Which great lake is located furthest north?

Discovering the Northernmost Great Lake

The Great Lakes are a group of five interconnected freshwater lakes located in North America, known for their immense size, beauty, and economic significance. Each lake has its unique features and characteristics, including their locations on the map. In this article, we’ll explore which great lake is located the furthest north and what makes it a remarkable body of water.

The Five Great Lakes: An Overview

The five Great Lakes are Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario. They collectively form the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world, holding about 84% of North America’s surface freshwater and 21% of the world’s freshwater supply. The lakes are located in the northeastern part of North America, along the Canada-United States border, with Lake Michigan being the only one entirely located in the United States. These great bodies of water are critical for transportation, fishing, recreation, and energy production and are home to diverse ecosystems that support various plant and animal species.

Understanding the Factors that Influence Latitude

Latitude is a measure of a location’s distance from the equator, with higher latitudes being further north. Factors that influence a location’s latitude include its distance from the equator, the tilt of the Earth’s axis, and its location relative to other bodies of water and landmasses. The more north a location is, the colder its climate tends to be, with shorter summers and longer winters. The Great Lakes’ latitudes range from Lake Erie, located at 42° North, to Lake Superior, located at 47° North.

Comparing the Latitudes of the Great Lakes

As mentioned before, the Great Lakes’ latitudes range from 42° North to 47° North. The northernmost Great Lake, as we’ll explore in the next section, is Lake Superior, located at 47° North. Lake Michigan and Lake Huron are located at the same latitude, which is 45° North, while Lake Erie is the southernmost of the five, located at 42° North.

The Northernmost Great Lake: A Brief Overview

Lake Superior, located at 47° North, is the northernmost of the five Great Lakes and the world’s largest freshwater lake by surface area, holding about 10% of the Earth’s surface freshwater. It is situated between the United States and Canada, with its western shore in Minnesota, its northern shore in Ontario, and its eastern and southern shores in Michigan and Wisconsin, respectively. Its name, "superior," reflects its immense size and depth, with a maximum depth of 1,332 feet and a surface area of 31,700 square miles.

A Closer Look at the Location of Lake Superior

Lake Superior’s location at 47° North places it above the 45° North parallel, which is a significant latitude line as it marks the halfway point between the equator and the North Pole. Being situated at a higher latitude means that Lake Superior experiences colder temperatures and longer winters than the other Great Lakes. The lake’s position also influences the weather patterns of the surrounding areas, with cold air masses from the north colliding with warm air masses from the south, resulting in significant snowfall and thunderstorms.

The Advantages of Being the Northernmost Great Lake

Being the northernmost of the five Great Lakes has some advantages. For one, it contributes to Lake Superior’s unique ecosystem, including its diverse fish species, wetlands, and forests. Additionally, the lake’s location provides opportunities for scientific research and tourism, as visitors can observe and study the effects of a colder climate on the surrounding environment.

The Climate and Environmental Conditions of Lake Superior

Lake Superior’s climate and environmental conditions are influenced by its latitude, size, and position relative to other bodies of water and landmasses. The lake’s cold temperatures, strong winds, and abundant snowfall contribute to its unique ecosystem, including its fish species, such as lake trout and whitefish. The lake’s surrounding areas host a diverse range of wildlife, including moose, wolves, and bears, as well as numerous bird species.

The Influence of Lake Superior on Surrounding Areas

Lake Superior’s influence extends beyond its immediate surroundings, impacting the weather patterns and ecosystems of the surrounding areas. The lake’s cold waters contribute to the formation of lake-effect snow, which is responsible for the high snowfall rates in regions like the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The lake’s influence also extends to the St. Lawrence Seaway, a significant shipping channel that connects the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean.

The Economic Significance of Lake Superior

Lake Superior’s economic significance is significant, with industries like fishing, shipping, and tourism relying on its resources and location. The lake supports commercial and recreational fishing, with species like lake trout and whitefish being primary targets. The shipping industry uses Lake Superior as an essential transportation route, connecting the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. The lake also attracts numerous tourists each year, drawn to its natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and scientific research facilities.

Conclusion: Appreciating the Northernmost Great Lake

Lake Superior’s location as the northernmost of the five Great Lakes is a significant factor that contributes to its unique ecosystem, weather patterns, and economic significance. Its position provides opportunities for scientific research, tourism, and a diverse range of industries that rely on its resources. Understanding the factors that influence a location’s latitude can help us appreciate the distinct characteristics that make each of the Great Lakes special.

References: Sources for Further Reading

National Geographic. (n.d.). The Five Great Lakes. Retrieved October 19, 2021, from
NOAA. (2019, August 20). Latitude and Longitude. Retrieved October 19, 2021, from https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/gccalc.shtml