Lake Superior

Lake Superior
NASA · Public domain · source
Lake name	Lake Superior
Location	North America, United States, Canada
Coords	47.7°N 87.3°W
Type	Great Lakes
Inflow	Nipigon River, St. Louis River, Pigeon River
Outflow	St. Marys River
Catchment	49,300 sq mi
Basin countries	United States, Canada
Max length	350 mi
Max width	160 mi
Surface area	31,700 sq mi
Average depth	283 ft
Max depth	1,332 ft
Water volume	2,900 cu mi
Residence time	191 years
Shore length	2,726 mi
Elevation	600 ft
Islands	Isle Royale, Apostle Islands, Madeline Island
Settlement	Duluth, Minnesota, Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes by surface area, bordered by the United States and Canada. It is situated near the Canadian Shield and is connected to the other Great Lakes through the St. Marys River and the Soo Locks. The lake is also close to the Mesabi Range and the Voyageurs National Park. The lake's shoreline is shared by the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Canadian province of Ontario, with notable cities including Duluth, Minnesota, Thunder Bay, and Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

Geography

The lake's geography is characterized by its many islands, including Isle Royale, the Apostle Islands, and Madeline Island. The lake's shoreline is approximately 2,726 miles long, with many bays and inlets, such as Chequamegon Bay and Keweenaw Bay. The lake is also home to several notable peninsulas, including the Keweenaw Peninsula and the Apostle Islands. The lake's water level is regulated by the International Joint Commission and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with input from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Environment and Climate Change Canada. Nearby notable locations include the Porcupine Mountains, the Black Hills (Ontario), and the Quetico Provincial Park.

Geology

The geology of the lake is complex, with a mix of Precambrian and Paleozoic rocks, including basalt, granite, and sandstone. The lake's basin was formed by the movement of tectonic plates and the erosion of the surrounding rocks by glaciers during the Pleistocene epoch. The lake's floor is also home to several notable geological features, including the Midcontinent Rift System and the Lake Superior Syncline. The lake's geology has been studied by the United States Geological Survey, the Geological Survey of Canada, and the University of Minnesota. Notable geologists who have studied the lake include William Morris Davis and Reginald Aldworth Daly.

Climate

The climate around the lake is cold and temperate, with long, cold winters and short, cool summers. The lake's water temperature is typically around 40°F (4°C) in the winter and 60°F (15°C) in the summer. The lake is also prone to storms, including blizzards and thunderstorms, which can be severe and affect the surrounding cities, such as Duluth, Minnesota, and Thunder Bay. The lake's climate is influenced by its proximity to the Polar front and the Jet stream, as well as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation and the North Atlantic Oscillation. The climate has been studied by the National Weather Service, the Environment and Climate Change Canada, and the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

History

The lake has a rich and diverse history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Paleoindian period. The lake was an important source of food and transportation for the Ojibwe and Cree tribes, who used the lake for fishing and trade. The lake was also an important route for European explorers, including Étienne Brûlé and Samuel de Champlain, who used the lake to access the interior of North America. The lake played a significant role in the Fur trade and the American Civil War, with the United States Navy and the British Royal Navy using the lake for transportation and shipbuilding. Notable historical events include the Treaty of Paris (1783), the War of 1812, and the Duluth Ship Canal.

Ecology

The lake's ecology is diverse and complex, with a wide range of plant and animal species. The lake is home to several notable species, including the lake trout, the lake whitefish, and the beaver. The lake's ecosystem is also influenced by the surrounding forests and wetlands, which provide habitat for a wide range of species, including the bald eagle, the osprey, and the moose. The lake's ecology has been studied by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the University of Michigan. Notable ecologists who have studied the lake include Aldo Leopold and E.O. Wilson.

Economy

The lake's economy is diverse and complex, with a wide range of industries, including fishing, shipping, and tourism. The lake is an important source of iron ore and copper, with several notable mines located in the surrounding region, including the Mesabi Range and the Copper Country. The lake is also home to several notable ports, including the Port of Duluth-Superior and the Port of Thunder Bay. The lake's economy has been influenced by the North American Free Trade Agreement and the United States-Canada Free Trade Agreement. Notable companies that operate on the lake include the Canadian National Railway, the Canadian Pacific Railway, and the Great Lakes Fleet. The lake's economy has also been studied by the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis and the Conference Board of Canada.