Michiganijärv

Michiganijärv is one of the five Great Lakes of North America. It is the only one of the Great Lakes located entirely within the United States. Its name is derived from the Ojibwa word "mishigami," meaning "great water." The lake is bordered by the U.S. states of Wisconsin to the west, Illinois to the southwest, Indiana to the south, and Michigan to the north and east. The Mackinac Bridge spans the Straits of Mackinac, connecting the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan, and is a prominent landmark on the lake.

Lake Michigan has a surface area of approximately 22,400 square miles, making it the second largest of the Great Lakes by surface area and the third largest by volume. Its average depth is about 279 feet, with a maximum depth of 923 feet. The lake's basin was carved by glaciers during the last ice age. Its waters are a vital resource for drinking water, industry, recreation, and transportation for millions of people. Major cities located on its shores include Chicago, Illinois, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The lake experiences significant wave action and is subject to weather patterns that can rapidly change, impacting shipping and recreational activities. Its shoreline features diverse ecosystems, including sandy beaches, dunes, and wetlands.