Lake Ontario and Lake Erie are both part of the Great Lakes system, which is a collection of five freshwater lakes located in North America. While they are both significant bodies of water, there are certain factors that differentiate them in terms of size.
Surface Area:
When it comes to surface area, Lake Ontario is actually smaller than Lake Erie. Lake Erie has a surface area of approximately 9,910 square miles, making it the fourth largest of the Great Lakes. On the other hand, Lake Ontario has a surface area of about 7,340 square miles, making it the smallest of the Great Lakes in terms of surface area.
Depth:
In terms of depth, Lake Ontario is significantly deeper than Lake Erie. Lake Erie has an average depth of 62 feet and a maximum depth of around 210 feet. In comparison, Lake Ontario has an average depth of 283 feet and a maximum depth of approximately 804 feet. This makes Lake Ontario the deepest of all the Great Lakes.
Length:
Lake Erie is longer than Lake Ontario. Lake Erie stretches for about 240 miles from its easternmost point to its westernmost point. On the other hand, Lake Ontario measures approximately 193 miles in length. So, in terms of length, Lake Erie is longer than Lake Ontario.
Volume:
When it comes to volume, Lake Erie is larger than Lake Ontario. Despite being smaller in surface area, Lake Erie has a greater volume due to its shallower depth. It has a water volume of about 116 cubic miles. In comparison, Lake Ontario has a water volume of approximately 393 cubic miles.
Other Factors:
It’s important to note that size is not the only factor that determines the significance or importance of a lake. Both Lake Ontario and Lake Erie have their own unique characteristics and ecological importance. They provide habitat for various species of fish and other wildlife, support recreational activities, and play a role in the regional economy.
Conclusion:
While Lake Ontario is deeper and Lake Erie is larger in volume, Lake Erie is bigger in terms of surface area and length. Each lake has its own distinct features and contributions to the Great Lakes system. Understanding these differences helps to appreciate the unique qualities and significance of each lake.