Michigan, particularly the Upper Peninsula, is rich in natural resources. Both deciduous and coniferous forests flourish, as well as the plants and wildlife that thrive in these habitats. Mining is popular in the area because of its rich mineral resources. Best of all, because the U.P. is nestled right in the middle of the Great Lakes, there is no shortage of fresh water. The water cycle is critical to the life of the area. As seen in the following image, during the cycle the water evaporates off the lakes, condenses in clouds, precipitates over high landforms (such as Marquette Mountain), and then runs off into the lake to repeat the cycle once again. Over time, the water cycle continues, sometimes with the water reaching the ocean,
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The movement and lifecycles of wildlife and plants in the area is influenced by the movement and cycles of water. For example, salmon are a migratory species of fish that are called anadromous because they travel from the oceans to freshwater lakes and streams to breed and spawn. Unfortunately, slower streams cause the salmon to become disoriented, and lengthens the time it takes them to reach their destination. Another problem occurs when streams and rivers that were previously cold are warmed due to climate change. These warmer temperatures cause non-native fish and animal species to move in, thus displacing native organisms and disrupting the whole food web in the area. However, water also helps animals on their migratory routes. Canadian geese rely on the lakes and rivers between their summer and winter homes to rest and gather strength for the long flight. Water has a great impact on the migrations of life …show more content…
In the Lake Superior basin, 8 AOC’s (areas of concern) have been identified. These are areas that have experienced serious environmental degradation. One of these is Deer Lake, located near Marquette, where the fish were found to have such high levels of mercury that they were declared unsafe for consumption. A grant was issued, by which streams issuing into Deer Lake would no longer flow through the mines in the nearby town of Ishpeming. Humans need to grow in awareness of the effects their mining and industry activities have on surrounding bodies of
The movement and lifecycles of wildlife and plants in the area is influenced by the movement and cycles of water. For example, salmon are a migratory species of fish that are called anadromous because they travel from the oceans to freshwater lakes and streams to breed and spawn. Unfortunately, slower streams cause the salmon to become disoriented, and lengthens the time it takes them to reach their destination. Another problem occurs when streams and rivers that were previously cold are warmed due to climate change. These warmer temperatures cause non-native fish and animal species to move in, thus displacing native organisms and disrupting the whole food web in the area. However, water also helps animals on their migratory routes. Canadian geese rely on the lakes and rivers between their summer and winter homes to rest and gather strength for the long flight. Water has a great impact on the migrations of life …show more content…
In the Lake Superior basin, 8 AOC’s (areas of concern) have been identified. These are areas that have experienced serious environmental degradation. One of these is Deer Lake, located near Marquette, where the fish were found to have such high levels of mercury that they were declared unsafe for consumption. A grant was issued, by which streams issuing into Deer Lake would no longer flow through the mines in the nearby town of Ishpeming. Humans need to grow in awareness of the effects their mining and industry activities have on surrounding bodies of