How big is Lake Erie?

Lake Erie, one of the five Great Lakes of North America, holds a critical place geographically, economically, and ecologically. Though it is the fourth largest Great Lake by surface area, it is the smallest by volume. Its unique size and characteristics have made it a vital natural resource for the millions who live along its shores.

Surface Area and Length

Lake Erie covers an impressive surface area of approximately 9,910 square miles (25,700 square kilometers). This makes it the 13th largest lake in the world by surface area and the fourth largest of the Great Lakes, after Lake Superior, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan.

In terms of length, Lake Erie stretches about 241 miles (388 kilometers) from west to east. Its widest point, from north to south, spans about 57 miles (92 kilometers).

The lake’s coastline is highly irregular, featuring numerous bays, inlets, and peninsulas. It borders four U.S. states—Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York—and the Canadian province of Ontario to the north.

Depth and Volume

Although Lake Erie is broad and long, it is notably the shallowest of the Great Lakes. Its average depth is about 62 feet (19 meters), and the maximum depth—found in the eastern basin—is about 210 feet (64 meters).

Because it is so shallow compared to the other Great Lakes, Lake Erie holds a relatively modest volume of water: about 116 cubic miles (484 cubic kilometers). This makes it the smallest Great Lake by volume. To put it in perspective, Lake Superior, the largest by volume, holds over 12 times as much water.

The shallowness of Lake Erie has several important effects:

1. It warms up faster in the spring and summer compared to the deeper lakes.
2. It cools down and freezes more easily in the winter.
3. It is more vulnerable to environmental impacts like algal blooms and pollution.
4. Storms can create dramatic and dangerous waves because of the rapid response of shallow water to wind.

Elevation and Outflow

Lake Erie sits at an elevation of about 569 feet (173 meters) above sea level. Water from Lake Erie flows out through the Niagara River, leading to Niagara Falls and ultimately into Lake Ontario. From there, it eventually reaches the Atlantic Ocean via the Saint Lawrence River.

Because of its relatively low elevation compared to the other upper Great Lakes, Lake Erie acts almost like a large, slow-moving river in terms of water flow. Its water is refreshed much faster than in the deeper lakes: Lake Erie's water residence time (the average time a molecule of water stays in the lake) is about 2.6 years, compared to over 190 years for Lake Superior.

Islands and Notable Features

Lake Erie is dotted with several islands, particularly in the western basin near Ohio. Some of the most well-known islands include:

• South Bass Island (home to Put-in-Bay)
• Kelleys Island
• Middle Bass Island
• Pelee Island (the largest island, located in Canadian waters)

These islands contribute to the recreational appeal of Lake Erie, offering boating, fishing, historical sites, and scenic beauty.

Comparison to Other Great Lakes

When compared to the other Great Lakes:

1. Lake Superior is the largest and deepest.
2. Lake Michigan and Lake Huron are similar in size but much deeper.
3. Lake Ontario is smaller by surface area but much deeper.
4. Lake Erie is the shallowest and warmest, making it the most biologically productive.

Feature	Lake Superior	Lake Michigan	Lake Huron	Lake Erie	Lake Ontario
Surface Area	31,700 sq mi (82,100 km²)	22,400 sq mi (58,000 km²)	23,000 sq mi (59,600 km²)	9,910 sq mi (25,700 km²)	7,340 sq mi (19,000 km²)
Maximum Depth	1,333 ft (406 m)	923 ft (281 m)	750 ft (229 m)	210 ft (64 m)	802 ft (244 m)
Average Depth	483 ft (147 m)	279 ft (85 m)	195 ft (59 m)	62 ft (19 m)	283 ft (86 m)
Volume	2,900 cu mi (12,100 km³)	1,180 cu mi (4,918 km³)	850 cu mi (3,540 km³)	116 cu mi (484 km³)	393 cu mi (1,639 km³)
Residence Time	~191 years	~99 years	~22 years	~2.6 years	~6 years
Primary Outflow	St. Marys River	Straits of Mackinac (to Huron)	St. Clair River	Niagara River	Saint Lawrence River
Bordering States/Provinces	MN, WI, MI, ON	IL, IN, WI, MI	MI, ON	MI, OH, PA, NY, ON	NY, ON

Despite being smaller in volume, Lake Erie supports a thriving commercial and recreational fishing industry, often producing more fish annually than the other Great Lakes combined.

Conclusion

Though not the largest or deepest, Lake Erie’s size is still remarkable. With nearly 10,000 square miles of surface area, 241 miles of length, and an important ecological role, it remains a giant among freshwater lakes globally. Its shallowness and geographic location have shaped not only its natural history but also the human communities that have thrived along its shores for centuries. From its island-dotted western basin to the deep eastern waters feeding Niagara Falls, Lake Erie continues to be a dynamic and vital part of North America's landscape.