Is Lake Superior an Inland Sea?
Lake Superior, often referred to as the “Great Lake,” has long been a subject of debate among geographers, scientists, and locals. One of the most intriguing questions that often arises is whether Lake Superior should be classified as an inland sea. This article delves into the characteristics of Lake Superior and examines the reasons behind this classification debate.
Lake Superior, the largest and northernmost of the Great Lakes, spans an area of approximately 31,700 square miles. It is bordered by the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec, as well as the U.S. states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. With a maximum depth of 1,330 feet, it is also the deepest and coldest of the Great Lakes. Its vast size and depth have led many to question whether it should be considered an inland sea.
An inland sea is a body of saltwater that is surrounded by land but is not connected to the ocean. This definition has been used to classify lakes such as the Caspian Sea and the Aral Sea. To determine if Lake Superior fits this description, we must examine its salinity, connectivity to the ocean, and geographical features.
Firstly, Lake Superior’s salinity is significantly lower than that of the ocean, making it a freshwater lake. This is due to the high rate of evaporation and the low rate of inflow from rivers and streams. The freshwater nature of Lake Superior differentiates it from true inland seas like the Caspian Sea, which has a higher salinity level.
Secondly, Lake Superior is not connected to the ocean. It is separated from the Atlantic Ocean by the Saint Lawrence River and the Great Lakes Waterway, which includes the St. Lawrence Seaway. This physical barrier ensures that Lake Superior remains an isolated body of freshwater.
However, the debate over Lake Superior’s classification as an inland sea is not solely based on its salinity and connectivity. The geographical features of the lake also play a crucial role. Lake Superior’s vast size, deep waters, and complex coastline resemble those of an ocean. It has a long history of shipwrecks, and its waters are home to diverse marine life, further supporting the argument that it could be considered an inland sea.
Proponents of the inland sea classification argue that the lake’s size, depth, and geographical features make it more similar to an ocean than a typical freshwater lake. They point out that the lake’s size is comparable to some of the world’s largest seas, such as the Mediterranean Sea, which has an area of approximately 223,000 square miles. Additionally, the lake’s depth and the presence of shipwrecks suggest that it has the potential to support a more diverse ecosystem similar to that of an ocean.
On the other hand, opponents argue that the freshwater nature of Lake Superior and its lack of direct connection to the ocean are crucial factors that differentiate it from an inland sea. They contend that the lake’s size and depth alone do not justify its classification as an inland sea.
In conclusion, whether Lake Superior should be classified as an inland sea is a matter of debate. While its size, depth, and some geographical features may support this classification, the lake’s freshwater nature and lack of direct ocean connectivity argue against it. Ultimately, the classification of Lake Superior as an inland sea depends on the specific criteria used to define this term and the perspective of the individual examining its characteristics.
