Lake Superior is the least polluted of the five lakes. Drainage basin rich in natural resources and scenic beauty. Sparsely populated and economically dependent on natural resources, including metals, forest and recreational opportunities. Seven Areas of Concern, including Thunder Bay, Nipigon, Jackfish and Peninsula Harbour on the Canadian side. Northern part is in the colder, less developed upper Great Lakes region, sparsely populated and economically dependent on natural resources and tourism.
Southern end supports a large industrial region.
Rich agricultural land throughout the basin. Although similar in size and depth to Lake Huron, it has a longer retention time of approximately 100 years because water enters and exits through the same path, slowing circulation. Georgian Bay, largest bay on the Great Lakes, is big enough to be one of the world's 20 largest lakes. Home to the 30,000 islands, including Manitoulin Island the world's largest island in a freshwater lake. Surrounded by world's largest limestone quarries.