Lake michigan

Lake Michigan is one of the five Great Lakes of North America and the only one located entirely within the United States. The other four Great Lakes are shared by the U.S. and Canada. It is the second-largest of the Great Lakes by volume and the third-largest by surface area, after Lake Superior and Lake Huron (to which it is connected by the Straits of Mackinac).

Geography

Lake Michigan is bounded, from west to east, by the U.S. states of Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. The lake's northern tier is in the colder, less-developed upper Great Lakes region, while its more temperate southern basin contains the Chicago metropolitan area, the city of Gary, Indiana, and the city of Milwaukee, as well as other significant population centers.

Hydrology

Lake Michigan's average depth is about 279 feet (85 m), and its greatest depth is 923 feet (281 m). Its volume is approximately 4,918 cubic kilometers. The lake's surface area is 22,404 square miles (58,026 square kilometers). It has a length of 307 miles (494 km) and a width of 118 miles (190 km).

Ecology

Lake Michigan is home to a wide variety of fish species and other aquatic life, including a variety of native and non-native species. The lake's ecosystem has been significantly affected by overfishing, pollution, and invasive species such as the zebra mussel and the round goby.

Recreation

Lake Michigan is a popular destination for recreation and tourism. Its beaches, parks, and vacation homes attract millions of people each year. The lake is also a popular spot for fishing, boating, sailing, and swimming.

See also

• Great Lakes
• Lake Superior
• Lake Huron
• Lake Erie
• Lake Ontario