The Great Lakes Ranked By Size

Ranking the Great Lakes by Size

Superlative Status: Lake Superior is the Largest of the Group

The Great Lakes are a series of five interconnected lakes in North America, with the largest and smallest members being the focal point of comparison. When it comes to ranking the Great Lakes by size, Lake Superior takes the top spot as the largest member of the group.

Located on the northern border of the United States and southern Canada, Lake Superior is not only the largest of the five Great Lakes but also the deepest at an average depth of approximately 288 meters (945 feet). With a maximum depth of about 406 meters (1,332 feet), it surpasses all other lakes in terms of sheer size.

Lake Michigan comes in second as the second-largest lake by surface area and volume. While it is significantly smaller than Lake Superior, its average depth of about 147 meters (482 feet) and maximum depth of around 281 meters (925 feet) make it a notable exception to the rule.

Located between the states of Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana, Lake Michigan serves as a vital transportation route and source of freshwater for millions of people along its shores. Its diverse aquatic ecosystem supports an array of unique plant and animal species that inhabit its waters.

The other three Great Lakes – Huron, Erie, and Ontario – follow in a decreasing order of size, with each having distinct characteristics that set them apart from one another. Lake Huron, the second-deepest lake, features an average depth of approximately 163 meters (535 feet) and a maximum depth of about 216 meters (709 feet).

Lake Erie, being the shallowest of all five Great Lakes, boasts an average depth of around 19 meters (62 feet) and a maximum depth of about 64 meters (210 feet). Lake Ontario, with its average depth of about 85 meters (279 feet) and maximum depth of approximately 244 meters (801 feet), serves as the only Great Lake located entirely within Canada.

In conclusion, Lake Superior stands out as the largest and deepest member among the Great Lakes. This exceptional status reflects not just its massive size but also its unique geological features that contribute to the rich biodiversity and aquatic life within its waters.

The largest of the five Great Lakes, Lake Superior holds about 10% of the Earth’s fresh surface water and covers an area of approximately 31,700 square miles. Its sheer size and depth make it a fascinating body of water that attracts scientists and tourists alike.

The five Great Lakes are often ranked according to their size, with Lake Superior holding the top spot. It’s a massive **freshwater** lake that covers an area of approximately _31,700 square miles_.

Measuring about 10% of the Earth’s fresh surface water, Lake Superior is indeed the largest of the five Great Lakes. Its sheer size and depth make it a fascinating body of water that attracts scientists and tourists alike.

Rounding out the top three are Lakes **Michigan** and **Huron**, which are actually connected to each other by the _Mackinac Strait_.

Lake Michigan covers an area of about 22,400 square miles, while Lake Huron has a surface area of approximately 23,000 square miles. Together, they form the largest group of _freshwater lakes_ in the world.

The final two Great Lakes are smaller than their northern counterparts. Lake **Erie** covers an area of about 9,900 square miles and is situated between the United States and Canada.

Lake Ontario, on the other hand, has a surface area of approximately _7,340 square miles_ and lies to the east of Lakes Erie and Huron. While it’s still a significant body of water, it’s dwarfed by its northern neighbors.

Average Sizing: Lake Michigan is Second in Size and Volume

The Great Lakes are the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world, accounting for approximately 20% of the planet’s surface water supply.

The size and volume of these five massive bodies of water can be ranked using several factors such as area, volume, and shoreline length.

**Lake Superior**, also known as Gichi-gami or Ojibwe, is the largest Lake in both surface area and volume. It has a total area of 31,700 square miles (82,100 km²) and holds approximately 2,900 cubic miles (12,200 km³)

Lake Michigan, also known as Michtigan or Big Water, is the second-largest Great Lake by surface area, with a total area of 22,400 square miles (58,000 km²). It has a volume of approximately 1,180 cubic miles (4,900 km³)

Lake Huron, also known as the Great Lake-Huron or the Georgian Bay, is the third-largest Great Lake by surface area with an approximate total area of 23,000 square miles (59,000 km²). Its volume is approximately 1,200 cubic miles (5,000 km³)

Lake Erie, also known as the Great Lake-Erie, is the fourth-largest Great Lake with an approximate total area of 9,900 square miles (25,600 km²) and a volume of approximately 100 cubic miles (420 km³)

Lake Ontario, also known as Ojibwe or Hochelaga, is the smallest Great Lake by surface area with an approximate total area of 7,900 square miles (20,500 km²). Its volume is approximately 393 cubic miles (1,639 km³)

These rankings provide a fascinating insight into the massive size and volume of these incredible bodies of water

Measuring about 22% the size of Lake Superior, Lake Michigan takes the second spot among the Great Lakes. Its average depth is approximately 279 feet, making it a significant contributor to the lakes’ total volume.

Lake Superior holds its position as the largest among the Great Lakes, covering a substantial area that surpasses the combined size of all the other lakes. Measuring roughly 22% of the total surface area of Lake Superior, Lake Michigan secures the second spot in terms of size.

One notable aspect of Lake Michigan is its average depth, which stands at approximately 279 feet. This significant depth contributes a substantial volume to the collective water mass of the Great Lakes.

Lake Erie ranks fourth among the Great Lakes by area, but when measured by volume, it drops to fifth position. However, its relatively shallow waters make up for the lack in terms of total volume compared to deeper lakes like Superior and Michigan.

Meanwhile, Lake Huron places third by area but takes a slight drop in the ranking when considering volume due to its shallowness relative to other Great Lakes. The combined size and depth of these large bodies of water contribute significantly to their overall importance in the global water supply and ecosystem balance.

Ranking the Great Lakes by size involves accounting for both surface area and average depth as crucial factors. The distinct characteristics of each lake play a critical role in determining its overall ranking within this classification system, which highlights the diversity and complexity of these massive water bodies.

The Smaller but Significant Great Lakes: Huron and Erie

Averaging Out: Lake Huron Takes Third Place in Size and Depth

The five Great Lakes are often categorized as large, but some of them hold more significance than others due to their unique characteristics.

Lake Huron and Lake Erie are two such lakes that stand out from the rest despite being smaller in size compared to other members of this group.

**Why Lake Huron is a significant Great Lake:**

Firstly, it is the second-largest lake by surface area after Lake Michigan with 23,000 square miles of water space.

Lake Huron is also known for its depth, being the third deepest out of all the Great Lakes with an average depth of approximately 750 feet.

In terms of volume, it ranks fifth among the five lakes due to its relatively smaller size.

**Comparison with Lake Superior and Lake Erie:**

While Lake Huron is a significant lake, it falls short in comparison to some of the other Great Lakes when it comes to surface area and depth.

Lake Superior, being the largest of all, covers an area of around 31,700 square miles and boasts an average depth of about 1,332 feet, making it both larger and deeper than Lake Huron.

Lake Erie, on the other hand, has a smaller surface area at around 9,900 square miles, but it is also one of the shallower lakes with an average depth of approximately 62 feet.

**Ranking and Conclusion:**

When comparing the size and depth of Lake Huron to that of other Great Lakes, we can conclude that it takes third place in terms of both surface area and average depth.

This is due to its relatively smaller size compared to lakes like Superior and Michigan, but still holds significant value as one of the largest inland bodies of water on Earth.

Lake Huron comes in as the third largest Great Lake, covering around 23,000 square miles. It’s notable for its relatively shallower depth compared to its larger counterparts but still makes significant contributions to the lakes’ total volume.

Lake Huron, as one of the five Great Lakes, plays a vital role in the ecosystem and economy of the region, despite its relatively smaller size compared to some of its counterparts.

The third-largest of the Great Lakes by surface area, covering approximately 23,000 square miles, Lake Huron is a significant contributor to the overall volume of the lakes.

One notable aspect of Lake Huron is its shallower depth compared to the other Great Lakes. However, this shallowness does not detract from its importance in the water cycle and its role as an essential component of the ecosystem.

Lake Huron’s shoreline stretches for approximately 3,825 miles, providing habitats for a diverse range of plant and animal species, including fish, birds, and other aquatic life.

The lake’s shallow depth is also a key factor in the formation of its unique features, such as sandbars, beaches, and wetlands. These areas provide important stopover points for migratory birds and offer habitats for local wildlife.

Another significant feature of Lake Huron is its connection to Lake Erie through the Detroit River. This connection allows for water exchange between the two lakes, maintaining a healthy balance in terms of water levels and quality.

Lake Huron’s importance extends beyond its natural features, as it plays a critical role in supporting commercial fishing industries, providing recreational opportunities for tourists, and contributing to the regional economy through shipping and trade.

The Smallest yet Most Shallow: Lake Erie

Hurons’ smaller size compared to its fellow Great Lakes has not diminished its significance, as it continues to be a vital source of water supply for several states and provinces.

The lake’s depth averages approximately 750 feet, making it the second-deepest of the Great Lakes after Lake Ontario, while its surface elevation ranges from around 571 to 581 feet above sea level.

Hurons’ shoreline spans over 3,825 miles in total length and is shared by Canada and the United States.

One of Huron’s most notable features is the Straits of Mackinac, a narrow waterway connecting it to Lake Michigan.

This strait provides an essential passageway for boats traveling between the two lakes as well as serving as a boundary between the states of Michigan and Illinois.

Hurons’ climate varies from temperate in the southern areas to subarctic in the northern regions, with precipitation levels ranging from 30 inches on average per year near the shorelines to over 50 inches in some inland locations.

Lake Erie, located at the southwestern end of the Great Lakes chain, is both the smallest and shallowest of the five major lakes by volume.

Its surface elevation averages around 570 feet above sea level, while its average depth is approximately 62 feet, which makes it the shallowest of all the Great Lakes.

Lake Eries’ shoreline measures roughly 871 miles in total length and serves as a natural border between the states of Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Ontario, Canada.

The lake’s climate varies greatly from region to region, with mild temperatures prevailing near its southern end due to the moderating influence of Lake Erie itself, while colder conditions prevail near its northern regions.

Lake Eries’ annual precipitation levels range from around 30 inches along the southern shoreline to over 50 inches in inland areas.

With a size of approximately 9,900 square miles and an average depth of merely 27 feet, Lake Erie is often considered the smallest and shallowest of the Great Lakes. Despite its relative smallness, it’s still crucial for aquatic life and supports various fishing industries.

Lake Huron, situated to the north of Lake Erie, shares similarities with its southern counterpart but boasts a size of approximately 23,000 square miles and an average depth of around 750 feet.

However, while it may be larger than Lake Erie in terms of sheer size and depth, Lake Huron also possesses its own unique characteristics that make it an integral part of the Great Lakes ecosystem.

Notably, Lake Huron plays a vital role in maintaining the water balance between the other four Great Lakes – Superior, Michigan, Ontario, and Erie.

This is achieved through the Straits of Mackinac, which connect Lake Huron to Lake Michigan, allowing for the free flow of water between the two bodies and ensuring that no single lake becomes overly dominant or suffers from an excessive accumulation of water.

Furthermore, the nutrient-rich waters of Lake Huron support a diverse array of aquatic life, including zebra mussels, walleye fish, and various species of plants.

The presence of these organisms is a testament to the lake’s robust ecosystem, which not only sustains but also influences the surrounding environment in significant ways.

For example, the sediment carried by Lake Huron helps to maintain the nutrient balance of its neighboring lakes, thereby supporting their own aquatic life and ecological processes.

Additionally, the lake’s shoreline is dotted with numerous islands, coves, and bays that provide crucial habitats for various bird species, fish populations, and other wildlife.

As such, while Lake Erie may be smaller and shallower than its northern counterpart, both lakes – Huron and Erie – contribute significantly to the overall richness and biodiversity of the Great Lakes ecosystem.

Their interdependence highlights the importance of maintaining a delicate balance between their respective sizes, depths, and ecological processes to preserve this remarkable system for future generations.

The Overall Greatness of the Great Lakes

A Collective Effort: The Five Great Lakes as a Single Body

The five Great Lakes are indeed a collective effort, working together to create a singularly majestic and awe-inspiring body of water. As we delve into their sizes, it’s essential to remember that each lake plays a vital role in this harmonious union.

The Largest of the Great Lakes

Superior is the largest of the five Great Lakes, accounting for approximately 31% of the total surface area. It stretches over 350 miles (563 km) long and reaches widths of up to 160 miles (257 km).

Its enormous size allows it to hold a massive volume of water, roughly 2,900 cubic miles (12,200 km3)

This impressive capacity is crucial in regulating the regional climate and weather patterns.

The Second Largest Lake: Michigan

Michigan is the second-largest Great Lake, covering nearly 22% of the total surface area. It extends over 320 miles (515 km) long and reaches widths of up to 120 miles (193 km)

The lake’s massive size enables it to support a wide range of aquatic life, including numerous fish species
Its vast shoreline offers an abundance of recreational opportunities for boaters, swimmers, and anglers alike

The Other Great Lakes: A Unified Whole

Erie is the fourth-largest lake in the group, covering about 9% of the total surface area. It’s the smallest of the five lakes by volume but still holds a significant amount of water.

The lake’s compact size allows for unique geological features like its submerged island, Gull Island

Erie plays a vital role in regulating the regional climate and weather patterns due to its position at the northern end of Lake Ontario’s watershed.

The Smallest but Mighty Great Lake: Huron

Huron is the largest by volume, holding approximately 23% of the total water within the five lakes. It measures over 220 miles (354 km) long and reaches widths of up to 100 miles (161 km)

The lake’s vast size supports a diverse array of aquatic life, including several species of fish and other organisms
Huron’s shoreline offers numerous recreational opportunities for boaters, swimmers, and anglers alike.

Ontario: A Unique Case Study in the Great Lakes System

Ontario is the smallest lake by volume but still plays a vital role in the regional ecosystem. It measures over 200 miles (322 km) long and reaches widths of up to 80 miles (129 km)

The lake’s unique geological features, such as its submerged islands, create habitats for diverse aquatic life
Ontario plays a crucial role in regulating the regional climate and weather patterns due to its position at the southern end of Lake Superior’s watershed.

When taken together, the five Great Lakes represent an extraordinary 20% of the world’s fresh surface water. Their collective size and volume play crucial roles in maintaining global ecosystems and supporting diverse aquatic life.

The Great Lakes are an awe-inspiring natural wonder, comprising five majestic lakes that hold a significant portion of the world’s fresh surface water. When taken together, they represent an extraordinary 20% of the world’s freshwater resources, making them a crucial component of the planet’s hydrological cycle.

The sheer scale and grandeur of the Great Lakes are truly breathtaking. Stretching across eight American states and one Canadian province, they cover an impressive area of over 94,000 square miles (243,000 square kilometers), roughly the size of the state of New York or the country of Germany.

As for their volume, the collective might of the Great Lakes holds a staggering 6 quadrillion gallons (22.7 trillion liters) of freshwater, which is approximately 20% of the world’s total supply of fresh water. This voluminous capacity not only ensures the survival of countless aquatic species but also supports diverse ecosystems, including those of various fish, birds, and mammals.

The importance of the Great Lakes in maintaining global ecosystems cannot be overstated. As a vital part of the planet’s hydrological cycle, they play a critical role in regulating climate patterns, providing water for agriculture, and supporting industries such as shipping and recreation.

From an environmental standpoint, the Great Lakes are also remarkable for their resilience and adaptability. Despite facing numerous challenges, including pollution, overfishing, and climate change, these majestic bodies of water continue to thrive, serving as a testament to their ecological importance.

Furthermore, the diverse aquatic life supported by the Great Lakes is an integral part of their overall greatness. With over 170 species of fish, countless varieties of plankton, and numerous other invertebrates, algae, and plants, these lakes serve as a crucial habitat for an array of marine animals.

The interconnectedness of the Great Lakes also makes them an exceptional example of aquatic ecosystems at work. The lakes are connected by various rivers and waterways, such as the Saint Lawrence River, which allows fish and other species to migrate between the lakes, maintaining genetic diversity and ecological balance throughout the system.

In conclusion, the overall greatness of the Great Lakes cannot be overstated. Their collective size, volume, and environmental importance make them a vital component of global ecosystems, supporting an array of diverse aquatic life while also influencing climate patterns and regulating the planet’s hydrological cycle.

Conclusion: A Unified Front for Environmental Understanding and Protection

The Great Lakes are a truly remarkable natural wonder, comprising the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth. Spanning over 10% of the planet’s fresh water, these five majestic Lakes – Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario – form an indispensable component of our world’s ecological balance.

Located in the heart of North America, the Great Lakes have been shaping the region’s landscape for millions of years. These mighty bodies of water cover an astonishing 94,000 square miles, with a combined shoreline that stretches over 10,500 miles – longer than the Atlantic coast of the United States.

What sets the Great Lakes apart from other natural wonders is their sheer size and freshwater abundance. Lake Superior, the largest of the five, holds approximately 2,900 cubic miles of water, which could supply the entire world’s freshwater needs for several years if necessary.

The Lake Michigan, the second-largest of the Great Lakes, boasts a shoreline that spans over 1,640 miles and is home to numerous iconic cities such as Chicago and Milwaukee. Lake Huron, often referred to as the “Michigan-Huron,” shares the same depth record with Lake Superior, standing at an incredible 1,332 feet.

Lake Erie, situated in the southern part of the Great Lakes region, has the shallowest water levels among its counterparts but still supports a significant fishery industry. Meanwhile, Lake Ontario forms the border between the United States and Canada, providing an essential trade route for cargo ships.

The importance of the Great Lakes extends far beyond their impressive size and natural beauty. As a vital source of water supply, these lakes are also crucial for industrial and agricultural activities, as well as serving as a hub for international shipping and commerce.

In conclusion, the Great Lakes represent an unparalleled combination of natural wonder and ecological significance. Their sheer size, freshwater abundance, and economic importance make them a vital component of our world’s environmental balance. By embracing a unified front for environmental understanding and protection, we can safeguard the long-term health of these precious Lakes – and secure their place as one of humanity’s most treasured natural resources.

Through collaborative efforts, governments, organizations, and individuals can come together to address pressing issues such as water quality management, invasive species control, and shoreline conservation. By working in unison, we can ensure the Great Lakes continue to thrive for generations to come – a shining example of what can be achieved through collective action and sustainability.

The combined might of the Great Lakes makes them a fascinating yet fragile entity that demands our respect, study, and protection. Continued research into their properties and behavior ensures their continued health and preservation for generations to come.

The Great Lakes are an incredibly majestic and awe-inspiring natural wonder, boasting a combined shoreline of over 10,000 miles and holding approximately 20% of the world’s fresh surface water.

Spanning across four US states and one Canadian province, the Great Lakes consist of five interconnected lakes: Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario.

The sheer magnitude of these lakes is staggering, with a total surface area of over 94,000 square miles – roughly the size of the state of North Carolina.

Each lake has its unique characteristics, with varying depths and water levels. For instance, Lake Superior holds the title as the largest of the Great Lakes by both volume and surface area, while Lake Michigan is the second-largest lake in terms of surface area, yet it’s also the deepest of the five lakes.

Not only are the Great Lakes massive in scale, but they also play a vital role in the world’s ecosystem, serving as the primary source of water for millions of people and supporting an incredible array of aquatic life.

The combined might of the Great Lakes is what makes them so fascinating – their interconnectedness and the dynamic relationships between their lakes make them a model example of how complex systems can thrive.

However, despite their grandeur and importance, the Great Lakes face numerous threats to their health and sustainability. Pollution, climate change, invasive species, and human activities like shipping and industrial waste all pose significant risks to these majestic lakes.

To address these concerns, continued research into the properties and behavior of the Great Lakes is crucial for ensuring their preservation and protection. This includes studying factors such as water quality, aquatic ecosystems, and the impact of climate change on lake levels and weather patterns.

Furthermore, sustainable practices like reducing plastic pollution, promoting eco-friendly tourism, and implementing regulations to mitigate human activities’ effects are essential in maintaining the delicate balance of these incredible lakes.

The preservation of the Great Lakes is not just an environmental concern, but also a responsibility that requires collective action. By acknowledging their significance, understanding their complexities, and working together, we can ensure that these magnificent natural wonders continue to thrive for generations to come.

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