Geography and Population of Lake Superior
Lake Superior is one of the five Great Lakes that stretches across northern America and Ontario, Canada. It is the largest, deepest and most pristine freshwater lake in the world — covering more than 31,700 square miles. The surface elevation of Lake Superior is 600 feet above sea level, and its deepest point is at 1,332 feet, making it the world’s third-largest natural freshwater lake. It covers an area of approximately 31,700 sq mi, making it the largest of the Great Lakes by surface area. With a length of 350 miles and a maximum width of 160 miles, Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake by surface area and third largest by volume.
Lake Superior is surrounded by eight US states and three Canadian provinces, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Ontario. It is correlated to the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes Waterway that connects the five Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. With a population spanning multiple countries, Lake Superior has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As of 2021, the populations for the various lake cities are as follows: Duluth, Minnesota – 87,000; Thunder Bay and Superior, Ontario – 121,500 combined; Marquette, Michigan – 21,500; and Ashland, Wisconin – 8,700. With such a large population and great resouces, Lake Superior is a hub for various industries,both large and small.
Environmental Impact and Ecology of Lake Superior
Lake Superior’s water quality is well-maintained, with an estimated 94 percent of the lake’s deep-water lakebed sediment being clean. As one of the most intact deposits of cold, fresh water, Lake Superior is highly protected by the US and Canadian governments. It is part of two protected bi-national areas, the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area and the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve.
Lake Superior has been kept safe from pollutant runoff and accidental spills by the Clean Water Act. Over the years its water has been sustained by monitored efforts to help clean up any possible pollutants it could experience due to its location within the Great Lakes Circle. Despite this, urban runoff can still be seen on certain days. As such, the effects of pollution from urban centers surrounding the lake has lessened its clarity and abundance of aquatic life.
In terms of ecology, Lake Superior plays host to over 90 species of fish. The most popular species of sport fish include rainbow trout, Atlantic salmon, lake trout, herring and whitefish. Despite the decline in populations due to urban runoff, birds such as cormorants, herons, and bald eagles have rehabbed their numbers close to the lake. Wildlife can also be seen, including moose, otter, deer and foxes. The lake’s ecology is further sustained by its food chain and by the algae, seaweed, and aquatic plants living within it.
Uses and Trade of Lake Superior
The geographical presence of Lake Superior gives it easy access to the larger waterway that branches out to the smaller freshwater lakes. It also serves as connecting waters and transport hub to the nearby coastal waters. As such, it is a popular route for goods and services to be traded and transferred to other areas of the Great Lakes basin.
It is also an important part of the commercial and recreational fishing. The lake’s section is renowned for its deep-water fishing, with popular species such as trout, salmon, and whitefish. It is also the home to a wide range of leisure activities, such as beach visits and sailing.
In terms of business, the lake is well known for its iron ore mining and quarrying industry. It also has a number of timber companies and paper mills, oil and gas drilling operations, and energy production.
Economic Benefits of Lake Superior
Lake Superior benefits the Great Lakes region in many ways. It is the main source of income for many communities, supporting their livelihood and employment. In addition to its fishing, iron ore mining and quarrying, timber and paper mills, oil and gas drilling operations, and energy production activities, Lake Superior is home to a wide range of tourist attractions. The lake’s shoreline is considered one of the most scenic in North America, offering its visitors a vast range of activities, such as beach walks, camping, hiking, kayaking, and more.
The lake is also a major source of fresh water, providing drinking water for many surrounding cities and towns. Furthermore, Lake Superior has its own system of currents that are frequently used for navigation and shipping. It has aided in the development of the Great Lakes shipping industry, which is vital to the region’s economy.
Social Impact of Lake Superior
The region of Lake Superior has a long history of human presence, which dates back to thousands of years. Throughout history, the lake has played a major role in the spiritual, cultural and economic well-being of the surrounding populations. Its spiritual significance, as well as its significant economic contributions to local communities, has been a major source of pride for the many people that inhabit the area.
In addition to its social and spiritual benefits, this region was also the first to recognize the importance of environmental protection. In 1972, the International Joint Commission declared Lake Superior a binational Great Lakes sustainable development zone, paving the way for subsequent legislation from both the United States and Canada. The Lake Superior region has also become a haven for cooperatively managed conservation and wildlife area, making it a lovely place to visit as well as a reminder to protect the environment.
Environmental Concerns of Lake Superior
As with any lake, there are potential risks to the environment that come with human activities. One of the biggest risks to Lake Superior is the release of pollutants, including excess nutrients, sewage, agricultural runoff, litter, and industrial contaminants, many of which come from the surrounding cities. This pollution can lead to a decrease in water quality, the destruction and depletion of aquatic wildlife, and the disruption of the lake’s delicate ecosystems.
Climate change also has a major effect on Lake Superior and its surrounding areas. Rising temperatures can lead to extreme weather events, spread invasive species, decrease water clarity, and reduce fish and wildlife populations. As such, there is an added pressure on local communities to protect the lake and its resources from the harmful effects of climate change.
Conclusion
As one of the five Great Lakes, Lake Superior is not only the largest and the most pristine freshwater lake in the world, but it also has a deep spiritual, social and economic significance for this region. Its unique geography and history give it a special place in the world, but it also comes with many challenges and risks. Ongoing efforts by local communities and governments can help minimize these risks, allowing people to continue to appreciate the beauty of this area and the many advantages it provides.
