Which one of the five Great Lakes is highest above sea level, and also deepest?

Lake Superior stands alone among the Great (Review) Lakes as both the highest in elevation and the deepest in its basin. Its vast surface, spanning over 31,000 square miles, sits like the majestic headwaters of the entire Great Lakes system. This elevated position means that water from Superior flows downward, eventually passing through Huron, Michigan, Erie, and Ontario on its journey to the Atlantic Ocean.

Beneath its high-perched surface, Lake Superior plummets to extraordinary depths. At its deepest point, it plunges over 1,300 feet, making it by far the deepest of the Great Lakes. This incredible depth, combined with its immense surface area, means it holds an astonishing volume of water – more than all the other Great Lakes combined, plus three additional Lake Eries. Its frigid, crystal-clear waters are a testament to this profound depth and its remote, untamed character.

This unique combination of being both the highest and deepest contributes to Lake Superior's distinctive environment. Its cold, oxygen-rich waters support a unique ecosystem, and its sheer scale often gives it the temperament of an inland sea. It remains a powerful natural wonder, shaping the climate, ecology, and history of the North American continent.