The Geology of Lake SuperiorLake Superior boasts the most dynamic geological history of any of the Great Lakes. It was formed
Thornapple River Rail Series presents TRRS 517: Michigan's Iron Ore Trail: The Lake Superior and Ishpeming Ore Dock. "The Lake Superior and Ishpeming Railroad's Ore Dock has stood above the waters of Lake Superior for over a hundred years, serving as the gateway to the steel mills for ore from the Marquette Iron Range. With 200 pockets, this classic gravity-drop pocket dock has served its function continuously since it opened, except for the brief winter shutdown when the lakes freeze over...In this video, you'll see how ships berth at the dock and take on their load of iron ore. From dumping the ore into the dock to raising and lowering the chutes, it's all here as both the LS&I and Ship crews work to keep the iron ore flowing." |
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Lake Superior
|
Elevation |
601 ft |
Surface Area |
31,700 mi² |
Drainage Area |
49,300 mi² |
Volume of Water |
2,900 mi³ |
Avg Depth |
483 ft |
Max Depth |
1,332 ft |
Length (N-S) |
160 mi |
Length (E-W) |
350 mi |
Length of Shoreline |
2,726 mi |
Avg Surface Temp |
43º F |
Retention Time |
191 years |
Avg Outflow |
76,000 f³/s |
Read more on the "Physical Features of the Great Lakes" from the EPA .
Lake Superior
By the Numbers
Elevation |
183 m |
Surface Area |
82,100 km² |
Drainage Area |
127,700 km² |
Volume of Water |
12,100 km³ |
Avg Depth |
147 m |
Max Depth |
406 m |
Length (N-S) |
257 km |
Length (E-W) |
563 km |
Length of Shoreline |
4,385 km |
Avg Surface Temp |
6º C |
Retention Time |
191 years |
Avg Outflow |
2,152 m³/s |
Read more on the "Physical Features of the Great Lakes" from the EPA
