Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area, occupying an area of 82,400 square kilometres. It is also the deepest of the Great Lakes, reaching a maximumDepth of 406 metres. It is located on the border between the United States and Canada, with a shoreline that stretches 2,890 kilometres in length.
Originally formed by Earthquakes and Glaciations, Lake Superior’s riparian landscape features a unique array of ecology and plant life. This includes ancient rock formations known as Boreal forests, mixed evergreen and deciduous trees, and a large variety of aquatic species. The lake is an important source for regional industry fishing and its many ports serve as major transport hubs.
The depth of Lake Superior has been measured by numerous research teams. In 1943, an American-Canadian joint expedition revealed that the lake is deepest at the centre of the lake, reaching a maximum depth of 406 metres.
In an article published in the Great Lakes Research Journal, environmental scientist and aquatic biologist Dr. Mark Petrie explained how the lake’s depths can be attributed to the massive glaciers that once covered the lakebed. The glacier’s immense weight pressed down on the lakebed, creating depressions that could reach up to hundreds of feet in depth. These depressions were then filled up with sediment and water, resulting in the deep waters we see today.
The deep waters of the lake also play an important role in the ecosystem of the lake. Due to the cold temperatures of its depths, large amounts of oxygen are retained in the lake’s waters. This provides a unique habitat for a variety of fish and aquatic organisms, including lake trout, lake whitefish, lake sturgeon, and lake perch.
Most recently, the depth of Lake Superior was measured in 2019 by the US-Canadian Transboundary Aquatic Research Monitoring Program. Scientists from the University of Minnesota used sonar technology to measure the depth at 303 locations around Lake Superior and found that the maximum depth had only slightly changed from the original measurements in 1943.
Flow Rates of the Lake
The flow Rates of the Lake Superior has been estimated by scientists at 2.1 billion tonnes per day. This is second largest rate of water flow among the Great Lakes. It has an average residence time of 191 days, meaning it takes days for water entering it to flow out of it. Because of its size, Lake Superior is an important regulator of the water levels of all the other Great Lakes, with its overflow basins controlling and equalizing water levels.
Water Quality of the Lake
The quality of the water in Lake Superior has seen a startling improvement in recent decades. Unfavourable effects of invasive species and excessive phosphorus levels have been reduced with careful monitoring and regulation. Still, water pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial waste pose a threat to the lake’s plant and animal inhabitants, requiring further action on the part of authorities.
Preservation of the Lake
The environmental preservation of Lake Superior is an ongoing process. The US and Canada have collaborated to limit discharges from vessels and surrounding sources of pollution, and different conservation plans have been implemented. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to help restore and protect water resources across the Great Lakes region.
Impact of Climate Change
The effects of climate change on Lake Superior are especially noticeable. Warmer temperatures mean a longer swimming season for dangerous species such as the spiny water flea, which can disrupt the balance of an entire ecosystem. In addition, rising temperatures cause an increase in evaporation, leading to decreases in water levels. The high circulation of Lake Superior helps to disperse pollutants, so any decrease in water levels could have a dangerous impact on the entire Great Lakes region.
