Courses
Courses for Kids
Free study material
Offline Centres
More
Store Icon
Store
SearchIcon
banner

Which is the Largest Fresh water Lake in the world?

Answer
VerifiedVerified
21.6k+ views

Answer: Lake Superior, USA


Explanation:

Lake Superior holds the impressive title of being the world's largest freshwater lake by surface area. This magnificent body of water spans approximately 82,100 square kilometers (31,700 square miles), making it truly deserving of its name "Superior."


Lake Superior is located in North America and forms part of the Great Lakes system. It sits on the border between the United States and Canada, with the northern shores belonging to the Canadian provinces of Ontario, while the southern and western shores belong to the US states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan's Upper Peninsula.


What makes Lake Superior even more remarkable is not just its surface area, but also its incredible depth and volume. The lake reaches a maximum depth of 406 meters (1,332 feet) and contains about 12,100 cubic kilometers of water. This represents roughly 10% of the world's fresh surface water, making it an invaluable natural resource.


The lake was formed thousands of years ago during the last ice age when glacial activity carved out the Great Lakes basin. Today, Lake Superior serves multiple important purposes including shipping, fishing, recreation, and as a source of fresh water for millions of people living in the region.


The lake's ecosystem is home to numerous fish species including lake trout, whitefish, and salmon. Its clear, cold waters maintain an average temperature that rarely exceeds 4°C (39°F) even in summer, earning it the nickname "a cold water ocean." The lake's pristine environment and natural beauty attract millions of visitors annually, making it an important destination for tourism and outdoor recreation activities.