Michigan’s Great Lakes And Their Depth Perspectives
When it comes to Michigan's Great Lakes, everyone who lives here has an idea of what is above the surface. But, what about below the surface? Let's dive in and see.
Everyone has heard of depth perception. But, for the purposes of this article, today's post will use the term "depth-perspectives."
Lake Erie Depth-Perspective
Lake Erie is the shallowest of the Great Lakes with an average depth of 62-feet, and a maximum depth of 210-feet at its deepest point. To put this into depth-perspective, you could hide most 20 story buildings, depending on their roof designs, in the deepest part of Lake Erie.
Lake Huron Depth-Perspective
Lake Huron falls into the number two spot as the second shallowest of the Great Lakes with an average depth of 195 ft., and a maximum depth of 750 ft. 750 ft. is approximately 229 meters. To put this into depth-perspective, the individual towers of the Golden Gate Bridge stand approximately 227 meters above the San Francisco Bay. So, you could hide the Golden Gate Bridge in the deepest part of Lake Huron. That would be a cool image to see from the International Space Station.
Lake Ontario Depth-Perspective
When it comes to all five of the Great Lakes, Lake Ontario takes the #3 spot with an average depth of 283 ft., and maximum depth of just over 800 ft., or approximately 245 meters. To put this number into depth-perspective, the Eiffel Tower stands 1,060 ft. tall, including its flagpole at the top. So, if you set it in the deepest portion of Lake Ontario, you would see nothing but the top restaurant portion of the tower sticking out of the water. Talk about waterfront dining.
Lake Michigan Depth-Perspective
Lake Michigan takes the #2 spot for deepest of the Great Lakes with an average depth of 279 ft., and a maximum depth of 923 ft., approximately 280 meters. To put this into depth-perspective using the Eiffel Tower again, if you set the Eiffel Tower in the deepest portion of Lake Michigan, only the top 100-or-so feet of the restaurant and flagpole would stick out. And, depending on the waves, the restaurant patrons could walk out with wet feet.
Lake Superior Depth-Perspective
Last, but certainly not least, Lake Superior tops the list for deepest Great Lake with an average depth of 483 ft. and a maximum depth of 1,333 ft., approximately 406 meters. To put this into depth-perspective, the Empire State Building is 400 meters tall. So, you could completely hide it upright in the deepest part of Lake Superior. Wow! That certainly would have changed the ending of King Kong dramatically.
Now, the next time you look at any of the Great Lakes from the surface, you will have a better understanding as to the mysteries that lie below.
SEE ALSO: This Location Is the Highest You Can Get In Michigan