With the holiday season approaching, let’s take a moment to marvel at the beauty and grandeur of Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes. This remarkable body of water holds fascinating facts that are sure to captivate everyone in Michigan and beyond.
The Largest Freshwater Lake on the Planet
Not only is Lake Superior the largest among the Great Lakes, but it also claims the title of the largest freshwater lake on Earth. Stretching from the upper peninsula of Michigan to Ontario, Canada, and reaching the eastern edge of Minnesota, the lake boasts impressive dimensions: approximately 160 miles wide, 350 miles long, with a surface area of 31,700 square miles and a water volume of 2,900 cubic miles. Its shoreline measures an astounding 2,726 miles.
An Infrequent Complete Freeze
With its deepest point plunging 1,300 feet below the surface, Lake Superior experiences a rare complete freeze. While the lake is typically 40 to 95 percent covered with ice during most winters, a complete freeze is an uncommon occurrence, last observed in 2014.
A Freshwater Reservoir Extravaganza
Prepare to be amazed: Lake Superior contains an astonishing ten percent of all the fresh water on our planet. Yes, you read that correctly. This one lake holds ten percent of Earth’s freshwater, emphasizing the significance of this precious resource.
Prolonged Refill Time
The crystal-clear clarity of Lake Superior can be attributed to its low organic material content. It takes nearly 200 years for the lake to replenish with new water, meaning the water you see today likely existed in the lake two centuries ago!
Habitat for Diverse Species
Lake Superior’s pristine waters provide a habitat for various fish, plants, and birds, making it a crucial ecosystem for diverse species.
As we celebrate this holiday season, let’s take a moment to appreciate and preserve this incredible natural wonder. The astonishing facts about Lake Superior serve as a reminder of the beauty, power, and importance of our natural world. Happy holidays, Michigan!
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