Lake Superior

Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes of North America. The lake is shared by the Canadian province of Ontario to the north, the United States states of Minnesota to the west, and Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to the south. It is generally considered the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area.

Geography

Lake Superior has a surface area of 31,700 square miles (82,100 square kilometers), which is larger than the combined areas of Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. The lake's average depth is 483 feet (147 meters), and its maximum depth is 1,332 feet (406 meters).

Hydrography

Lake Superior is fed by over 200 rivers, including the Nipigon River, the St. Louis River, the Pigeon River, and the Kaministiquia River. The lake drains into the St. Marys River into Lake Huron.

Climate

The lake has a significant effect on the weather in the region, which is known as the Lake Superior microclimate. Winters are colder and summers are cooler than areas further inland.

Ecology

Lake Superior supports a wide variety of fish species, including lake trout, walleye, and yellow perch. The lake's cold, clear waters also support a variety of algae and invertebrates.

Economy

The lake is a major shipping route for iron ore, grain, and other commodities. The Lake Superior port cities include Duluth, Minnesota, Thunder Bay, and Sault Ste. Marie.

See also

• List of lakes by area
• Great Lakes Waterway
• Lake Superior Provincial Park

Lake Superior Resources
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