Lake Erie is one of the five Great Lakes in North America, and it is the second-smallest of the Great Lakes by surface area. Located on the border between the United States and Canada, Lake Erie is a vital component of the Great Lakes system, supporting a wide range of ecosystems, industries, and recreational activities. To understand the size of Lake Erie, it's essential to consider its various dimensions and characteristics.
Surface Area and Volume
Lake Erie has a surface area of approximately 9,900 square miles (25,600 square kilometers), making it the second-smallest of the Great Lakes, after Lake Ontario. The lake’s volume is about 99 cubic miles (413 cubic kilometers), which is also the smallest among the Great Lakes. Despite its relatively small size, Lake Erie is still a significant body of water, with an average depth of about 28 feet (8.5 meters) and a maximum depth of 210 feet (64 meters).
Length, Width, and Shoreline
Lake Erie is approximately 240 miles (386 kilometers) long and 57 miles (92 kilometers) wide at its widest point. The lake’s shoreline stretches for about 871 miles (1,402 kilometers), with the United States owning about 63% of the shoreline and Canada owning about 37%. The shoreline of Lake Erie is characterized by a mix of urban, industrial, and natural areas, with numerous ports, beaches, and parks along its length.
| Dimension | Value |
|---|---|
| Surface Area | 9,900 square miles (25,600 square kilometers) |
| Volume | 99 cubic miles (413 cubic kilometers) |
| Length | 240 miles (386 kilometers) |
| Width | 57 miles (92 kilometers) |
| Average Depth | 28 feet (8.5 meters) |
| Maximum Depth | 210 feet (64 meters) |
| Shoreline | 871 miles (1,402 kilometers) |
Ecosystems and Water Quality
Lake Erie supports a diverse range of ecosystems, including wetlands, coastal forests, and open water habitats. The lake is home to numerous fish species, such as walleye, yellow perch, and smallmouth bass, as well as other aquatic organisms like algae, zooplankton, and phytoplankton. However, Lake Erie has faced significant water quality challenges in recent years, including eutrophication, which is the excessive growth of algae due to high levels of nutrients in the water. This has led to the formation of harmful algal blooms, which can have negative impacts on the lake’s ecosystems and human health.
Human Impact and Management
Lake Erie is an important resource for human activities, including shipping, fishing, and recreation. The lake is also a source of drinking water for millions of people, and its water quality is closely monitored by regulatory agencies. To address the challenges facing Lake Erie, governments, organizations, and individuals are working together to implement watershed management strategies, which aim to reduce nutrient pollution and protect the lake’s ecosystems. These efforts include initiatives to reduce agricultural runoff, improve wastewater treatment, and promote sustainable land use practices.
What is the largest city on Lake Erie?
+The largest city on Lake Erie is Cleveland, Ohio, with a population of over 385,000 people.
What is the deepest part of Lake Erie?
+The deepest part of Lake Erie is about 210 feet (64 meters) deep, located in the eastern basin of the lake.
What are some popular recreational activities on Lake Erie?
+Popular recreational activities on Lake Erie include boating, fishing, swimming, and birdwatching. The lake is also a popular destination for kayaking, canoeing, and sailing.
