & Non-Governmental Organizations Responsible for Lake Superior’s Management
Aside from the United States and Canada, there are several governments and non-governmental organizations responsible for the management and protection of Lake Superior. These include the Great Lakes Commission, the International Joint Commission, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, and the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory.
The Great Lakes Commission is the lead policy-making body responsible for the management and protection of the Great Lakes. The commission consists of the eight Great Lakes states and two Canadian provinces. The commission develops and implements management plans, such as the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, which is designed to improve and protect water quality in the Great Lakes.
The International Joint Commission is a bi-national organization that works to resolve issues related to shared waters between the United States and Canada. The commission works to protect the quality and quantity of shared waters between the two countries and develops regulations to protect the ecosystems of the Great Lakes.
The Great Lakes Fishery Commission is a bi-national organization responsible for the management of the commercial and sport fisheries of the Great Lakes. The commission works to promote the growth of the region’s fish populations and to ensure the sustainability of the fisheries. The commission also works to conserve and protect fish and other aquatic life in the lake.
The Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory is an agency of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) dedicated to researching the Great Lakes. The laboratory focuses on issues such as climate change, toxic contaminants, water quantity and quality, and species conservation.
Conclusion of the Protection of Lake Superior
Given the immense size and importance of Lake Superior, there is a great need for its protection and preservation. Governments, non-governmental organizations, and individuals all play a role in protecting the Lake’s water quality, wildlife, and resources. Through the development and enforcement of regulations, the protection of critical habitat, and the promotion of sustainable recreational activities, the Great Lakes Commission, the International Joint Commission, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, and the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory are working to prevent further degradation of this important resource.
