GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Great Lakes Statistics: Market Report & Data

Highlights: Great Lakes Statistics

  • The Great Lakes contain 84% of North America’s surface freshwater.
  • The Great Lakes span over 94,000 square miles.
  • The Great Lakes has shoreline that is approximately 10,500 miles in length.
  • It contains 5,500 cubic kilometers of water.
  • The Great Lakes consist of 5 lakes: Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario.
  • Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes, with a surface area of 31,700 square miles.
  • Lake Erie is the smallest by volume among the Great Lakes.
  • The Great Lakes system supports more than 3,500 species of plants and animals.
  • The Great Lakes support a $7 billion fishing industry.
  • The Great Lakes are the source of drinking water for more than 30 million people.
  • The average depth of Lake Michigan is 279 feet.
  • The Great Lakes region is home to more than 200,000 jobs.
  • The Great Lakes have an estimated 35,000 islands.
  • The Lake Superior holds enough water to submerge all of North and South America in one foot of liquid.
  • The combined length of the Great Lakes is nearly 1,001 km.
  • There are 164 species of fish that call the Great Lakes home.
  • The Great Lakes contain about 18% of the world's supply of freshwater.

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Delve into the world of numbers and patterns as we exquisitely navigate through the statistical landscape of the largest freshwater system on Earth – The Great Lakes. This blog post aims to highlight fascinating statistical data about the Great Lakes, discussing everything from measurements such as depth and volume, to environmental aspects like water quality, biodiversity, and climatic impacts. Gain an enriched understanding of these majestic natural wonders from a statistical perspective, expanding your knowledge of these Lakes’ ecological, economic, and social significance. Join us as we unearth the stories told by numbers and make connections to their larger implications.

The Latest Great Lakes Statistics Unveiled

The Great Lakes contain 84% of North America’s surface freshwater.

Painting a vivid illustration of the importance of the Great Lakes, it’s noteworthy to highlight that they hold a grand 84% of North America’s surface freshwater. This towering percentage not only underscores the lakes’ monumental scale, but also their crucial role in the continent’s ecosystem, hydration and agricultural life. In the realm of Great Lakes statistics, this fact accentuates the ecological significance, economic value and resource potential that these bodies of waters constitute. For any research, exploration or environment-conscious discussions revolving around the Great Lakes, this statistic serves as a keystone, guiding perspectives and underlining their dynamic importance in North America.

The Great Lakes span over 94,000 square miles.

Unveiling the vastness of the Great Lakes, the figure of 94,000 square miles emphasizes not only their immense physical footprint but also potentially wide-reaching environmental, economic, and social implications. Whether it be in terms of watershed management, commercial shipping, tourism, or biodiversity, this statistic helps strengthen our understanding of the intricate complexities and immense resources encompassed within these water bodies. Furthermore, it provokes thoughtfulness regarding the stewardship these unique freshwater systems necessitate – sparking conversations about conservation, sustainable usage, and the impact of climate change, thereby adding depth and significance to the Great Lakes Statistics blog post.

The Great Lakes has shoreline that is approximately 10,500 miles in length.

Imbuing richness to the narrative of the Great Lakes’ vastness, the impressive statistic of its shoreline stretching over approximately 10,500 miles underpins the extensive ecological diversity, recreational opportunities, and economic potential they hold. The sheer length of shoreline engenders a myriad of ecosystems from sandy beaches to rocky cliffs, housing a plethora of plant and animal species. Metaphorically walking along these miles, one can envision the countless recreational havens such as beaches, boating, and fishing spots available, contributing to local tourism industries. Additionally, this indicates potential for commercial activities like harbors along the stretch, influencing the regional economy. Thus, this statistic serves as a significant tripwire, unraveling the enormous environmental, economic, and leisure realms existing along the Great Lakes’ perimeters.

It contains 5,500 cubic kilometers of water.

An awe-inspiring fact within the data sphere of the Great Lakes is the sheer volume of water they hold – a monumental 5,500 cubic kilometers. When you ponder this striking number, it provides a glimpse into the enormity of these fresh water bodies and underscores the crucial role they play in supporting ecosystem biodiversity, human livelihoods, commercial shipping, and recreational activities. Their massive size also highlights the vast responsibility and challenges we face in preserving and managing these precious resources in a sustainable manner. Whether directly or indirectly, this enormous volume of water impacts multitudes of lives and industries, making it an integral aspect of Great Lakes statistics.

The Great Lakes consist of 5 lakes: Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario.

Delving into the uniqueness of the Great Lakes, we uncover that they are a compilation of five distinct bodies of water: Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario. This integral statistic sets the foundation for our analytical journey on the blog post about Great Lakes Statistics. Each Lake, characterized by its own ecosystem, geography, and human impact, serves as an individual data point. By dissecting each lake’s specifics we don’t only generate a comprehensive understanding of the ecosystem dynamics, but it also enables a richer and broader context for comparative analyses, ultimately helping us to uncover compelling patterns, trends, and insights about the Great Lakes region.

Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes, with a surface area of 31,700 square miles.

Immersing ourselves in the realm of Great Lakes Statistics, a standout revelation to note is the sheer enormity of Lake Superior, as it champions the list with its staggering surface area of 31,700 square miles. This measurement, profound in its magnitude, underscores Lake Superior’s dominant role not only in water volume but also in habitat diversity and meteorological influence. Its size contributes substantially towards the biodiversity, climate dynamics, and overall health of the Great Lakes ecosystem, thereby serving as a key reference in any statistical analysis involving these crucial water bodies.

Lake Erie is the smallest by volume among the Great Lakes.

Diving deeper into the aquatic mosaics of the Great Lakes, it’s fascinating to spotlight that Lake Erie, despite its extensiveness, holds the title for the least voluminous among the quintet. This intriguing fact shapes our understanding of its depth, water storage capacity, and the potential for aquatic life habitation, forming an integral part of any comprehensive analysis. In estimating water quality, predicting climatic effects or planning conservation initiatives, this statistic serves as a pivotal plank, painting a more detailed picture of the Great Lakes’ collective anatomy.

The Great Lakes system supports more than 3,500 species of plants and animals.

Underscoring the biodiversity of the Great Lakes, this statistic comprises an integral part of the environmental mosaic by providing a numerical snapshot of the 3,500 species of plants and animals that depend upon the Great Lakes ecosystem for their survival. This rich tapestry of life serves as a vivid reminder of the importance of maintaining these waters in pristine condition. Within the context of a blog post about the Great Lakes, this figure anchors readers’ understanding of the vital role and immense responsibility we share in preserving and protecting this diverse ecological treasure trove for generations to come.

The Great Lakes support a $7 billion fishing industry.

Dipping our toes in the vast array of Great Lakes stat facts, one significant standout is the solid grasp of the $7 billion fishing industry. The monumental figure underlines an economic powerhouse, emphasizing the importance of these freshwater bodies as not just natural wonders, but potent financial propellers. The prosperity of millions who are directly or indirectly engaged in the fishing and associated industries hinges upon the health and productivity of the Great Lakes. With a cascade effect, this healthy pulse in the heart of North America’s fish economy also supports numerous businesses in hospitality, retail, and tourism sectors, further enriching the Great Lakes region.

The Great Lakes are the source of drinking water for more than 30 million people.

Highlighting that over 30 million individuals rely on the Great Lakes for their drinking water underscores the immense role these bodies of water play in supporting daily life and health for a significant population. In conjunction with other Great Lakes statistics, this data point invigorates the blog post, emphasizing both the ecological significance and human dependence on these aqueous resources. Essentially, it ties together the human relevance of the myriad other statistics, whether they pertain to the lakes’ size, depth, biodiversity, or economic impact, further underlining why protection and sustainable management of the Great Lakes is of paramount importance.

The average depth of Lake Michigan is 279 feet.

Diving into the numerical abyss of the Great Lakes, the average depth of Lake Michigan plays the role of a hidden gem, unmasking the aquatic profundity of this natural landmark. With an average depth of 279 feet, Lake Michigan not only sets itself apart, but also noticeably contributes to the cumulative understandings about the Great Lakes’ volumetric enormity. This measure, in essence, illustrates the lake’s capacity to hold water and plays a vital role in environmental variables such as temperature, climate effects, and the habitation patterns of various aquatic species. Far more than just a number, it’s a drop in the ocean that is the comprehensive statistical profile of the Great Lakes, adorning our understanding of these significant bodies of water.

The Great Lakes region is home to more than 200,000 jobs.

Unveiling the labor market dynamism in the heart of the Great Lakes region, the statistic that circling around 200,000 employment opportunities originated here sets the stage for a discussion about the area’s economic vitality. It showcases how the Great Lakes have fertilized the terrain for diverse industries, enabling a rich tapestry of jobs, from fishing to tourism, manufacturing to renewable energy generation. This numerical fact affords compelling perspectives into the livelihood dynamics, economy sustenance, and growth potential inherent within this freshwater bounty, offering an indispensable viewpoint to any thorough exploration of Great Lakes statistics.

The Great Lakes have an estimated 35,000 islands.

Painting a vivid picture of the vastness and diversity of the Great Lakes, the fact that there are an estimated 35,000 islands nestled within them provides a fresh perspective on their scale and richness. This figure not only underscores the geographical complexity of this freshwater ecosystem but also signifies the remarkable assortment of habitats it offers for various organisms. Furthermore, it suggests potential avenues for exploration and tourism, particularly for those seeking isolation or distinctive natural beauty. Truly, it’s statistics like these that lay bare the breadth and depth of the splendors that the Great Lakes hold.

The Lake Superior holds enough water to submerge all of North and South America in one foot of liquid.

Immersing the spectacular scale of Lake Superior into a striking context, the statistic that this giant can deluge the entirety of North and South America under one foot of water vividly underscores its immense volume. Within a blog post about Great Lakes statistics, this figure serves as a compelling reality-check, dramatizing not only the unparalleled size of Lake Superior among the Great Lakes, but its eminent place among global freshwater resources. Thus, the blog readers are not only intrigued, but engaged with an interesting perspective on the magnitude of this watery titan, which elegantly illustrates the importance of careful management and preservation of such colossal natural resources.

The combined length of the Great Lakes is nearly 1,001 km.

Using the language of numbers, the notable statistic of the Great Lakes having a combined length almost nearing 1,001 km works as a visual compass, guiding readers to grasp the enormous size of these interconnected freshwater lakes. It paints a picture of their immense scale that not only defines the geography of the North American continent, but also impacts the climate, biodiversity, transportation, and economy in the region. Expressed in this quantitative form, the statistic serves as a cornerstone for readers to appreciate the lakes’ physical extent, making the content of the blog more engaging, relatable, and tangible.

There are 164 species of fish that call the Great Lakes home.

Understanding that 164 distinct species of fish inhabit the Great Lakes paints a vibrant picture of the astonishing biodiversity nestled within these waters. It underlines the lakes’ role as a vital ecological hub, supporting a plethora of lifeforms. This colorful data point becomes a gateway to discussions on environmental health, conservation efforts, and the interconnectedness of life—a narrative thread necessary for a holistic understanding of the Great Lakes Statistics in our blog post.

The Great Lakes contain about 18% of the world’s supply of freshwater.

The statistic, ‘The Great Lakes contain about 18% of the world’s supply of freshwater’, serves as a dramatic testament to the significant role these natural wonders play in the global water ecosystem. Not only do they represent a vast geographic presence on the North American continent, their extensive contribution to the planet’s freshwater resources substantiates their importance in water-related discussions. Amidst pressing global concerns about water scarcity and climate change, this detail underscores the critical part the Great Lakes play in ensuring ecological balance, meeting human water needs, and maintaining biodiversity. Their continued health is indeed a matter of global consequence.

Conclusion

Through an in-depth analysis of the Great Lakes statistics, valuable insights were attained regarding the biodiversity, water quality, wind patterns, recreational use, and economic impact. The data shows an impressive combination of quantity and diversity of wildlife present in the lakes, highlighting the critical role they play in sustaining the ecosystem. Concerning water quality, it is evident that there is an urgent need for improved practices to reduce pollution and secure the health of the Lakes. Likewise, understanding wind patterns helps in forecasting weather conditions, naval navigation, and even the regional climate’s influence. Recognizing the lakes’ recreational uses and economic benefits further underscores their importance. Hence, continued study and conservation efforts are paramount for the well-being of the Great Lakes, given their ecological, economic, and societal significance.

References

0. – https://www.www.fws.gov

1. – https://www.www.lakesuperior.com

2. – https://www.www.michiganseagrant.org

3. – https://www.www.miseagrant.umich.edu

4. – https://www.www.greatlakes.org

5. – https://www.www.usgs.gov

6. – https://www.www.glerl.noaa.gov

7. – https://www.greatlakes.guide

8. – https://www.www.lakemichiganangler.com

9. – https://www.www.epa.gov

10. – https://www.www.canada.ca

FAQs

What are the names of the five Great Lakes?

The five Great Lakes are Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, and Lake Superior.

Which of the Great Lakes is the largest by volume and surface area?

Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes by both volume and surface area.

Which city is considered to be the busiest shipping port on the Great Lakes?

The city of Duluth, Minnesota, is considered the busiest shipping port on the Great Lakes.

What is the main cause of water level changes in the Great Lakes?

The water levels in the Great Lakes primarily fluctuate due to changes in the balance between the volume of water that enters the lakes and the volume of water that exits the lakes, influenced by factors such as precipitation, evaporation, and runoff.

Which Great Lake is the only one located entirely within the United States?

The only Great Lake located entirely within the United States is Lake Michigan.

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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