Located between the northern United States and southern Canada Lake Superior In terms of area, it is considered the largest freshwater lake in the world. This massive body of water is not only comparable in size to numerous European nations, but even surpasses them, making it a major player in the rankings of the world's most impressive lakes.
According to research carried out in the region, the Lake Superior It ranks third in the world in terms of volume. There is only one lake in Russia, which takes second place, and another in Africa, which tops the international list.
Anthropological history suggests that the first inhabitants of the Lake Superior area arrived there 10,000 years ago. Photo: Riosdelplaneta
Why is Lake Superior the second largest in the world?
Located in the American continentThis water body is notable for being the largest in its category, covering a huge area of 82,000 square kilometers. This data makes it the largest among the Great Lakes North America.
In other words, this body of water has a maximum length of 583 kilometers and a width of 257 kilometers. In addition, it has 4,393 kilometers of coastline, which includes both the main perimeter and the numerous islands.
At the same time, thanks to its impressive water volume of an estimated 12,232 cubic kilometers, it is considered the third largest lake in the world during this period, surpassed only by Lake Baikal in Siberia and Lake Tanganyika in the heart of Africa.
Lake Superior is considered one of the most important freshwater reserves in the world. Photo: Riosdelplanet
The curiosities of Lake Superior, the second largest in the world:
- The average depth is 149 meters and the deepest point is 406 meters above the surface.
- It was created at an altitude of 187 meters above sea level.
- At a depth of less than 200 meters, the temperature is 4°C all year round.
- It is home to 80 species of fish.
- It receives water from more than 210 rivers, the St. Louis being the most important.
- It integrates the San Lorenzo River river system.
How many names did the largest freshwater lake in the world have?
Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area and has been known by several names throughout history. The native Ojibwe called it “Gichigami,” meaning “Great Sea” or “Great Sea.” The French who explored the region called it “Le Lac Supérieur,” which translates to “Lake Superior,” in reference to its geographical location as the most remote of the Great Lakes.
Although these are the most documented and recognized names, it is likely that other names were given by various indigenous groups and explorers before the arrival of Europeans. Although there are primarily two historically significant names known, the exact total number of names it has received over time may vary depending on sources and interpretations of historical and linguistic records.