Lake Michigan and Lake Superior are two of the five Great Lakes in North America and are the largest freshwater bodies of water in the world. Both of these geological wonders have a deep history and are full of beauty and mystery. In this article we will explore the question of which lake is longer, Lake Michigan or Lake Superior.
Lake Superior is by far the largest of the Great Lakes in terms of surface area, and is the second largest lake in the world by area covering over 82,000 square kilometers. It is about 350 miles long, with a maximum depth of 1333 feet and a mean depth of 483 feet. It is estimated that it holds 2,900 cubic kilometers of fresh water. Its shoreline encompasses almost 2,800 miles and includes a total of three Canadian provinces and two U.S. states.
Lake Michigan, the other lake in our comparison, is the fifth largest Great Lake and the sixth largest lake in the world. It covers an area of 58,000 square kilometers and is 307 miles in length. Its maximum depth is 926 feet and its mean depth is 279 feet, with a total volume of 1,180 cubic kilometers. This lake borders four U.S. states and holds a shoreline of just over 1,600 miles in length.
Lake Superior is longer than Lake Michigan, with a length that is 43 miles longer. It not only has a greater surface area and length, but also deeper waters, with a mean depth almost double that of Lake Michigan. However, when one compares the average depths, Lake Michigan’s deeper water holds 89 percent of the lakes’ combined volume, with Lake Superior representing the remaining 11 percent.
Experts agree that both lakes are home to a variety of ecosystems and wildlife, including over one hundred species of fish. Each of the two lakes also holds a different type of topography, meaning that its depth and conditions vary as its waters move in differenct directions to flow out of the Great Lakes system. Furthermore, each lake’s temperature, wind and clarity also impact their respective ecosystems.
When looking further into the topic of which lake is longer, one must also consider the fact that Lake Michigan sits on two tectonic plates and is connected to the Atlantic Ocean through a long river system. Therefore, the lake’s waters might be considered part of the ocean and that could make it longer than Lake Superior. This hypothesis has yet to be fully explored and still needs more analysis.
All in all, both Lake Michigan and Lake Superior are geological marvels and play a huge part in the world’s ecology and ecosystem. Offering visitors a unique and unforgettable experience, these two wonders of nature continue to amaze and inspire us.
Impact on Local Communities
Both Lake Michigan and Lake Superior have had a profound effect on the people and towns that live around them. Local communities rely on the lakes for income, transportation, food and recreation. Because of their tremendous size, the lakes have served as a crucial resource for many centuries. For example, fishing boats, ferries and other marine vessels have been used to travel and transport goods between port towns.
Additionally, these great lakes have helped to shape local economies and fueled growth. Tourism has also become a large industry as people flock to experience these lush and diverse places. The local population has found many creative ways to utilize their water resources, from seafood harvesting, cabin rentals and sport fishing.
Unfortunately, the precious blue of both lakes has been polluted by untreated waste and chemical runoff from industrial sources. This has caused a ripple effect and has caused the water to be less desirable for recreation and fisheries. As a result, swimming and fishing are increasingly limited in certain areas.
Unique Features
Lake Superior is known for its unique geologic features, including the world-renowned Lake Superior Agates. These colorful stones are commonly found along many of the lake’s beaches and can range in size and color. The lake’s sheer size has also contributed to its mystical reputation, with some people referring to the lake as the ‘Sea of the Midwest’.
In addition to the Agates, there are thousands of islands and shorelines that make up the lake’s shoreline. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a particularly popular attraction and features a variety of hikes, caves and breathtaking views. The area also offers kayaking, sailing and boating activities.
Lake Michigan also has some extraordinary offerings, including the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum. Located on the shores of Whitefish Point, the museum houses artifacts from numerous shipwrecks, as well as hosts a variety of exhibits. The lake is also known for its natural beaches, sand dunes and wild islands.
Changes Over the Ages
Over the years, both Lake Michigan and Lake Superior have undergone gradual changes. In the 19th century, the two lakes were connected by a number of man-made canals, including the Sault Ste. Marie Canal and the St Mary’s Falls Canal. The connecting canals made it possible to transfer ships between the two lakes and opened up trade between ports on either side of the lakes.
Despite the changes in technology and infrastructure, the Great Lakes system continues to account for one-fifth of the world’s fresh water surface and both Lake Superior and Lake Michigan remain two of the most iconic lakes in North America. Thanks to numerous conservation efforts and agreements, the lakes have been able to remain vibrant and beautiful destinations.
Environmental Challenges
Perhaps the greatest challenge facing these great lakes is the impact of climate change. Warmer temperatures have brought about changes in the water’s chemistry and ecology. For example, algae blooms in the summer and seasonal ice cover continues to diminish. All of these factors make the lakes more vulnerable to aquatic invasive species and bacteria, which can pose a risk to the creatures that live in them.
The lakes also face many other environmental issues, including pollution from industrial and agricultural runoff. Contaminants such as sewage, fertilizers and pesticides often end up in the water and can have a devastating effect on the local wildlife. It is important to take action and address these environmental issues to ensure the long-term health of the Great Lakes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Lake Michigan and Lake Superior are longer than average freshwater lakes and hold enough water to cover the entire United States. While Lake Superior is longer than Lake Michigan in terms of width, it is Lake Michigan that contains the greater volume of water. Both lakes have seen major changes over the years and continue to be affected by human activities and climate change. It is important to be mindful of the environmental challenges that face these two lakes and take action to protect them in order to preserve them for future generations.
