Lake Superior is believed to be the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area. It is known for its deep blue waters and vast size, spanning nearly four square thousand miles. In addition to being a beautiful natural wonder, many people have wondered if Lake Superior actually feeds the Mississippi River, one of the longest and most famous bodies of water in the United States.
The short answer is no: Lake Superior doesn’t actually feed the Mississippi. To understand why, it’s important to look at their respective watersheds, or the areas of land where the rivers’ sources of water come from. A watershed is typically confined within a set of ridges that channel runoff water into a specific body of water, like a lake or a river.
Lake Superior is located in the Great Lakes Basin, which is made up of four out of the five great lakes. The Mississippi River, on the other hand, is part of a vast watershed which encompasses most of the central United States, as well as parts of Canada and Mexico. The diversity of the Mississippi River watershed means that it is home to hundreds of smaller rivers and tributaries, most of which eventually flow into the great river. Lake Superior, however, does not fall within this watershed, so it is not the direct source of much of the Mississippi’s water.
Technically, the Mississippi receives a very small amount of water from Lake Superior, but it is so small that it is negligible. This is due to the natural process of evaporation, which reduces the amount of water that flows out of a lake and into the surrounding rivers. Although Lake Superior is connected to other nearby lakes, like Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, the amount of direct water exchanged is so small that it can’t be considered a major source of the Mississippi River.
Despite not being a direct source of water, Lake Superior plays an important role in the hydrological cycle. Water evaporates from the lake’s surface and rises into the atmosphere. When the water condenses, it forms clouds which can travel long distances before depositing water as rain or snow. This water can then travel through rivers and eventually make its way to the Mississippi River. This indirect connection means that Lake Superior indirectly contributes to the Mississippi’s water supply.
Though Lake Superior has no direct connection to the Mississippi River, the two bodies of water play an important role in the hydrological cycle. Evaporation from Lake Superior provides water for clouds which eventually end up in the Mississippi River, making the two connected in a roundabout way. This connection demonstrates the interconnectedness of the world’s water systems, which always leaves us with more to discover.
Lakes in the Great Lakes Basin
The Great Lakes Basin is made up of four out of the five great lakes: Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie. These lakes occupy an area of 94,250 square miles, which accounts for about 6% of the total land area of North America. Additionally, the Great Lakes are a major source of both fresh water and hydroelectric power for many of the states and provinces located nearby.
The Great Lakes are all connected to one another, with Lake Superior being the largest. All of the Great Lakes flow into the St. Lawrence River, which then flows into the Atlantic Ocean. While they are all so large that they are sometimes referred to collectively as “a sea”, they are unique bodies of water and they each have their own characteristics. For example, Lake Superior is known for its incredibly deep depths, while Lake Michigan is known for its hundreds of small islands.
Lake Superior is the northernmost of the four lakes, and it is the largest by volume. It is the largest freshwater lake in the world, both by surface area and by volume, and it holds about 10% of all the world’s fresh water. It is also the second-deepest of the Great Lakes and is estimated to be around 405 feet deep at its deepest point.
The other three Great Lakes are all connected together, with Lake Erie being the shallowest and Lake Michigan the second-largest. Lake Huron is the second-deepest of the Great Lakes and is estimated to be around 701 feet deep. Collectively, these four Great Lakes contain an estimated 5,240 cubic miles of water, and they are an important source of fresh water and hydroelectric power in the region.
Natural Resources of the Great Lakes Basin
The Great Lakes Basin is home to a variety of natural resources, both on land and in the lakes themselves. These natural resources are essential to the health of the surrounding environment, and they are also an important economic resource.
On land, the Great Lakes region is home to many species of plants and animals. These species are important to the region’s ecology and are also popular tourist attractions. Additionally, the region contains a variety of minerals, including iron and copper, which are important to many of the local industries.
In the lakes themselves, the Great Lakes are home to many species of plants and animals. These include fish, such as lake trout, chinook salmon, and walleye, as well as a variety of aquatic plants that provide food and habitat for the fish. Additionally, the lakes contain a variety of minerals, such as sand and gravel, which are used in many of the local industries.
Finally, the Great Lakes are a source of fresh water for the surrounding communities. Millions of people rely on the lakes for their drinking water, and the lakes are an important source of hydroelectric power. This hydroelectric power is used to generate electricity for many of the local communities and industries, providing a significant economic benefit to the region.
The Environmental Threats to the Great Lakes Basin
Unfortunately, the Great Lakes are facing a variety of environmental threats. These threats come from both natural and man-made sources, and they can have serious impacts on the health of the surrounding environment.
One of the biggest threats to the Great Lakes is water pollution. Pollution comes from a variety of sources, including agricultural runoff, sewage discharge, industrial waste, and even runoff from residential communities. This pollution can contain dangerous chemicals and toxins, which can have serious impacts on the environment and the health of nearby communities. Additionally, pollution can encourage the growth of algae, which can cause problems with water quality and aquatic life.
Other threats to the Great Lakes include overfishing, habitat destruction, and the introduction of invasive species. Overfishing can deplete the population of certain species of fish, making them more vulnerable to predators. Habitat destruction can reduce the amount of available habitat for native species, reducing their population size. Invasive species can compete with native species for food and resources, leading to decreased populations of native species.
Finally, climate change is a major threat to the Great Lakes. Warmer temperatures can cause more water to evaporate from the lakes, reducing their water levels. Warmer temperatures can also lead to more intense storms, which can cause flooding, erosion, and destruction of homes and businesses. Additionally, warmer temperatures can lead to more extreme weather events, such as droughts, which can also have an impact on the environment.
Rehabilitation of the Great Lakes Basin
Fortunately, there are a variety of actions being taken to protect and rehabilitate the Great Lakes Basin. Local, state, and federal governments have been working together to reduce water pollution, protect habitat, and restore fish populations.
One of the key steps in rehabilitating the Great Lakes is reducing water pollution. Local governments have taken steps to reduce runoff from agricultural and industrial operations, while the federal government has established guidelines and regulations to limit the amount of pollutants that can be discharged into the waters. Additionally, local businesses have taken steps to reduce their own water pollution, such as switching to more efficient irrigation systems or relying on alternative energy sources.
Other efforts have focused on protecting habitat and restoring fish populations. Local governments have taken steps to create and protect wildlife refuges and protected areas, while the federal government has implemented catch limits and closed certain fisheries. Additionally, local businesses have been working to restore fish populations through stocking programs and habitat restoration projects.
Finally, local communities and organizations are working together to raise awareness of the importance of the Great Lakes and their resources. Through public outreach campaigns, education programs, and other initiatives, these groups are working to educate people about the importance of preserving the Great Lakes and their resources.
Conclusion
Lake Superior is an incredible natural wonder and an important source of fresh water for the surrounding areas. It does not, however, directly feed the Mississippi River. While Lake Superior does not directly provide water for the Mississippi, it does indirectly contribute to its water supply by providing water for clouds and precipitation. Additionally, the Great Lakes region is home to a variety of natural resources and is facing a number of environmental threats. Fortunately, governments and businesses are taking steps to protect and rehabilitate the region, and local organizations are raising awareness of its importance.
