When it comes to the Great Lakes, it is easy to get confused about which lake forms the border of Illinois. Two of the largest freshwater lakes in the world, Lake Erie and Lake Michigan, are adjacent to Illinois. However, only one of these lakes serves as a border for the state. In this article, we will explore the geography of Illinois and the physical characteristics of Lake Erie and Lake Michigan to determine which lake forms the border of Illinois.
The geography of Illinois
Illinois is a state located in the Midwest region of the United States. It is bordered by Indiana to the east, Missouri to the west, Wisconsin to the north, Kentucky to the south, and Lake Michigan to the northeast. The state has a total area of 57,915 square miles and a population of approximately 12.7 million people. Illinois is known for its diverse landscape, which includes flat prairies, rolling hills, and forests.
Lake Erie: Overview
Lake Erie is the fourth-largest of the Great Lakes and is located on the border between the United States and Canada. It has a surface area of 9,910 square miles and a maximum depth of 210 feet. The lake is known for its unique ecosystem, which supports a variety of fish species, including walleye, yellow perch, and smallmouth bass. Lake Erie is also an important shipping route, connecting the Midwest to the Atlantic Ocean via the St. Lawrence Seaway.
Lake Michigan: Overview
Lake Michigan is the third-largest of the Great Lakes and is located entirely within the United States. It has a surface area of 22,400 square miles and a maximum depth of 925 feet. The lake is known for its clear waters, sandy beaches, and stunning sunsets. Lake Michigan is also an important source of freshwater, serving as the primary drinking water source for millions of people in the surrounding states.
Physical characteristics of the two lakes
While both Lake Erie and Lake Michigan are large bodies of water, they differ in several key physical characteristics. Lake Erie is shallower than Lake Michigan, with a maximum depth of 210 feet compared to Lake Michigan’s 925 feet. Lake Erie is also smaller in size, with a surface area of 9,910 square miles compared to Lake Michigan’s 22,400 square miles. Additionally, Lake Michigan has a larger watershed, which means it receives more water from its tributaries and surrounding land.
The border between Illinois and Lake Erie
While Lake Erie is located in close proximity to Illinois, it does not form a border for the state. The lake is located entirely to the east of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York. Therefore, the border between Illinois and Lake Erie does not exist.
The border between Illinois and Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan serves as the border between Illinois and the state of Michigan. The border runs along the entire eastern coast of Lake Michigan, from the northernmost point of the lake down to the Indiana state line. The border between Illinois and Lake Michigan is an important boundary, as it determines the jurisdictional boundaries for fishing, shipping, and other activities that take place on the lake.
The legal status of the borders
The borders between Illinois and Lake Michigan are recognized as official boundaries under United States law. The border between Illinois and Michigan is established by a compact between the two states, which was approved by Congress in 1836. The border between Illinois and Lake Michigan is also recognized under the Submerged Lands Act of 1953, which granted states ownership of the lands beneath navigable waters within their borders.
The economic and environmental importance of the borders
The borders between Illinois and Lake Michigan are important for both economic and environmental reasons. The shipping industry relies on the border to transport goods between the Midwest and the rest of the world. The border also regulates fishing on the lake, which is an important industry for the surrounding communities. From an environmental perspective, the border helps to protect the lake’s ecosystem and prevent pollution from entering the waters.
Conclusion: Which lake forms Illinois’s border?
After exploring the geography of Illinois and the physical characteristics of Lake Erie and Lake Michigan, it is clear that Lake Michigan forms the border of Illinois. While Lake Erie is located in close proximity to Illinois, it does not form a border for the state. The border between Illinois and Lake Michigan plays an important role in regulating economic and environmental activities on the lake.
Final thoughts
The Great Lakes are an important natural resource for the United States and Canada. They provide drinking water, habitat for fish and wildlife, and recreational opportunities for millions of people. It is important to understand the physical characteristics and legal status of the borders between the Great Lakes and the surrounding states and provinces to ensure their continued protection and management.
References
- "Illinois." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2021.
- "Lake Erie." Great Lakes Information Network. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2021.
- "Lake Michigan." Great Lakes Information Network. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2021.
- "Michigan-Illinois Boundary Compact." Michigan State Boundary Commission. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2021.
- "Submerged Lands Act." U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. U.S. Department of the Interior, n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2021.
