why is it called lake michigan and not michigan sea? lake superior and not superior sea?
Geologically speaking, altitude. 200' above present sea level is, by definition, always a lake. Inland seas are low enough that at maximum sea level (when there is no ice) they are part of the ocean.
The Short Answer
Geologically speaking, altitude. 200' above present sea level is, by definition, always a lake. Inland seas are low enough that at maximum sea level (when there is no ice) they are part of the ocean. But during an ice age (like now, we have some ice but not a lot), sea level falls enough that inland seas become independent bodies of water. Lake Superior is 600' above present sea level, Lake Ontario is 246'. Lake Bonneville was a salt lake with a shore at 5100'. Once upon 17,000 years ago, [it burst through Red Rock Pass and flooded the Snake](_URL_0_); it's now Great Salt Lake, elevation 1200'. Seas are places like the Dead Sea is at −1,401', Caspian Sea −92' and Persian Gulf (currently part of the ocean).
Analysis
Key Concepts: Lake, level, seas
This explanation focuses on lake, level, seas and spans 128 words across 8 sentences. At 80% above the average Nature explanation (71 words), this is one of the more thorough answers in this category, reflecting the complexity of the underlying question.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “Geologically speaking, altitude.” It then elaborates by presenting a contrasting perspective, ultimately building toward a complete picture across 8 connected points.
How This Compares in Nature
Ranked #63 of 500 Nature questions by answer depth (top 13%). This places it in the comprehensive tier — the top quarter of most thoroughly answered questions. Questions at this depth typically involve multi-faceted topics requiring nuanced explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why it called lake michigan and not michigan sea? lake superior and not superior sea?
Geologically speaking, altitude. 200' above present sea level is, by definition, always a lake. Inland seas are low enough that at maximum sea level (when there is no ice) they are part of the ocean. But during an ice age (like now, we have some ice…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Nature questions?
This is one of the most thorough answer at 128 words, ranked #63 of 500 Nature questions by depth. The key concepts covered are lake, level, seas.
What approach does this answer take to explain it called lake michigan and not michigan sea? lake superior ?
The explanation uses contrasting perspectives across 128 words. It is categorized under Nature and addresses the question through 1 analytical lens.