The division between Lake Michigan and Lake Superior is traditional and historic, but for those unfamiliar with the Great Lakes, it can be hard to distinguish these two grand bodies of water. It’s worth noting that Lake Michigan and Lake Superior are two of the five Great Lakes of North America, and that together they are the largest surface freshwater system on Earth. In this article, we’ll discuss the physical differences that set these two lakes apart and why they are so important to their respective communities.
For starters, Lake Michigan is the largest of the four Great Lakes located in the United States, while Lake Superior is the largest of the five Great Lakes. Lake Michigan is located in the Midwest, bordering four states: Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. The total surface area of Lake Michigan is 58,030 square miles, of which about 6,580 square miles are in the U.S. Meanwhile, Lake Superior is located primarily in the Canadian province of Ontario and comprises an estimated 31,700 square miles.
Aside from their geographical differences, Lake Superior and Lake Michigan are scientifically quite different. Lake Superior is the deepest of the Great Lakes, reaching a depth of about 1,300 feet, while Lake Michigan has an average depth of about 280 feet. The average temperature of Lake Superior is a relatively chilly 39 degrees Fahrenheit, while Lake Michigan, thanks to its warmer climate, has an average temperature of around 42 degrees Fahrenheit.
Both Lake Superior and Lake Michigan are of great environmental and economic importance. The two lakes provide habitats to a large variety of flora and fauna and supply the region with an abundance of fresh water that is essential for the ecology of the area. The two lakes also serve an important economic role, providing transportation and employment opportunities to thousands of people who rely on their waters for their livelihoods.
Lake Michigan and Lake Superior also have an important recreational and cultural significance. Both lakes are popular destinations for outdoor activities such as fishing, swimming, and boating. They also have a rich cultural history that is reflected in the communities and cities which border them.
Overall, Lake Michigan and Lake Superior are two of the most important and unique bodies of water in the world. They are great examples of nature’s power and beauty, and their importance to the region and to the global ecosystem should not be overlooked.
Importance of Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan is a vital natural resource for the four U.S. states it borders: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. It is the largest of the five Great Lakes and the second largest of all U.S. lakes after Lake Superior. The vast size of Lake Michigan makes it an important water resource, while its rich coastal habitat serves as a haven to numerous species of birds, mammals, and fish.
Lake Michigan also powers the region’s economy, providing fishing grounds and serving as a major transportation hub. Its waters are used to generate hydroelectricity, supply drinking water, and even provide recreation activities such as swimming, sailing, and fishing. Its vast size and expanse also bring numerous other benefits such as pollution mitigation, protection from storms and floods, increased tourism opportunities, and more.
On a more spiritual level, Lake Michigan is a powerful presence for those who live beside it. Its beauty and its unpredictable power have inspired generations of artists, poets, and explorers. Its waters draw people from all over the world, helping to make this region of the United States unique and special in its own right.
All in all, Lake Michigan is an invaluable source of life and security not only for the four states it borders, but also for the entire Great Lakes region.
Importance of Lake Superior
Lake Superior, the largest of the five Great Lakes, serves as an important shipping lane, home to expansive ecosystems, and an important source of power, recreation, and spiritual sustenance to people living in the region. The lake contains nearly 10% of North America’s surface fresh water and an estimated 31,700 square miles of surface area. It has an average depth of 483 feet and is the world’s deepest inland sea.
Lake Superior plays an important role in the region as it is a crucial component of the Great Lakes shipping system, which services and fuels the regional economy including manufacturing, transportation, and tourism. The lake is also home to a vast wildlife habitat that is a crucial source of the region’s biodiversity. It provides vital spawning grounds for fish species such as walleye, trout, and salmon. The lake is also bursting with recreational activities, such as fishing, skiing, sailing, canoeing, and bird watching.
Finally, Lake Superior has played an integral role in the spiritual lives of people in the region. Many indigenous nations surrounding the lake consider it to be a sacred place and have long revered its power and beauty. The lake is also the home of many legends and stories, including the story of the princess of Lake Superior, Gitchee Gumee, immortalized by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in the song The Song of Hiawatha. All in all, Lake Superior holds a special significance for the people living in the region.
Geological Composition of the Lakes
The Great Lakes are made up of water from two main sources: groundwater and streams. Groundwater, which is the main source of water for the Great Lakes, is replenished from the rain or melting snow that is eventually absorbed by the surrounding land and filters into the ground. The streams, on the other hand, are fed by the rivers and glaciers in the region and carry an abundance of silt and sediment into the Great Lakes. This, in turn, helps create the diverse ecosystems around these bodies of water.
Lake Michigan and Lake Superior have a few key physical differences that are worth noting. Both lakes are similarly deep and cover the same surface area, but their geological compositions are quite different. For example, Lake Superior is estimated to be nearly 4,000 years old and contains large deposits of minerals due to its icy water, while Lake Michigan is younger and its waters contain more sediment.
In terms of temperature, Lake Superior is known for being much colder than Lake Michigan. In general, Lake Michigan can experience a steady temperature increase in the very warm months, while Lake Superior has a more stable temperature throughout the year due to the slow exchange of water with the Arctic Ocean.
Climate Impact of Lakes Michigan and Superior
The effects of climate change are already being felt across the Great Lakes regions and their impact on these two important bodies of water is no different. University researchers and climate scientists are constantly monitoring changes in lake levels as well as changes in temperature, water clarity, and other factors. The most pressing changes include warming waters and rising lake levels, both of which can have devastating consequences.
Rising lake levels in both Lake Michigan and Lake Superior pose an immediate concern due to the potential damage they can cause to shoreline infrastructure, aquatic ecosystems, and recreational activities. So far, both of their waters have risen by nearly a foot over the past several decades, and the rate of rise is accelerating. Lake Michigan is estimated to increase by almost three feet over the next few years due to its warmer water temperature, and Lake Superior is expected to rise nearly two feet.
To make matters worse, warming lake surfaces are being felt in a different yet equally alarming way. Warmer lake temperatures can lead to significant declines in freshwater fish populations, and scientists are reporting a disturbingly high rate of algae blooms that can have a negative impact on water quality and the health of the aquatic life. These trends are concerning and steps must be taken to avert a potential disaster.
Preserved Futures for Lakes Michigan and Superior
Fortunately, there are steps we can take to ensure the future sustainability of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. Solutions such as reducing wastewater pollution, better land use management, restoring coastal wetlands, and mitigating climate change are being implemented by local governments, environmental organisations, and other non-governmental entities. Additionally, public engagement and education around the important role of these lakes is also being increased.
On a larger scale, meaningful and decisive environmental policies need to be enacted to protect and preserve the health and future of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. This can include implementing carbon regulations and electric vehicle subsidies, implementing meaningful and transformative green infrastructure, and promoting renewable energy sources.
The most important thing is to understand the unique and critical role that Lake Michigan and Lake Superior play in this region and the world. It is our responsibility to ensure their future as vibrant and healthy ecosystems, both for their own sake and for the benefit of future generations who look to them for inspiration and renewal.
