Lake Superior is Earth’s largest and deepest freshwater lake, due to the fact that it is the North American Great Lakes’ highest volume and deepest lake. This iconic body of water is located on the Canadian and U.S. border and many people are drawn to its clear and captivating waters. The deepest spot of Lake Superior sits at only 350 meters, or 1,150 ft. In other words, it’s not incredibly deep at all! Despite this, it still serves as a key feature to the surrounding environment.
The explanation behind why Lake Superior isn’t as deep as other lakes is due to two major factors: the size and shape of the lake, as well as its geology. Firstly, Lake Superior is quite large in size and, in fact, is the largest of all the five Great Lakes. This means that there is less pressure on the lake bottom, causing less material to erode away, resulting in a shallower lake bottom. Secondly, the lake itself is fairly bowl-shaped, meaning that lake bottom is concave and slopes gently away from the lake edges. The presence of three separate basins also influences the laketopography and further reduces the depth of the lakebed in comparison to other lakes.
The geology of Lake Superior plays an important role in its relatively shallow depth as well. Since most of the lake is situated on the Canadian Shield, the lake bottom consists of hard igneous and metamorphic rocks which are very resistant to erosion. This feature serves as an obstacle which prevents the lake from deepening over time. By comparison, Lake Baikal in Siberia has enormous depths which exceed 1,650 meters. Though this lake is much more narrow and much more northern than Lake Superior it is still much deeper. This is because it is not located on the Canadian Shield, making it much more vulnerable to erosion.
Lake Superior is not just shallow; it also contains extremely clean and clear waters. This is due to two main processes: the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement of 2012 and the addition of phosphorus to the lake. The Agreement is an effective way to prevent pollution from entering the lake and is important at maintaining its clear waters. The addition of phosphorus helps to create algal blooms in the lake which are effective at absorbing any pollution or sediment which might enter it. As a result, the waters of Lake Superior tend to remain clear and unpolluted than other lakes. Since this lake is an important natural resource, it is essential to take the necessary precautions to ensure its cleanliness and health.
Lake Superior remains an important structure in the Great Lakes region and though its depth may be relatively shallow, it still provides a stunning landscape for the thousands of people who visit it each year. Beyond this, it serves as an important resource for those who live in the area and use the lake for recreational activities or even for a source of drinking water. Lake Superior will continue to be an important part of the area for years to come and its importance should not be underestimated!
Hydrological Features of Lake Superior
Lake Superior is connected to other Great Lakes by a series of connecting waterways, interconnected rivers, and numerous inflow streams. The Ogoki, Manido, Winisk, and other rivers make up parts of the vast waterway, while a variety of creeks, including the Michipicoten, Heron and Kaministiquia, feed the lake. The St. Marys River is connected to Lake Superior at its westernmost end, and its famous series of locks ensure a navigation route for vessels. Lake Superior is also home to hundreds of islands, providing additional habitat for wildlife and waterfowl.
The lake’s hydrology is complex and highly diverse. Waves, winds, and extreme weather events all affect the lake in various ways, changing the surface levels, currents, and temperatures. Annual winter ice cover forms over the length of the lake, typically lasting from December to April. Lake Superior’s currents are partially driven by the St. Marys River, the outlet of the lake into Lake Michigan, and periodic changes in water isostasy around the lake. Water density varies throughout, ranging from slightly below that of freshwater to slightly above that of seawater.
Lake Superior’s waters are listed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources as being “significantly better and more pristine than waters in other regions of the Great Lakes.” The clean nature of the lake is largely due to its limited number of inputs within the watershed, and low levels of pollution. A study conducted in 2020 found that out of the 5 Great Lakes, Lake Superior was the least likely to be polluted.
Tourism Around Lake Superior
The area around Lake Superior is a popular destination for travelers who come from around the globe to experience its beauty. With national parks, shopping centers, beaches, and outdoor attractions – Lake Superior provides an abundance of activities for vacationers. From high-end resorts and campgrounds to small boutiques, there is something for everyone.
The lake’s spectacular and picturesque landscape serves as a backdrop for many of the area’s major attractions, such as the Wisconsin Sea Lions, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, and Isle Royale National Park. Tourists are also enticed by the lake’s many legendary shipwrecks, lighthouses, and recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and hiking. In addition, the lake is home to numerous historic sites as it was once an important trading route for Native Americans and pioneers.
As a result of its global popularity, thousands of visitors flock to Lake Superior each year. Local businesses have capitalized on the tourism market and have opened up thousands of new restaurants, hotels, shops, and other commercial enterprises to keep up with the demand of tourists. What’s more, the area around the lake is host to an array of festivals, flower shows, art exhibitions and farmer’s markets throughout the year.
Environmental Protection of The Lake
Lake Superior’s fragile environment is protected by U.S. and Canadian governments. In the U.S., protections for the environment fall under the Clean Water Act, the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Act, among others. In Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ontario Government’s Ontario Great Lakes Strategy act as guardians for conservation efforts and research. Throughout the year, these agencies provide valuable data, monitoring, and management efforts that keep Lake Superior healthy.
In addition, a variety of organizations, such as the Superior Watershed Partnership, Great Lakes Guardian Community Fund, and the Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab, have played an important role in protecting the lake’s biodiversity. These organizations have been involved in initiatives to prevent invasive species, protect watersheds, reduce pollution, and improve water monitoring systems. As a result, Lake Superior’s waters have been largely preserved and its iconic landscape remain intact.
Impact Of Global Climate Change On Lake Superior
Like many of Earth’s water bodies, Lake Superior is not spared from the long-term effects of global climate change. In recent years, the lake has seen an increase in temperature and glacial runoff, leading to a greater degree of evaporation. As a result, the lake’s levels have dropped significantly, as much as one foot (30.5 centimeters) in some areas. Not only is this affecting the depth of the lake, but also the water’s quality, since the warmer temperatures and increased evaporation prompt the growth of cyanobacteria and other aquatic organisms.
Other effects of climate change include an increased risk of flooding in coastal areas and water shortages for communities that rely on nearby rivers for their water supply. As temperatures continue to increase, local inhabitants face the risk of an increasing number of extreme weather events, including hurricanes, floods, and droughts. In addition, the warming of the lake water affects the lake’s biodiversity, significantly reducing the numbers of migratory fish, birds, and mammals within the lake’s vicinity.
Therefore, it is essential for governments, communities, and citizens to take measures to protect the lake from the effects of global climate change. This includes reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases, limiting agricultural runoff and nutrient pollution, and conserving water sources that may be affected by the lake’s rising temperatures. Ultimately, Lake Superior is an incredibly beautiful and important structure and its health should be preserved for generations to come.
