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Geography of Michigan
Geography of Michigan
Geography of Michigan
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Michigan map, including territorial waters.

Michigan consists of two peninsulas surrounded primarily by four of the Great Lakes and a variety of nearby islands. The Upper Peninsula is bounded on the southwest by Wisconsin, and the Lower Peninsula is bounded on the south by Indiana and Ohio. Both land masses are also separated from the Canadian province of Ontario by waterways of the Great Lakes, and from each other by the Straits of Mackinac. Because its land is largely surrounded by the Great Lakes, which flow into the Saint Lawrence River, Michigan is the only U.S. state whose streams and rivers are almost entirely within the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence watershed.

Michigan's territorial waters include roughly half each of Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, and Lake Huron, and smaller areas of Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie. It includes an estimated 11,000 inland lakes.[1] It encompasses 58,110 square miles (150,500 km2) of land, 38,575 square miles (99,910 km2) of Great Lakes waters, and 1,305 square miles (3,380 km2) of inland waters. Its territorial waters are second in area only to those of Alaska.[2] At a total area of 97,990 square miles (253,800 km2) – including those territorial waters – Michigan is the largest state east of the Mississippi River, and the eleventh largest state overall. More than half of the state's land area – 30,156 square miles (78,100 km2) – is still forest.

The state lies roughly between 41° and 49° north latitude, and between 82° and 91° west longitude.

Upper Peninsula

[edit]
Upper Peninsula of Michigan
Main article: Upper Peninsula of Michigan
Tahquamenon Falls in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

The heavily forested Upper Peninsula is relatively mountainous in the west. The Porcupine Mountains, which are part of one of the oldest mountain chains in the world,[3] rise to an altitude of almost 2,000 feet (610 m) above sea level and form the watershed between the streams flowing into Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. The surface on either side of this range is rugged. The state's highest point, in the Huron Mountains northwest of Marquette, is Mount Arvon at 1,979 feet (603 m). The peninsula is as large as Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island combined but has only about 300,000 inhabitants.

The geographic orientation of Michigan's peninsulas makes for a long distance between the ends of the state. Ironwood, in the far western Upper Peninsula, lies 630 highway miles (1,015 km) from Lambertville in the Lower Peninsula's southeastern corner. The geographic isolation of the Upper Peninsula from Michigan's political and population centers makes the U.P. culturally and economically distinct.

Lower Peninsula

[edit]
Regions in the Lower Peninsula.
Main article: Lower Peninsula of Michigan
Little Traverse Bay at sunset, viewed from Petoskey

The Lower Peninsula, shaped like a mitten, is 277 miles (446 km) long from north to south and 195 miles (314 km) from east to west and occupies more than two-thirds of the state's land area. The surface of the peninsula is generally level, broken by conical hills and glacial moraines usually not more than a few hundred feet tall. The highest point in the Lower Peninsula is either Briar Hill at 1,705 feet (520 m), or one of several points nearby in the vicinity of Cadillac. The lowest point is the surface of Lake Erie at 571 feet (174 m).

A feature of Michigan that gives it the distinct shape of a mitten is the Thumb. This peninsula projects out into Lake Huron and the Saginaw Bay. The geography of the Thumb is mainly flat with a few rolling hills. The Leelanau Peninsula lies in the Northern Lower Michigan region. See Also Michigan Regions

Great Lakes

[edit]
Aerial view of Sleeping Bear Dunes
Little Sable Point Light south of Pentwater, Michigan.
Main article: Great Lakes

The Great Lakes that form most of the water boundary of Michigan are Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, and Lake Superior. Because of the historical importance of shipping on the lakes, Michigan has about 150 lighthouses, more than any other state.[4] (see Lighthouses in the United States) The state is bounded on the south by the states of Ohio and Indiana, sharing land and water boundaries with both.

Michigan's northern boundaries are almost entirely water boundaries, from south to north, with Illinois and Wisconsin in Lake Michigan; then a land boundary with Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula, that is principally demarcated by the Menominee and Montreal Rivers; then water boundaries again, in Lake Superior, with Wisconsin and Minnesota to the west, capped around by the Canadian province of Ontario to the north and east.

The northern boundary then runs completely through Lake Superior, from the western boundary with Minnesota to a point north of and around Isle Royale, thence traveling southeastward through the lake in a reasonably straight line to the Sault Ste. Marie area. In Southeastern Michigan there is a water boundary with Canada along the entire lengths of the St. Clair River, Lake St. Clair (including the First Nation reserve of Walpole Island) and the Detroit River. The southeastern boundary ends in the western end of Lake Erie with a three-way convergence of Michigan, Ohio and Ontario.

With the exception of two tiny areas on its borders – one drained by the Mississippi River by way of the Wisconsin River in the Upper Peninsula, the other by way of the Kankakee-Illinois River in the Lower Peninsula – the rivers and streams of Michigan drain entirely into the Great Lakes.

The larger islands of Michigan include Isle Royale and Grand Island in Lake Superior; Neebish and Sugar islands in the St. Mary's River; Drummond Island, Les Cheneaux Islands, Mackinac Island, Bois Blanc Island, and Charity Island in Lake Huron; Beaver Island, the Fox Islands, North Manitou Island, and South Manitou Island in Lake Michigan; Harsens Island in Lake St. Clair; and Belle Isle and Grosse Ile in the Detroit River.

Keweenaw Bay, Whitefish Bay, and the Big and Little Bay de Noc are the principal bays of the Upper Peninsula. The Grand and Little Traverse, Thunder, and Saginaw bays are found on the Lower Peninsula. After Alaska, Michigan has the longest shoreline of any state[citation needed], 3,288 miles (5,292 km). An additional 1,056 miles (1,699 km) can be added if islands are included. This roughly equals the length of the Atlantic Coast from Maine to Florida.

Inland lakes and rivers

[edit]
Main articles: List of lakes in Michigan and List of rivers of Michigan

The state has 11,037 inland lakes comprising 1,305 square miles (3,380 km2) of inland water. No point in Michigan is more than 6 miles (9.7 km) from an inland lake or more than 85 miles (137 km) from one of the Great Lakes.[5]

The state's numerous rivers are generally short and shallow, though several are navigable by recreational watercraft. The principal ones include the Au Sable, Thunder Bay, Cheboygan, and Saginaw, all of which flow into Lake Huron; the Ontonagon, and Tahquamenon, which flow into Lake Superior; and the St. Joseph, Kalamazoo, Grand, Muskegon, Manistee, and Escanaba, which flow into Lake Michigan.

Protected areas

[edit]
Marquette Park on Mackinac Island
Main article: Protected areas of Michigan
See also: List of Michigan state parks

The state is home to three National Park Service preserves: Isle Royale National Park, located in Lake Superior, about 30 miles (48 km) southeast of Thunder Bay, Ontario; Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, on the Lake Superior shore between Munising and Grand Marais; and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, on the Lake Michigan shore between the villages of Frankfort, Empire, and Glen Arbor.

Other national protected areas in the state include: Keweenaw National Historical Park, Huron National Forest, Manistee National Forest, Hiawatha National Forest, Ottawa National Forest, Fumee Lake Natural Area, and Father Marquette National Memorial. The largest section of the North Country National Scenic Trail also passes through Michigan.

With 78 state parks, 19 state recreation areas, and 6 state forests, Michigan has the largest state park and state forest system of any state. These parks and forests include Holland State Park, Mackinac Island State Park, Au Sable State Forest, and Mackinaw State Forest.

Climate

[edit]
Michigan map of Köppen climate classification.

Michigan has a humid continental climate, although there are two distinct regions. The southern third of the Lower Peninsula (south of Saginaw Bay and from the Grand Rapids area southward) have a warmer climate (Köppen climate classification Dfa) with hot summers and cold winters. The northern two-thirds of the Lower Peninsula and the entire Upper Peninsula has a more severe climate (Köppen Dfb), with warm, but shorter summers and longer, cold to very cold winters. Some parts of the state average high temperatures below freezing from December through February, and into early March in the far northern parts. During the winter through the middle of February parts of the state are frequently subjected to heavy lake-effect snow. The state averages from 30–40 inches (76–102 centimetres) of precipitation annually. Snow cover tends to be intermittent in the southern part of the state, but persistent in northern Lower Michigan and especially in the Upper Peninsula.

Michigan USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.

The entire state averages 30 days of thunderstorm activity per year. These can be severe, especially in the southern part of the state. The state averages 17 tornadoes per year, which are more common in the extreme southern portion of the state. Portions of the southern border have been nearly as vulnerable historically as parts of Tornado Alley. Farther north, in the Upper Peninsula, tornadoes are rare.[6]

Climate data for Detroit (DTW), 1991–2020 normals,[a] extremes 1874–present[b]
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 67
(19) 		73
(23) 		86
(30) 		89
(32) 		95
(35) 		104
(40) 		105
(41) 		104
(40) 		100
(38) 		92
(33) 		81
(27) 		69
(21) 		105
(41)
Mean maximum °F (°C) 53.0
(11.7) 		55.3
(12.9) 		69.3
(20.7) 		79.6
(26.4) 		87.2
(30.7) 		92.6
(33.7) 		93.8
(34.3) 		92.1
(33.4) 		89.3
(31.8) 		80.6
(27.0) 		66.7
(19.3) 		56.1
(13.4) 		95.4
(35.2)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 32.3
(0.2) 		35.2
(1.8) 		45.9
(7.7) 		58.7
(14.8) 		70.3
(21.3) 		79.7
(26.5) 		83.7
(28.7) 		81.4
(27.4) 		74.4
(23.6) 		62.0
(16.7) 		48.6
(9.2) 		37.2
(2.9) 		59.1
(15.1)
Daily mean °F (°C) 25.8
(−3.4) 		28.0
(−2.2) 		37.2
(2.9) 		48.9
(9.4) 		60.3
(15.7) 		69.9
(21.1) 		74.1
(23.4) 		72.3
(22.4) 		64.9
(18.3) 		53.0
(11.7) 		41.2
(5.1) 		31.3
(−0.4) 		50.6
(10.3)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 19.2
(−7.1) 		20.8
(−6.2) 		28.6
(−1.9) 		39.1
(3.9) 		50.2
(10.1) 		60.2
(15.7) 		64.4
(18.0) 		63.2
(17.3) 		55.5
(13.1) 		44.0
(6.7) 		33.9
(1.1) 		25.3
(−3.7) 		42.0
(5.6)
Mean minimum °F (°C) 0.1
(−17.7) 		3.5
(−15.8) 		12.0
(−11.1) 		25.5
(−3.6) 		36.3
(2.4) 		47.3
(8.5) 		54.1
(12.3) 		53.4
(11.9) 		41.6
(5.3) 		31.0
(−0.6) 		19.8
(−6.8) 		8.8
(−12.9) 		−3.7
(−19.8)
Record low °F (°C) −21
(−29) 		−20
(−29) 		−4
(−20) 		8
(−13) 		25
(−4) 		36
(2) 		42
(6) 		38
(3) 		29
(−2) 		17
(−8) 		0
(−18) 		−11
(−24) 		−21
(−29)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 2.23
(57) 		2.08
(53) 		2.43
(62) 		3.26
(83) 		3.72
(94) 		3.26
(83) 		3.51
(89) 		3.26
(83) 		3.22
(82) 		2.53
(64) 		2.57
(65) 		2.25
(57) 		34.32
(872)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 14.0
(36) 		12.5
(32) 		6.2
(16) 		1.5
(3.8) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		1.9
(4.8) 		8.9
(23) 		45.0
(114)
Average extreme snow depth inches (cm) 7.1
(18) 		6.6
(17) 		4.4
(11) 		0.8
(2.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		1.1
(2.8) 		4.3
(11) 		10.0
(25)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 13.4 11.0 11.1 12.5 12.9 10.7 10.5 9.7 9.5 10.6 11.0 13.1 136.0
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) 10.7 9.2 5.3 1.5 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 2.6 8.0 37.6
Average relative humidity (%) 74.7 72.5 70.0 66.0 65.3 67.3 68.5 71.5 73.4 71.6 74.6 76.7 71.0
Average dew point °F (°C) 16.2
(−8.8) 		17.6
(−8.0) 		25.9
(−3.4) 		35.1
(1.7) 		45.7
(7.6) 		55.6
(13.1) 		60.4
(15.8) 		59.7
(15.4) 		53.2
(11.8) 		41.4
(5.2) 		32.4
(0.2) 		21.9
(−5.6) 		38.7
(3.7)
Mean monthly sunshine hours 119.9 138.3 184.9 217.0 275.9 301.8 317.0 283.5 227.6 176.0 106.3 87.7 2,435.9
Percentage possible sunshine 41 47 50 54 61 66 69 66 61 51 36 31 55
Average ultraviolet index 1.2 2.0 3.6 5.4 6.9 8.0 8.2 7.1 5.3 3.1 1.6 1.1 4.4
Source 1: NOAA (relative humidity, dew point, and sun 1961–1990)[7][8][9]
Source 2: UV Index Today (1995 to 2022)[10]
Climate data for Grand Rapids, Michigan (Gerald Ford Int'l), 1991–2020 normals, extremes 1892–present[c]
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 66
(19) 		73
(23) 		87
(31) 		90
(32) 		95
(35) 		102
(39) 		108
(42) 		102
(39) 		98
(37) 		89
(32) 		81
(27) 		69
(21) 		108
(42)
Mean maximum °F (°C) 51.3
(10.7) 		51.9
(11.1) 		67.9
(19.9) 		79.2
(26.2) 		86.0
(30.0) 		91.8
(33.2) 		92.5
(33.6) 		91.1
(32.8) 		87.8
(31.0) 		78.8
(26.0) 		65.3
(18.5) 		54.4
(12.4) 		94.3
(34.6)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 31.0
(−0.6) 		33.7
(0.9) 		44.5
(6.9) 		57.8
(14.3) 		69.8
(21.0) 		79.4
(26.3) 		83.1
(28.4) 		80.9
(27.2) 		73.9
(23.3) 		60.7
(15.9) 		47.2
(8.4) 		36.1
(2.3) 		58.2
(14.6)
Daily mean °F (°C) 24.8
(−4.0) 		26.6
(−3.0) 		35.7
(2.1) 		47.6
(8.7) 		59.2
(15.1) 		68.9
(20.5) 		72.8
(22.7) 		71.1
(21.7) 		63.5
(17.5) 		51.5
(10.8) 		40.0
(4.4) 		30.4
(−0.9) 		49.3
(9.6)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 18.6
(−7.4) 		19.5
(−6.9) 		26.9
(−2.8) 		37.3
(2.9) 		48.6
(9.2) 		58.3
(14.6) 		62.5
(16.9) 		61.2
(16.2) 		53.1
(11.7) 		42.2
(5.7) 		32.8
(0.4) 		24.7
(−4.1) 		40.5
(4.7)
Mean minimum °F (°C) −2.8
(−19.3) 		0.0
(−17.8) 		7.5
(−13.6) 		22.9
(−5.1) 		33.4
(0.8) 		44.0
(6.7) 		51.0
(10.6) 		49.3
(9.6) 		38.6
(3.7) 		28.6
(−1.9) 		18.9
(−7.3) 		6.3
(−14.3) 		−6.3
(−21.3)
Record low °F (°C) −22
(−30) 		−24
(−31) 		−13
(−25) 		3
(−16) 		21
(−6) 		32
(0) 		41
(5) 		39
(4) 		27
(−3) 		18
(−8) 		−10
(−23) 		−18
(−28) 		−24
(−31)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 2.52
(64) 		2.12
(54) 		2.39
(61) 		3.99
(101) 		4.00
(102) 		3.94
(100) 		3.86
(98) 		3.55
(90) 		3.43
(87) 		4.02
(102) 		3.10
(79) 		2.48
(63) 		39.40
(1,001)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 22.6
(57) 		17.2
(44) 		7.6
(19) 		2.0
(5.1) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.3
(0.76) 		7.1
(18) 		20.8
(53) 		77.6
(197)
Average extreme snow depth inches (cm) 9.0
(23) 		8.8
(22) 		5.7
(14) 		1.0
(2.5) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.1
(0.25) 		2.5
(6.4) 		6.3
(16) 		12.1
(31)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 16.8 13.1 11.8 12.8 12.5 10.7 10.0 9.9 10.2 12.5 12.9 15.5 148.7
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) 14.9 11.2 5.9 2.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.4 4.5 11.9 50.9
Average relative humidity (%) 77.2 74.2 71.1 66.8 65.4 68.1 69.6 73.3 76.1 74.6 76.9 79.5 72.7
Average dew point °F (°C) 16.3
(−8.7) 		16.9
(−8.4) 		24.8
(−4.0) 		34.5
(1.4) 		45.0
(7.2) 		55.0
(12.8) 		60.3
(15.7) 		59.4
(15.2) 		53.1
(11.7) 		41.2
(5.1) 		31.6
(−0.2) 		21.7
(−5.7) 		38.3
(3.5)
Mean monthly sunshine hours 88.3 116.0 168.2 210.2 255.9 286.8 296.5 264.2 206.0 152.4 82.0 62.1 2,188.6
Percentage possible sunshine 30 39 45 52 56 62 64 61 55 45 28 22 49
Source: NOAA (relative humidity, dew point, and sun 1961–1990)[12][13][14]
Climate data for Lansing, Michigan (Capital Region Int'l), 1991−2020 normals, extremes 1863−present[d]
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 66
(19) 		73
(23) 		86
(30) 		88
(31) 		96
(36) 		99
(37) 		103
(39) 		102
(39) 		99
(37) 		90
(32) 		79
(26) 		70
(21) 		103
(39)
Mean maximum °F (°C) 51.7
(10.9) 		52.6
(11.4) 		68.2
(20.1) 		78.2
(25.7) 		85.4
(29.7) 		91.4
(33.0) 		92.3
(33.5) 		91.3
(32.9) 		87.8
(31.0) 		79.1
(26.2) 		65.4
(18.6) 		54.4
(12.4) 		94.3
(34.6)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 30.6
(−0.8) 		33.5
(0.8) 		44.4
(6.9) 		57.6
(14.2) 		69.4
(20.8) 		78.9
(26.1) 		82.8
(28.2) 		80.6
(27.0) 		73.6
(23.1) 		60.5
(15.8) 		47.0
(8.3) 		35.7
(2.1) 		57.9
(14.4)
Daily mean °F (°C) 23.9
(−4.5) 		25.9
(−3.4) 		35.2
(1.8) 		47.0
(8.3) 		58.4
(14.7) 		68.0
(20.0) 		71.8
(22.1) 		70.0
(21.1) 		62.5
(16.9) 		50.8
(10.4) 		39.5
(4.2) 		29.5
(−1.4) 		48.5
(9.2)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 17.2
(−8.2) 		18.3
(−7.6) 		26.0
(−3.3) 		36.4
(2.4) 		47.5
(8.6) 		57.1
(13.9) 		60.9
(16.1) 		59.5
(15.3) 		51.5
(10.8) 		41.2
(5.1) 		31.9
(−0.1) 		23.3
(−4.8) 		39.2
(4.0)
Mean minimum °F (°C) −5.6
(−20.9) 		−3.0
(−19.4) 		5.3
(−14.8) 		21.0
(−6.1) 		31.2
(−0.4) 		41.5
(5.3) 		47.5
(8.6) 		45.7
(7.6) 		36.0
(2.2) 		26.0
(−3.3) 		15.9
(−8.9) 		3.9
(−15.6) 		−9.4
(−23.0)
Record low °F (°C) −29
(−34) 		−37
(−38) 		−25
(−32) 		−6
(−21) 		19
(−7) 		27
(−3) 		31
(−1) 		26
(−3) 		19
(−7) 		10
(−12) 		−5
(−21) 		−25
(−32) 		−37
(−38)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 2.06
(52) 		1.71
(43) 		2.13
(54) 		3.26
(83) 		3.66
(93) 		3.76
(96) 		2.94
(75) 		3.48
(88) 		2.81
(71) 		3.16
(80) 		2.46
(62) 		1.90
(48) 		33.33
(847)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 14.3
(36) 		12.9
(33) 		5.9
(15) 		1.7
(4.3) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.2
(0.51) 		3.9
(9.9) 		11.3
(29) 		50.2
(128)
Average extreme snow depth inches (cm) 8.0
(20) 		7.6
(19) 		5.0
(13) 		1.1
(2.8) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		2.5
(6.4) 		5.4
(14) 		10.3
(26)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 13.9 10.7 10.9 12.5 12.5 10.5 9.1 10.1 10.1 11.6 12.3 13.5 137.7
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) 11.9 10.0 4.8 1.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 3.9 9.4 42.1
Average relative humidity (%) 78.8 76.2 73.3 67.6 66.7 69.0 71.0 74.9 77.5 76.1 78.6 81.1 74.2
Average dew point °F (°C) 16.0
(−8.9) 		16.9
(−8.4) 		25.3
(−3.7) 		34.5
(1.4) 		45.1
(7.3) 		55.2
(12.9) 		60.3
(15.7) 		59.5
(15.3) 		53.2
(11.8) 		41.5
(5.3) 		32.2
(0.1) 		21.7
(−5.7) 		38.4
(3.6)
Mean monthly sunshine hours 118.2 140.1 187.6 218.7 278.6 296.2 318.5 278.1 217.6 163.8 92.4 82.1 2,391.9
Percentage possible sunshine 40 47 51 54 61 65 69 65 58 48 32 29 54
Source: NOAA (relative humidity, dew point and sun 1961−1990)[15][16][17]
Climate data for Marquette, Michigan (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1857–present)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 57
(14) 		69
(21) 		82
(28) 		91
(33) 		100
(38) 		101
(38) 		108
(42) 		102
(39) 		98
(37) 		89
(32) 		74
(23) 		60
(16) 		108
(42)
Mean maximum °F (°C) 42.5
(5.8) 		46.5
(8.1) 		57.5
(14.2) 		71.8
(22.1) 		83.1
(28.4) 		88.2
(31.2) 		89.8
(32.1) 		89.3
(31.8) 		84.7
(29.3) 		75.1
(23.9) 		58.8
(14.9) 		46.0
(7.8) 		91.9
(33.3)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 24.6
(−4.1) 		26.9
(−2.8) 		35.3
(1.8) 		45.8
(7.7) 		58.7
(14.8) 		67.9
(19.9) 		74.6
(23.7) 		74.3
(23.5) 		67.3
(19.6) 		53.9
(12.2) 		40.6
(4.8) 		30.2
(−1.0) 		50.0
(10.0)
Daily mean °F (°C) 18.5
(−7.5) 		19.7
(−6.8) 		28.2
(−2.1) 		38.4
(3.6) 		49.8
(9.9) 		59.0
(15.0) 		66.2
(19.0) 		66.2
(19.0) 		59.4
(15.2) 		47.0
(8.3) 		34.5
(1.4) 		24.4
(−4.2) 		42.6
(5.9)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 12.4
(−10.9) 		12.5
(−10.8) 		21.0
(−6.1) 		31.0
(−0.6) 		40.8
(4.9) 		50.1
(10.1) 		57.7
(14.3) 		58.1
(14.5) 		51.6
(10.9) 		40.0
(4.4) 		28.5
(−1.9) 		18.6
(−7.4) 		35.2
(1.8)
Mean minimum °F (°C) −3.5
(−19.7) 		−2.4
(−19.1) 		5.3
(−14.8) 		20.5
(−6.4) 		31.2
(−0.4) 		39.8
(4.3) 		48.7
(9.3) 		49.2
(9.6) 		39.8
(4.3) 		30.1
(−1.1) 		16.3
(−8.7) 		2.7
(−16.3) 		−8
(−22)
Record low °F (°C) −27
(−33) 		−33
(−36) 		−19
(−28) 		3
(−16) 		16
(−9) 		29
(−2) 		36
(2) 		33
(1) 		28
(−2) 		13
(−11) 		−9
(−23) 		−20
(−29) 		−33
(−36)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 1.86
(47) 		1.47
(37) 		1.59
(40) 		2.74
(70) 		2.90
(74) 		3.05
(77) 		3.11
(79) 		2.31
(59) 		3.34
(85) 		3.43
(87) 		2.42
(61) 		1.98
(50) 		30.20
(767)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 25.1
(64) 		20.9
(53) 		14.2
(36) 		8.4
(21) 		0.3
(0.76) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.9
(2.3) 		11.1
(28) 		21.1
(54) 		102.0
(259)
Average extreme snow depth inches (cm) 25.2
(64) 		31.7
(81) 		32.6
(83) 		19.3
(49) 		1.5
(3.8) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		2.5
(6.4) 		9.1
(23) 		17.9
(45) 		36.1
(92)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 17.7 12.2 10.8 10.4 11.8 11.8 11.3 11.0 12.9 14.6 13.4 14.4 152.3
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) 17.7 12.5 8.9 4.5 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.6 7.7 12.5 64.6
Mean monthly sunshine hours 105.5 128.8 181.3 225.3 278.8 289.7 322.8 270.6 191.5 140.6 80.7 78.2 2,293.8
Percentage possible sunshine 38 45 49 55 60 61 68 62 51 42 29 29 51
Source: NOAA (sun 1961–1990)[18][19][20]
Climate data for Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan (Sault Ste. Marie Municipal Airport) 1991–2020 normals,[e] extremes 1888–present
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 48
(9) 		50
(10) 		83
(28) 		85
(29) 		91
(33) 		93
(34) 		98
(37) 		98
(37) 		95
(35) 		83
(28) 		74
(23) 		62
(17) 		98
(37)
Mean maximum °F (°C) 39.3
(4.1) 		41.9
(5.5) 		52.5
(11.4) 		67.5
(19.7) 		81.8
(27.7) 		85.6
(29.8) 		87.7
(30.9) 		86.6
(30.3) 		81.6
(27.6) 		71.8
(22.1) 		56.4
(13.6) 		44.5
(6.9) 		89.4
(31.9)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 24.0
(−4.4) 		26.4
(−3.1) 		35.5
(1.9) 		48.5
(9.2) 		63.2
(17.3) 		72.5
(22.5) 		76.8
(24.9) 		75.8
(24.3) 		68.0
(20.0) 		54.1
(12.3) 		41.2
(5.1) 		30.5
(−0.8) 		51.4
(10.8)
Daily mean °F (°C) 16.2
(−8.8) 		17.8
(−7.9) 		26.7
(−2.9) 		39.4
(4.1) 		52.1
(11.2) 		61.1
(16.2) 		66.0
(18.9) 		65.6
(18.7) 		58.4
(14.7) 		46.3
(7.9) 		34.8
(1.6) 		23.8
(−4.6) 		42.4
(5.8)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 8.4
(−13.1) 		9.3
(−12.6) 		17.9
(−7.8) 		30.2
(−1.0) 		41.0
(5.0) 		49.7
(9.8) 		55.2
(12.9) 		55.4
(13.0) 		48.7
(9.3) 		38.5
(3.6) 		28.3
(−2.1) 		17.1
(−8.3) 		33.3
(0.7)
Mean minimum °F (°C) −14.0
(−25.6) 		−11.1
(−23.9) 		−4.4
(−20.2) 		15.9
(−8.9) 		29.8
(−1.2) 		37.4
(3.0) 		45.0
(7.2) 		45.0
(7.2) 		35.5
(1.9) 		26.7
(−2.9) 		10.4
(−12.0) 		−5.1
(−20.6) 		−17.6
(−27.6)
Record low °F (°C) −36
(−38) 		−37
(−38) 		−28
(−33) 		−13
(−25) 		18
(−8) 		26
(−3) 		36
(2) 		29
(−2) 		25
(−4) 		15
(−9) 		−12
(−24) 		−31
(−35) 		−37
(−38)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 2.21
(56) 		1.51
(38) 		1.81
(46) 		2.63
(67) 		2.64
(67) 		2.85
(72) 		3.07
(78) 		3.19
(81) 		3.93
(100) 		4.38
(111) 		3.44
(87) 		2.80
(71) 		34.46
(875)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 30.3
(77) 		20.7
(53) 		13.0
(33) 		7.6
(19) 		0.4
(1.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		1.7
(4.3) 		16.0
(41) 		30.4
(77) 		120.1
(305)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 18.5 13.5 12.3 11.7 11.2 11.1 11.3 10.6 13.1 16.5 16.5 18.6 164.9
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) 19.6 15.5 10.4 5.5 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 2.0 10.3 17.4 81.3
Average relative humidity (%) 77.2 75.2 74.7 69.9 67.9 74.7 76.3 79.6 81.6 80.4 81.7 81.0 76.7
Average dew point °F (°C) 7.5
(−13.6) 		8.2
(−13.2) 		17.2
(−8.2) 		28.2
(−2.1) 		38.7
(3.7) 		49.3
(9.6) 		55.6
(13.1) 		55.6
(13.1) 		48.6
(9.2) 		38.3
(3.5) 		27.3
(−2.6) 		14.7
(−9.6) 		32.4
(0.2)
Mean monthly sunshine hours 104.9 142.5 206.4 227.5 280.3 281.2 303.6 248.9 172.9 122.6 70.4 77.4 2,238.6
Percentage possible sunshine 37 49 56 56 60 59 64 57 46 36 25 29 50
Source: NOAA (relative humidity, dew point, and sun 1961–1990)[21][22][23]

Geology

[edit]
See also: Michigan Basin and Laurentian Upland
Geologic map of the Michigan Basin.

The geological formation of the state is greatly varied. Primary boulders are found over the entire surface of the Upper Peninsula (being principally of primitive origin), while Secondary deposits cover the entire Lower Peninsula. The Upper Peninsula exhibits Lower Silurian sandstones, limestones, copper and iron bearing rocks, corresponding to the Huronian system of Canada. The central portion of the Lower Peninsula contains coal measures and rocks of the Permo-Carboniferous period. Devonian and sub-Carboniferous deposits are scattered over the entire state.

The soil is of a varied composition and in large areas is very fertile, especially in the south. However, the Upper Peninsula for the most part is rocky and mountainous, and the soil is unsuitable for agriculture. The climate is tempered by the proximity of the lakes and is much milder than in other locales with the same latitude.

Ecology

[edit]

The principal forest trees include basswood, maple, elm, sassafras, butternut, walnut, poplar, hickory, oak, willow, pine, birch, beech, hemlock, witchhazel, tamarack, cedar, locust, dogwood, and ash.

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Geography of Michigan

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from Grokipedia
Michigan, located in the Midwestern United States, is unique as the only state consisting of two peninsulas separated by the Straits of Mackinac, with the Lower Peninsula extending eastward between Lakes Michigan and Huron and the Upper Peninsula bordering Lake Superior to the north and Lake Michigan to the south. Bordered by four of the five Great Lakes—Superior, Michigan, Huron, and Erie—along with the Canadian province of Ontario and the states of Wisconsin, Indiana, and Ohio, Michigan possesses the world's longest freshwater shoreline at approximately 3,288 miles, including islands. Its total area measures 96,714 square miles, comprising 56,539 square miles of land and 40,175 square miles of inland water, making it the 11th largest state by total area and the largest east of the Mississippi River. The state's highest point is Mount Arvon in the Upper Peninsula at 1,979 feet above sea level, while the lowest point lies along the Lake Erie shoreline at 572 feet. Michigan's physical geography is predominantly the result of Pleistocene glaciation, which sculpted its terrain through the advance and retreat of massive ice sheets, depositing moraines, outwash plains, and drumlins across the landscape. The Lower Peninsula features a mix of flat plains in the east, rolling moraines and high sandy plains in the interior and north, and dramatic beaches and dunes along the shore, exemplified by the towering . In contrast, the Upper Peninsula is characterized by rugged crystalline uplands in the west, including ancient rock formations and forested hills rising to the , and flatter lacustrine lowlands in the east with limestone escarpments and notable waterfalls like those in . These glacial legacies have created approximately 6,500 inland lakes greater than 10 acres each, along with extensive wetlands and fertile soils that support , particularly in the southern Lower Peninsula. The state's hydrology is dominated by the Great Lakes system, which holds about 20% of the world's surface freshwater and influences nearly every aspect of Michigan's environment and economy through shipping, recreation, and water supply. Major rivers such as the Grand, Saginaw, and St. Clair drain into the lakes, forming critical watersheds that support diverse aquatic ecosystems and facilitate commercial navigation via locks like those at Sault Ste. Marie. Michigan's climate is humid continental, moderated by the , resulting in four distinct seasons with average annual temperatures ranging from about 42°F in the northern Upper Peninsula to 50°F in the south, and averaging 30-40 inches yearly, though can exceed 100 inches in western areas. This lake influence produces cooler summers near the shores, warmer winters in coastal zones, and frequent weather changes driven by westerly winds and air mass interactions. Ecologically, Michigan spans multiple ecoregions, from the mixed coniferous-deciduous forests of the Upper Peninsula to the oak savannas and prairies of the Lower Peninsula's interior, fostering that includes , black bears, and over 300 bird species. intertwines with these natural features, with population concentrated in the southern Lower Peninsula around urban centers like and Grand Rapids, where industrial history and have shaped amid ongoing challenges from variability and .

Physical Divisions

Upper Peninsula

The , commonly known as the U.P., forms the state's northern landmass, separated from the more populous Lower Peninsula by the Straits of Mackinac, a connecting and . This region encompasses approximately 16,377 square miles (42,420 km²), accounting for 29 percent of Michigan's total land area. Despite its size, the Upper Peninsula is sparsely populated, with approximately 301,000 residents as of 2024, representing about 3 percent of the state's overall population and highlighting its remote, rural character. The area borders to the west and to the north, fostering a sense of isolation that has shaped local identity. The terrain of the Upper Peninsula is diverse and predominantly rugged, with heavily forested landscapes covering over 84% of the land. Western portions feature dramatic elevations, including the , which rise to nearly 2,000 feet (610 m) above and include Summit Peak at 1,958 feet (597 m), offering panoramic views of . In contrast, the eastern areas are generally more level, characterized by extensive bogs, swamps, and peatlands that support unique ecosystems. The highest point in the state, , stands at 1,979 feet (603 m) in Baraga County, providing a modest but significant topographic contrast to the surrounding lowlands. A notable feature of the Upper Peninsula is , a remote island in designated as a , with approximately 209 square miles (541 km²) of land and a total park area of 850 square miles (2,200 km²) including surrounding waters, serving as a protected wilderness area. The region's geographic isolation has cultivated a distinct among residents, often referred to as "Yoopers," who embrace a unique dialect and traditions influenced by Finnish, Scandinavian, and Native American heritage, reinforcing community ties in this northern frontier.

Lower Peninsula

The Lower Peninsula of Michigan, commonly known as "the Mitten" for its hand-like outline, forms the southern and more densely populated portion of the state, comprising approximately 40,162 square miles (104,020 km²) of land—about 71 percent of Michigan's total land area—and housing approximately 9.84 million people as of , or roughly 97 percent of the state's population. This region is connected to the Upper Peninsula via the , enhancing its accessibility for transportation, trade, and , and contrasting with the more remote northern landmass. Its varied landscapes, shaped primarily by Pleistocene glacial activity, include flat till plains, undulating moraines, and localized dunes, fostering a mix of urban centers, farmland, and recreational areas. Stretching 277 miles (446 km) north to south and up to 195 miles (314 km) east to west at its broadest point, the peninsula's terrain is generally low-lying and flat, with elevations rarely exceeding 1,000 feet (305 m) above due to extensive glacial deposits of , , and clay. Rolling hills and end moraines—ridges of glacial —add subtle in areas like the central and northern sections, while the west-central features expansive dunes formed by wind and lake action along . The northern Lower Peninsula tends to be hillier, with more pronounced glacial features, contributing to its scenic diversity. The highest point, Grove Hill in Wexford County in the south-central region, rises to 1,709 feet (521 m), offering modest but notable elevation amid the otherwise subdued topography. Distinct sub-regions highlight the peninsula's geographic variety: , a protruding northeastern in Huron, Sanilac, and Tuscola counties that separates from ; the in the northwest, a narrow extension into known for its rolling terrain and shoreline; and the in the southeast, low ridges in Lenawee County providing gentle elevation and vistas. Bordered by to the west, Huron to the east, and Erie to the south, these features create extensive coastlines that boost connectivity via water routes and highways. The area's glacial soils, rich in nutrients, underpin its role as an agricultural powerhouse, with broad expanses dedicated to crops like corn and soybeans.

Water Resources

Great Lakes

Michigan borders four of the five —Superior, , Huron, and Erie (the latter via )—which surround the state on three sides, creating a unique peninsular geography that integrates vast aquatic boundaries into its landform. This configuration gives Michigan the longest freshwater coastline in the world, measuring 3,288 miles (5,292 km) in total, including 1,056 miles (1,700 km) of shoreline along its islands, far exceeding that of any other . These lakes not only define Michigan's physical outline but also host numerous islands, including in , the largest at 206 square miles (534 km²) of land area; in the Straits of Mackinac, spanning 3.8 square miles (9.8 km²); and Beaver Island, the biggest in at 55.8 square miles (144 km²). Hydrologically, the Great Lakes play a pivotal role in Michigan by holding approximately 21% of the world's surface freshwater supply, totaling about 5,472 cubic miles (22,810 km³), which moderates the state's climate through heat absorption and release, reducing temperature extremes in coastal regions. Along Michigan's shores, roughly 129 historic lighthouses stand as enduring markers of this watery domain, built primarily between the 19th and early 20th centuries to guide vessels through treacherous waters and fog. The lakes' geographic and economic impact is profound, facilitating maritime trade through key ports like , one of the busiest on the system, which handles millions of tons of cargo annually, including steel, automobiles, and bulk commodities, bolstering regional industry and U.S.- commerce. This trade heritage is inextricably linked to Michigan's , evidenced by an estimated 1,500 shipwrecks in state waters out of over 6,000 across the , many resulting from storms, collisions, and navigational hazards that underscore the lakes' dual role as economic arteries and perilous frontiers.

Inland Lakes and Rivers

Michigan boasts over 11,000 inland lakes, providing a vital component of its freshwater systems and supporting diverse ecological and recreational functions. These lakes, many of which are glacial in origin, collectively cover approximately 1,305 square miles (3,380 km²), though exact figures vary due to seasonal fluctuations and measurement methods. The largest inland lake entirely within the state is Houghton Lake, spanning about 30 square miles (78 km²) in Roscommon County. Torch Lake in Antrim County, another prominent example, covers roughly 18.8 square miles (48.6 km²) and reaches depths exceeding 280 feet, exemplifying the deep, clear waters typical of many Michigan kettles. The state's river network complements its lakes, with over 35,000 miles of rivers and streams weaving through the landscape. The Grand River, Michigan's longest at 252 miles, originates in Hillsdale County and flows northwest to discharge into Lake Michigan near Grand Haven, draining a watershed of about 5,572 square miles. Other significant rivers include the Au Sable River, stretching 138 miles through the northern Lower Peninsula and renowned for its brown trout populations, and the St. Joseph River, which spans 210 miles across southern Michigan and northern Indiana before emptying into Lake Michigan. These waterways exhibit meandering patterns shaped by glacial deposits, with broad valleys and sandy bottoms facilitating sediment transport and habitat diversity. All of Michigan's inland rivers ultimately drain into one of the Great Lakes basins, forming part of a vast drainage system that connects to the Atlantic Ocean via the , without direct oceanic outlets. This drainage configuration underscores the state's hydrological unity with the . The inland waters also drive substantial recreation, particularly , with over 11,000 miles of streams offering prime habitats for and other species, attracting anglers statewide. Michigan's resources, primarily from glacial and aquifers, supply about 40% of the state's needs, particularly for rural areas, , and industry as of 2023.

Climate

General Patterns

Michigan's climate is classified as humid continental under the Köppen system, with the southern part designated as Dfa (hot-summer humid continental) and the northern part as Dfb (warm-summer humid continental), resulting in four distinct seasons marked by warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The statewide annual average ranges from 45 to 50°F (7 to 10°C), with summer highs commonly reaching 70 to 80°F and winter averages between 20 and 30°F, though extreme lows can descend to -30°F or below during cold snaps. Annual totals 30 to 40 inches (760 to 1,020 mm) and is distributed fairly evenly across the seasons, supporting and while contributing to lake levels; snowfall averages 40 to 100 inches statewide, providing a key water resource upon melting. Severe weather includes an average of 15 to 18 tornadoes per year, most occurring in the southern regions during spring and summer, alongside frequent thunderstorms that deliver intense but short-lived rainfall. The proximity to the moderates temperature extremes across the state by 10 to 20°F through lake breezes that cool summers and warm winters, influencing local weather patterns and reducing frost risks near shorelines.

Climate Change Impacts

Michigan's average annual temperatures have risen by approximately 1.5 to 2°F since 1970, with the experiencing a 2.9°F increase since 1951 as of 2025. This warming has led to more frequent hot days exceeding 90°F, with projections indicating a potential quadrupling of such days by 2050 in southern counties, driven by overall temperature increases of 3 to 6°F by mid-century. Warmer winters, rising faster than other seasons, contribute to these shifts, exacerbating urban heat islands in areas like . Precipitation patterns in Michigan are shifting toward wetter winters, with increases of 10-20% projected due to enhanced lake-effect snow and rain, while summers may see drier conditions from higher evaporation rates despite overall annual rises of 15% since 1951. Extreme rain events have surged, with days receiving 2 inches or more 37% higher during 2017-2024 compared to the 1901-1960 baseline, and heaviest storms up 42% in the Midwest since 1958, leading to widespread flooding post-2020, including record rainfalls in Detroit in April and July 2025. Michigan EGLE forecasts through 2100 predict continued intensification of these events, heightening flood risks particularly in southern regions. Climate change has profoundly affected the Great Lakes, with ice cover reduced by approximately 25% since 1973; the 2023-24 season reached a maximum of 17.7%, one of the lowest on record, while the 2024-25 season was near average. Water levels have fluctuated dramatically, peaking at record highs in 2020 due to excessive precipitation before dropping 2-4 feet by 2024 amid drier conditions; as of November 2025, levels are trending below long-term averages for most lakes through early 2026. Warmer surface waters, up 4.8°F in Lake Superior since 1979, are harming native species like whitefish, potentially leading to their disappearance in parts of Lake Michigan within years due to thermal stress and invasive species interactions. These changes, alongside increased severe storms, are prompting discussions of climate migration, with the Upper Peninsula viewed as a potential haven for its cooler, wetter conditions relative to southern Michigan. Such abiotic shifts may briefly influence ecological patterns, like species migration, but primarily alter hydrological and atmospheric dynamics.

Geology

Geological History

Michigan's geological history spans over 3.5 billion years, beginning with the formation of ancient rocks that form the foundational shield in the Upper Peninsula. These rocks, dating from approximately 4 billion to 1 billion years ago, consist primarily of metamorphosed volcanic and sedimentary materials, including granites, gneisses, and greenstones, exposed in areas like the and the . A notable recent discovery in 2025 identified the Watersmeet Gneiss in the Upper Peninsula as the oldest exposed rock in the United States, with zircons dating back to approximately 3.6 billion years old. The basement served as the source for significant metallic mineral deposits, such as the in the Keweenaw region and iron ores in the Upper Peninsula, formed through volcanic and hydrothermal processes during the era. Over time, tectonic stability allowed overlying sediments to accumulate, preserving these ancient structures beneath younger layers. The era, from about 541 to 252 million years ago, dominated Michigan's subsurface geology through repeated marine transgressions that filled the subsiding with sedimentary rocks. In the southern Lower , Devonian-period (419–359 million years ago) limestones and dolomites formed in warm, shallow seas, preserving fossilized coral reefs and marine life that indicate tropical conditions. To the north, Silurian-period (443–419 million years ago) sandstones and dolomites, such as those along the in the eastern Upper , represent nearshore deposits from these same epicontinental seas, with the itself marking a resistant ridge of Silurian dolostone exposed by differential erosion. Key formations from this era include the Antrim Shale, an Upper Devonian black shale in the northern Lower rich in organic matter that later contributed to oil and gas , and the Berea Sandstone, a Mississippian-age (359–323 million years ago) quartz-rich layer used historically for building stone and as a . The most recent major shaping of Michigan's landscape occurred during the Pleistocene epoch's Wisconsinan glaciation, approximately 75,000 to 11,000 years ago, when continental ice sheets advanced four times from the north, eroding bedrock and depositing vast amounts of till, outwash, and moraines. These advances scraped the Precambrian surface in the Upper Peninsula and smoothed the Paleozoic bedrock in the Lower Peninsula, while meltwater carved precursors to the Great Lakes and formed features like drumlins, eskers, and sand dunes along modern shorelines. The final retreat around 10,000 years ago left a thin veneer of glacial drift over much of the state, contributing to the relatively flat terrain observed today. Overall, Michigan's geology reflects an ancient Precambrian craton overlain by approximately 500 million years of episodic sedimentation in the Michigan Basin, punctuated by uplift, erosion, and glacial modification, transforming the landscape into a low-relief terrain dominated by sedimentary cover.

Mineral and Soil Resources

Michigan's mineral resources are predominantly concentrated in the Upper Peninsula, where the has historically been a major source of deposits hosted in volcanic rocks. Production from this district since 1845 totals approximately 11 billion pounds of , making it one of the most significant copper-producing areas in U.S. history. The in the Upper Peninsula also features substantial deposits in banded iron formations, with historical shipments exceeding hundreds of millions of tons, supporting the U.S. industry for over a century. In contrast, the Lower Peninsula hosts non-metallic minerals such as , salt, and ; is quarried primarily in the central and eastern regions, with Michigan ranking among the top U.S. producers at over 1 million tons annually in recent years. Salt production occurs through solution mining in the Detroit area, yielding millions of tons for industrial and road de-icing uses, while manufacturing relies on local and clay deposits. The state's soils are largely derived from glacial till, a legacy of Pleistocene glaciations that deposited heterogeneous mixtures of clay, silt, sand, and gravel across the landscape. In the southern Lower Peninsula, fertile alfisols dominate, characterized by clay-enriched subsoils that support intensive on approximately 27% of Michigan's land area, or about 9.7 million acres of farmland. These loamy soils are productive for crops like corn and soybeans due to their moderate fertility and water-holding capacity. Northern regions, including the Upper , feature podzols—sandy, acidic spodosols formed under coniferous forests—that are less suitable for farming but valuable for forestry and habitats. limestone in the Lower Peninsula provides raw material for quarries producing for , while granitic rocks in the Upper Peninsula supply aggregates for road building and . Economically, Michigan's sector traces its roots to the 1840s copper rush on the , which attracted thousands of prospectors and spurred early industrial development in the Upper Peninsula. Although large-scale and iron mining have declined, current extraction focuses on sand and gravel, with annual production exceeding 20 million tons used primarily in construction and infrastructure projects statewide. faces challenges from , particularly in agricultural areas of the Lower Peninsula, where average rates range from 1 to 2 tons per acre per year due to and rainfall, prompting conservation practices to maintain productivity.

Ecology

Ecosystems and Biomes

Michigan's ecosystems are characterized by a diverse array of biomes shaped by its glacial history and Great Lakes influences, with forests dominating the landscape at approximately 55% coverage, or 20.2 million acres. The state primarily falls within the temperate deciduous forest biome, where hardwood forests such as maple-beech-birch and oak-hickory types account for roughly 75% of forested land, while coniferous elements increase northward. Wetlands comprise another significant biome, encompassing about 6.5 million acres as of 2005, including bogs, fens, and marshes that support unique hydrological and vegetative communities. Coastal dunes along the Great Lakes form specialized ecosystems with shifting sands and stabilized ridges, hosting drought-tolerant vegetation adapted to wave action and wind exposure. In the Upper Peninsula, boreal forests dominate cooler, moist uplands, featuring conifers like spruce, fir, and jack pine alongside scattered hardwoods on well-drained sites. Peatlands, including extensive bogs and patterned fens, cover low-lying areas with acidic, waterlogged soils, accumulating organic matter over millennia and serving as carbon sinks. Great Lakes shorelines host alvars—limestone pavement communities with thin soils supporting grasses, sedges, and lichens on exposed bedrock outcrops, particularly along the northern coasts. The Lower Peninsula features oak-hickory forests in the southern regions, thriving on drier, sandy soils and comprising about 12% of the state's forest area, with white and as key dominants. Northern hardwoods, including sugar maple and American beech, prevail in the central and northern parts on mesic sites, forming dense canopies that cover around 22% of forests. Prairie remnants persist in the western Lower Peninsula, especially on outwash plains, as scattered grasslands amid encroaching forests, remnants of pre-settlement open habitats. Wetlands in Michigan originally spanned approximately 10.7 million acres pre-European settlement, representing a substantial portion of the landscape, but about 40%—or 4.3 million acres—have been lost to and development as of 2005, leaving diverse types such as acidic bogs with sphagnum moss, alkaline with sedges, and emergent marshes along rivers and lakes. These systems, often forested or scrub-shrub in character, play critical roles in water filtration and flood control across both peninsulas. Ecological transitions in Michigan are evident in tension zones resulting from post-glacial retreat, where vegetation shifts abruptly due to soil and climate gradients; for instance, the floristic tension zone in the Lower Peninsula marks the boundary between southern beech-maple hardwoods and northern , running diagonally from to Grand Rapids. This zone reflects varying glacial deposits, with sandy, acidic northern soils favoring and southern loams supporting broadleaf dominance.

Flora and Fauna

Michigan's flora is characterized by a diverse array of trees and wetland plants adapted to its temperate forests and aquatic habitats. Dominant tree species include the sugar maple (), eastern hemlock (), and eastern white pine (), the latter serving as the state tree and historically prominent in northern hardwood and forests. These species form the backbone of Michigan's 20.2 million acres of forest land, supporting complex ecosystems through canopy cover and nutrient cycling. In wetland areas such as fens and bogs, specialized flora thrives, including various orchid like the showy lady's slipper () in calcareous fens and carnivorous plants such as the (Sarracenia purpurea) in acidic bogs, which capture to supplement nutrient-poor soils. The state's fauna encompasses a wide range of mammals, birds, and fish, reflecting its position at the convergence of deciduous and coniferous biomes. Common mammals include the (Odocoileus virginianus), widespread across forests and fields; the black bear (Ursus americanus), primarily in the Upper Peninsula's dense woodlands; and the (Alces alces), concentrated in northern wetlands and bogs. Over 450 bird species have been recorded in , with notable shorebirds like the (Charadrius melodus) nesting on beaches, while fish populations in inland lakes and rivers feature (Salvelinus namaycush) and (Sander vitreus), key to both ecological balance and . Biodiversity hotspots underscore Michigan's ecological richness, with approximately 2,900 species documented statewide and about 45 species of freshwater mussels in its rivers and lakes, many at risk in the . Isle Royale National Park exemplifies predator-prey dynamics through its long-term wolf-moose study, where gray wolves (Canis lupus) regulate populations, influencing vegetation and overall island since observations began in 1958. The state's approximately 55% sustains around 300 breeding bird species and about 60 mammal species, fostering habitats that support migratory and resident wildlife. Notable endemics and threats highlight conservation challenges within this diversity. The Karner blue butterfly (Plebejus melissa samuelis), an endangered subspecies reliant on lupine host plants in oak-pine savannas, faces habitat loss across southern Michigan. Similarly, the American marten (Martes americana), a small carnivore in northern conifer forests, contends with fragmentation from logging. Invasive species pose significant risks, with the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) having killed tens of millions of ash trees in Michigan since its arrival in 2002, disrupting forest structure and wildlife foraging. These interactions, influenced by climate-driven shifts in species distributions, emphasize the interconnectedness of Michigan's flora and fauna. As of 2024, warming temperatures are altering distributions in key ecoregions, such as northward shifts in hardwood species.

Protected Areas and Conservation

National and State Parks

Michigan's national parks and state parks form a vital network of protected areas emphasizing recreation and natural preservation. The state hosts three prominent units managed by the (NPS), each showcasing unique features. , located in the northwestern portion of , encompasses 850 square miles, including the main 206-square-mile wilderness island and over 450 smaller islets, providing remote habitats for hiking, boating, and wildlife observation. , along the eastern Upper Peninsula's shoreline, spans 73,235 acres with 42 miles of coast, renowned for its multicolored sandstone cliffs rising up to 200 feet and diverse aquatic ecosystems. , situated on the Lower Peninsula's northwest coast along , covers 71,199 acres across 35 miles of shoreline, featuring towering dunes reaching 450 feet high, inland lakes, and forested bluffs ideal for camping and scenic drives. The Michigan state park system, overseen by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division, includes 103 parks and recreation areas totaling over 300,000 acres, contributing to the state's broader protected lands that cover approximately 24% of its total land area, or about 8.7 million acres focused on conservation and public access. Among these, in the eastern Upper Peninsula occupies nearly 50,000 acres, centered around the dramatic Upper and Lower Falls of the Tahquamenon River, with extensive trails through boreal forests supporting activities like fishing and canoeing. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, in the western Upper Peninsula bordering , spans 60,000 acres, including 35,000 acres of old-growth northern hardwood forest, the largest such expanse east of the , offering backpacking amid waterfalls and ridgelines. Other notable state parks highlight Michigan's coastal and historical geography. Mackinac Island State Park, comprising 80% of the 1,800-acre island in the Straits of Mackinac, prohibits motorized vehicles to preserve its carriage roads, historic forts, and bluffs, fostering a unique pedestrian and equestrian experience. Ludington State Park, on the Lower Peninsula's shore, includes 5,000 acres of dunes, beaches, and the historic Big Sable Point , providing opportunities for , ORV riding on adjacent areas, and along interdunal ponds. These parks collectively support ecological preservation while accommodating millions of annual visitors for outdoor pursuits.

Recent Conservation Efforts

In 2020, the state of launched the Michigan the Beautiful initiative, a collaborative effort led by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Department of Environment, , and Energy (EGLE), and to conserve, connect, and restore at least 30% of the state's lands and waters by 2030, aligning with national "" conservation goals. This program emphasizes geographical protection across 's diverse landscapes, including over 11,000 inland lakes, 76,000 miles of rivers and streams, and 10.7 million acres of wetlands, which have lost 40% of their area since European colonization. Regional consultations conducted in 2023-2024 informed the "Pathways for Michigan the Beautiful" report, which outlines strategies to address threats like urban development, , and aging infrastructure impacting aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems; as of 2025, the report guides ongoing partnerships. Federal support through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has provided over $1 billion in funding from fiscal years 2020 to 2025 for restoration projects in the , with 31% of EPA-funded GLRI efforts located in . These initiatives target geographical challenges such as and degradation in Michigan's waterways, including the development of the state's Plan in 2021 to reduce loads in priority watersheds like the Western Basin through targeted land use practices and wetland restorations, including pilot wetland restoration projects with partners like . Additional efforts include the Pay for Performance agricultural conservation program in the Kalamazoo River Watershed, implemented by the Delta Institute from 2020 onward, which incentivizes farmers to adopt best management practices on up to 6,600 acres to reduce loading by an estimated 20% in targeted areas. The Midwest Glacial Lakes Partnership's 2020-2025 strategic plan coordinates assessments and grants for fish habitat rehabilitation in Michigan's inland glacial lakes, addressing climate-driven threats like warming waters and through watershed-specific actions. In , the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's 2020 Recovery Implementation Strategy for the rattlesnake prioritizes habitat protection and restoration of wetlands and grasslands over five years to support this amid ongoing land conversion pressures. These multifaceted programs collectively advance Michigan's geographical resilience by integrating land, water, and conservation.

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