Lake Superior, the largest of North America’s Great Lakes, is often referred to as the ‘inland sea’. At a whopping 82,103 square kilometres, it is larger than the smaller neighbouring Great Lake, Michigan, by over 19,000 square kilometres. On the surface, it would seem that the two lakes could not be any more different, or that the larger of the two is the clear winner. Further research, however, reveals a more complex story.
In addition to its larger surface area, Lake Superior also boasts the greatest average depth of any lake on the planet at 406 meters. With a maximum depth of over 500 meters, it is almost twice as deep as Lake Michigan which has an average depth of only 111 meters. This means that Lake Superior holds approximately 12 trillion gallons of water while Michigan only contains 2.5 trillion gallons, a whopping 585 percent more.
The choice of either Lake Michigan or Lake Superior is further complicated by the differences between them in terms of recreational activities. While both lakes are popular for fishing, boating and swimming, the smaller Lake Michigan is actually better suited for watercraft activity due to the fact that it is more shallow and hold less water. On the other hand, the vast presence of Lake Superior allows for more extreme adventure activities such as kiteboarding and windsurfing, with notable hot spots on the north shore, in Duluth and along the Apostle Islands.
Of course, Lake Michigan and Lake Superior have other differences too. Lake Michigan is connected to nearby Lake Huron and the two form part of the same watershed. Meanwhile, Lake Superior and its tributaries form their own unique drainage basin that has no connecting waterways to the other Great Lakes. Additionally, the two lakes have distinct geologic origins. Lake Michigan was formed by glacial erosion while Lake Superior was created primarily by volcanism.
Climate also has an impact on Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. The former is warmer year-round with an average temperature of 16 Celsius, whereas the latter remains significantly cooler with temperatures ranging from 2 to 10 Celsius. This makes Lake Michigan more inviting for swimming and other water-based activities, although the cold temperatures of Lake Superior keep it clear of some invasive species that thrive in warmer waters.
Ultimately, it is impossible to declare one lake greater than the other as both are essential parts of the Great Lakes system. Lake Michigan and Lake Superior offer different experiences for different types of visitors and both come with their own unique set of advantages. What one lake provides in terms of recreational opportunities, the other may lack, but if true greatness is what you are looking for, then Lake Superior cannot be faulted.
Ecosystems
Each of the Great Lakes has its own unique ecosystem and this is no different for Lakes Michigan and Superior. As the more vast of the two, Lake Superior is home to a more diverse range of species, with over 80 different types of fish and over 180 species of birds found there. This biodiversity is due to the ideal conditions that Lake Superior provides for the fish, the vast open waters being suitable for both cold and warm water species. Meanwhile, the smaller Lake Michigan is much more suited to sport fishing, however its waters still provide an important habitat for a number of species including the endangered lake sturgeon.
The Great Lakes are home to some of the world’s largest freshwater fisheries and they are a crucial part of the North American economy. From walleye to smallmouth bass and more, both Lakes Michigan and Superior are world-renowned for their fisheries, contributing billions of dollars to the economy and supporting thousands of jobs. It is therefore essential to ensure that the unique ecosystems of both lakes are preserved and protected for years to come.
Species & Pollution
While the two lakes share a large portion of the same watershed, some of the biggest differences between Lakes Michigan and Superior stem from the presence of non-native species. Lake Superior is among the least invaded of the Great Lakes and is home to some of the clearest waters, making it an excellent choice for those looking for clean, natural areas. It is also home to a number of sensitive species that are threatened or endangered such as the piping plover and the lake trout. In contrast, Lake Michigan has seen an increase in the presence of invasive species due to warmer waters which make it less hospitable for native species.
Moreover, human activity around Lake Michigan has made it particularly vulnerable to pollution. This is largely due to the fact that the lake is relatively close to large population centers and crop land runoff, resulting in an accumulation of pollutants in the waters. To combat this, a number of clean-up efforts have been undertaken to bring the lake back to its natural, unpolluted state.
In conclusion, while both lakes are essential parts of the Great Lakes ecosystem, Lake Michigan and Lake Superior are naturally quite different in terms of size, geology and recreational activities. What one lake offers in terms of recreational or sport fishing, the other may not and vice-versa. Ultimately, each lake has its own set of advantages and it is up to the individual or group to decide which is better for them.
Climate Change
In recent years, the effects of climate change have been felt increasingly in the Great Lakes region, particularly on Lakes Michigan and Superior. Scientists have observed rapid changes in water levels of the lakes, attributed in part to melting glaciers and increasing temperatures. This has impacted the recreational and commercial activities that are reliant on these lakes, with water levels dropping to record lows in 2020.
The rising temperatures also have implications for aquatic life as water temperatures have risen, leading to an increase in the occurrence of harmful algal blooms. This is a result of excess nutrients in the water, often caused by agricultural and urban runoff, and has contributed to a widespread decline of fish populations in both Lakes Michigan and Superior.
Climate change also affects the weather patterns of the region. As the lakes warm up, they can trap warm air over the region, leading to salty and humid air that can stay in place for weeks. This can have a number of negative impacts on both the environment and human health and is likely to become more pronounced in the years to come.
Action is needed now to ensure that availability of fish, human health and the environment is not impacted any further. Stricter regulations need to be put in place to reduce pollution and development must be carried out in a sustainable and environmentally conscious way.
Addressing the Challenges
In order to address the current threats that the Great Lakes face, it is important to drive positive change in the region. From reducing the amount of pollution that is released into the water to improving public access to lakes and rivers, there are many initiatives and plans in place to ensure the safety and vitality of Lakes Michigan and Superior.
In addition, there are a number of conservation projects that have been put in place to help protect the wildlife that live in and around the lakes. These include the restoration of wetland habitats, the reintroduction of native species and the implementation of strict fishing regulations. By working together, governments, organizations and individuals can ensure that the unique ecosystems of the Great Lakes are restored and kept safe for future generations.
On a wider scale, it is also important to raise awareness of the need to protect the Great Lakes. Informing people of the challenges that they face and encouraging them to take part in initiatives to conserve and restore them is essential. Ultimately, it is up to everyone to ensure that the Great Lakes are around for many more generations to come.
