Inland lakes of Michigan

Front matter

INLAND LAKES

OF

MICHIGAN

Preface

The number of inland lakes in the State of Michigan is not definitely known but has been placed by some at greater than five thousand. They range in area from thirty-one square miles down to small, unnamed ponds and, in the Southern Peninsula alone, more than seventy have an area of one square mile or more. This number is considerably increased when the lakes of the Northern Peninsula are added. It has been estimated that lakes constitute about onefiftieth of the total area of the State, a percentage so large that one may, with justice, entertain doubt as to their value to the commonwealth.

This doubt becomes almost a conviction if one considers the wellknown fact that most lakes cover land of very high fertility. A classic example of the value of such land is the bed of former Lake Agassiz upon which is grown a large part of the enormous wheat crops of the Dakotas and Minnesota. Assuming that all of the inland lakes of the State could be drained, more than twelve hundred square miles of land of exceptional value would be opened to cultivation. In addition, it is probable that many nearby swampy areas would likewise be made available for use, and sanitary conditions be greatly improved by the extinction of the breeding places for disease-spreading insects. Also lake deposits, such as marl and peat, are frequently of considerable value and their exploitation, which is usually destructive to the lake, may be a legitimate enterprise. But our initial assumption that all of these lakes can be drained is impossible and, inasmuch as the data at hand is not sufficient for a fair estimate of the areas that can be reclaimed in this way, no attempt is made to state definitely their value. It is obvious, however, that it would be enormous.

Yet, on the other hand, lakes in themselves are a very useful resource and function in such varied Avays that, although a statement as to their monetary value is impossible, there are many who consider their jiresence, within limits, a valuable asset. Among the functions performed by lakes may be mentioned their service as natural reservoirs. They accommodate the waters of spring freshets and melting snows with comparatively small rise in water level and thus lessen the flooded condition of streams and hinder the stripping of the land. Also, by throwing dams across the outlets the viii PREFACE

outflow of the lakes may be controlled for a number of purposes, for example, — power, irrigation, logging operations, city water supply, etc. The consideration of lakes as a source of food supply, as highways of commerce and as a tempering effect on climate applies more particularly to the larger lakes and inland seas and is, therefore, mentioned only in passing.

But the most important function of lakes is, however, not commercial but lies rather in their unique advantages for the recreation of man. Here one may rest

"Escaped awhile,

From cares that wear the life away, To eat the lotus of the Nile, And drink the poppies of Cathay, To fling the loads of custom down.

Like driftweed, on the sand slopes brown, And in the sea waves drown the restless pack Of duties, claims and needs that barked upon their track."

WJiittier.

The pure air, cool temperatures and simple conditions of life stimulate renewed physical and mental vigor. Yet, lakes would fail in their service as recreational centers were opportunities for expression of the revived faculties lacking. This, however, appears contrary to fact, as shown by the ever-increasing numbers which migrate to them each summer.

The mere mention of the familiar water-sports should be sufficient to emphasize the appeal of lakes to our physical natures. But the appeal is deeper. Lakes are attractive not alone for their beauty but to a large extent because they portray so faithfully our own emotions and intensify .the condition of our physical environment. During periods of calm, winter's solitude is accentuated by the icebound expanse and, in summer, tranquility is reflected from the unbroken surface. At times its leaden waters appear sullen, fortelling impending storms, at others boisterous and jubilant, and again, whipped to a state of fury.

Nor, is the intellectual side wanting. Of the various phases of the study of nature none is more easily observed and readily interpreted than Earth Science from the physiographic viewpoint and that part devoted to the study of lakes is one of the most interesting. From this viewpoint undrained areas are considered as one of the early phases in the wearing away of a land surface by streams. As the streams deepen their valleys and stretch out tributaries, all parts of the basin become completely drained and lakes are, therefore, considered as transient features of the land-

PREFACE ix

scape. From a pliysiograpliic standpoint one may study the entire life history of such bodies of water. In this work tlie principle events to be deciphered are the origin of the basin, its development by the various agencies active upon it and finallj^ its extinction or death. In addition, the study has a much wider application, for lakes are but oceans in miniature, except for tides, and present similar problems on a more convenient scale.

From a practical standpoint the physiographic study of a lake gives a more intimate knowledge of and a closer acquaintance with the conditions not only of the shores but the surrounding coiinriy. This knowledge and familiarity cannot fail to be of service to the resorter both in the selection of the lake and the site on it. To illustrate, the larger lakes, although they may often be treacherous in times of storm, have advantages over smaller ones. The summer temperatures are apt to be lower and the very factors which make the lake dangerous, inasmuch as they w^ork on a large scale, are beneficial in various ways. Thus, better and cleaner beaches are built and the submerged terrace is broader and drops into deep water from depths usually greater than a man's height, lessening the danger of accidents due to walking off the ''drop off" or "channel bank". The situation of the lake is important and proximity to other large bodies of water is favorable. The ideal location is to the east of a large lake because the wands, prevailingly from the west, are cooled in their passage over the large expanse of water which has a lower temperature than the air in summer.

It w^ould seem axiomatic that the shores and surrounding country should be well drained, if the lake is to be useful for summer homes, in order to secure healthful living conditions and to insure a minimum of pests. However, the writer has seen far too many resorts planned on a magnificent scale which exist only on plats executed for the use of distant real estate dealers and has helped in locating some of the properties only to find them situated on an insignificant lake in the midst of a swamp. Physiographic study would eliminate this. An ideal site, according to the writer, is to be found on lakes which have stood for a considerable time at an appreciably higher level — of which Michigan has many — for under these conditions a sandy terrace is now exposed high and dry above the level, surmounted by a cliff of varying height from the base of which springs of cool, pure water often flow.

As stated above, lakes have served a useful purpose in the storing of w^ater for various projects which, in most cases, necessitates the building of a dam, thereby interfering with the natural level of the lake in question. This may involve a raising or lowering of the

X PREFACE

level, or both at different times of the year, and results in serious inconvenience and often damage to property along the shores. A lowering of the level means stranded docks and boat houses; a strip of the bottom exposed that often becomes foul from swampy conditions and decaying vegetation unless the lowering is permanent. A raising of the level is more serious and results in flooded shores and an increased activity of the waves. The latter is very noticeable on many lakes of the State and various means are employed to stop shore destruction by wave action. These, however, afford only temporary relief and are a source of expense and constant attention. In this case the physiographic principles seem to be ignored.

From the educational standpoint the study is also of importance. Physical Geography, in whole or in part, is quite generally taught in the schools of the State and it is truly educational in scope. Furthermore, the process of reasoning is complete. It puts new meaning in familiar things and only moderate teaching ability is demanded to arouse a lively interest on the part of the pupils. But it is not primarily a text book subject. Illustrative material is a necessity. Pictures may partially supply the need but by far the best illustrations are those obtained by direct observation. Exceptional indeed are the localities that do not furnish abundant accessible material for field study. Our lakes illustrate one phase of the subject of physiography and, on account of their number and distribution, should be a most valuable asset to the teachers of the State. Even the smallest pond is of some value in this respect and it is urged that advantage be taken of the opportunities.

It is hoped that from the brief statements concerning the points of view from which lakes may be considered it will be clear that both are well supported. As a matter of fact there are many lakes in our State that might well be exploited commercially but there are others which appear to be of greater value in their natural condition. Each lake, then, becomes a problem in itself and a physiographic study of the lake seems a prerequisite to its solution. The technicalities of such a study need not be overwhelming. No branch of earth science is more interesting that the study of lakes, and no special equipment other than an active brain and a reasonably vigorous physique is necessary. It provides both physical and mental recreation of the best type and is profitable as well as interesting. Familiar features take on new meaning and the changes taking place are a source of continued interest. The writer is convinced that the report of the studies of Michigan's inland lakes, undertaken during the summers of 1913, 1914 and 1920, will be of

PREFACE xi

greatest service if the needs of the increasing nnmber of summer visitors and of those engaged in educational work are kept in mind. Therefore, the attempt has been made to present the essentials of the subject in as untechnical a way as possible in the introductory chapters. Following the introductory work are detailed descriptions and discussions of the physiography of some of the more important lakes.

It is obvious that all of the lakes of the State could not be included in this study and therefore a selection was made based on the importance, accessibility, distribution and promise of scientific results. Mistakes, both of omission and commission, appear in "this selection as the work progressed, the principal difficulty being in the matter of distribution. In order to improve this, it was decided to include a large number of lakes in a reconnaisance study during the summer of 1920 and the results of this work are given in the final chapters. In these brief reports an attempt has been made to classify the lake basins and to state the type of the adjustments that have taken place on the shores. Also some information as to the accessibility of the lake, localities where the adjustments may be easily recognized, and the desirability of the lake as a summer resort maj^ be included.

It is recognized that there will be some disappointment in the selection of the lakes described in detail but this need not be serious if one of the objects of this report is attained, namely, to present the underlying principles in such a way that they may be applied by those who may study these pages. Often the difficulty is in getting a start and it is felt that the final chapters may be of service in this respect.

The first essential in undertaking a study of this kind is to have a reasonably accurate map of the lake and its surroundings. Preferably this should show relief features; and the best to be obtained are the topographic maps made by the United States Geological Survey in co-operation with the State. These maps are about thirteen by seventeen inches in size and are made on a scale of approximately one inch to one mile for most districts, thus including and area of nearly 220 square miles. They are sold by the Director of the United States Geological Survey, and bj" the Michigan Geological Survej^ at a nominal cost of ten cents and by all means should be procured, if they are available. Unfortunately much of the State is as yet unmapped, but encouraging progress lias been made recently and we look forward to a more rapid production of these most useful maps as the demand increases.

xii PREFACE

Other maps that are useful are those issued by the United States Lake Survey, Detroit, Mich. They are very accurate, both as to shores and depth of water, but only a limited amount of the surroundings is included in the map. These maps are made for navigation purposes and represent navigable waters directly connected with the Great Lakes with one exception, the map of the Inland Route including Crooked, Burt and Mullet Lakes.

In most cases the only maps available are the United States Land Survey plats which give only the outline of the lake, and this is not accurate. Those used in this report were corrected in a rough way and, although far from satisfactory, are sufficiently reliable for the purpose. Most county maps and atlases are compiled from these plats and may be relied upon to the same extent.

The three main problems to be studied are, as indicated above, the origin of the basin, its subsequent development, and its extinction. The first of these involves a knowledge of the topographic features of the region and necessitates an examination of the surrounding country. It is often the most difficult to decide, and valuable information will be found in a publication of the Michigan Geological and Biological Survey by Frank Leverett: Publication 25, Geological Series 21, Surface Geology of Michigan. "■• The inserted maps are especially valuable and should be mounted on cloth to save wear and tear.

The development of the basin and causes working towards extinction are best discovered by making a detailed study of the shores and the off-shore lake bottom. The use of a boat is necessary for the latter and may be serviceable for a traverse of the shores if the lake is large. In general, however, a traverse on foot does away with the inconvenience of landing and gives more satisfactory results for the beginner. The sounding of the shallow water requires some apparatus. The writer found an exhausted dry cell a convenient weight but does not recommend any weight under twenty pounds for deep water. Accurate soundings involve both depths and locations. The process is tedious, and expensive instruments are necessary, therefore this is not recommended. For our purposes the depths of the water over the terrace and the width of the terrace are desirable. The width is the more difficult to obtain but an estimation will answer the purpose unless a detailed and serious study is to be undertaken.

If this report is successful, the physiographic study of lakes will

♦Publication 25 is a revision of two earlier publications, viz. : Pub. 7, Surface Geology of the Northern Peninsula and Pub. 9, Surface Geology of the Southern Peninsula of Michigan. Both these publications are now out of print.

PREFACE xiii

be the result. Workers may benefit thems.elves and others as well if their results are known, and the writer will be glad to receive suggestions, criticisms, and new developments concerning any lakes of the State whether included in this report or not. The use of the camera is strongly recommended also.

The illustrations in the report are from drawings and photogaphs by the author unless otherwise accredited. Acknowledgments are due to the many individuals who by information and services made much of the field work possible. Mr. Frank Leverett, United States Geologist, has aided the writer in glacial problems both by personal communication and by placing at his disposal valuable data, at the time unpublished. The advice and assistuce of Mr. R. C. Allen, former Director of the Michigan Geological Survey and Mr. R. A. Smith, present Director, have been of especial service in the prosecution of the field work and the preparation of this report.

Table Of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Letter of Transmittal, R. A. Smith v

Preface vii

List of Illustrations xii

CHAPTER I The Origin and Classification of Lake Basins 3

The Atmosphere, 3; Running Water, 4; Ground Water, 6; Glaciers, 6; Physiography, of the State of Michigan, 13; Northern Peninsula, 13; Highland Province, 15; Lowland Province, 16: Southern Peninsula, 18; Origin of Lake Basins, 22; Rivers, Ox-bows, 23; Groundwater, Sinks, 25; Diastrophism, Faulting, 26; Warping, 27; Glacial Lakes, Scour, 28; Deposition, Morainal, 28; Inter-niorainal, 30; Morainal dam, 31; Fosse, 31; Pits, 32; Waves and Currents, Lagoons, 31; References, 35.

CHAPTER II The Development of Lake Shores and Extinction of Lakes 37

Characteristics of Waves and Currents, 38; Waves, 38; Currents, 43; The Work of Waves and Currents, 46; The Work of Waves, 47; The Work of Currents, 53; The General Effects of Waves and Currents, 55; The Work of Ice on Lake Shores, 56; Ice Ramparts, 56; Ice-jam, 59; The Extinction of Lakes, 61; The Cycle of Shore Development, 66; References, 67.

Interior Lalces of the Southern Peninsula. Western Interlobate Area 177

Lakes of St. Joseph County, 177; Klinger Lake, 178; Corey Lake, 182; Clear Lake, 187; Long Lake, 190; Gun Lake, 195; Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell, 203; Lake Mitchell, 205.

Chapter VI

Interior Lakes of the Southern Peninsula, Continued. Lakes of the Western Inter-lobate

Area and of Alpena County 209

Houghton Lake, 209; Higgins Lake, 215; Portage Lake, Crawford County, 224; Otsego Lake, 227; Hubbard Lake, 235; Long Lake, Alpena County, 242.

Chapter VII

Interior Lakes of the Southern PeTiinsula, Continued. Lakes of the Eastern Interlobate Area 263

Orchard Lake, 253; Cass Lake, 258; Long Lake, Genesee County, 261.

Chapter VIII

Brevort Lake, 269; The Manistique lakes, 275; Manistique Lake, 277; Whitefish Lake, 279; Indian Lake, 281; Huron Mountain Lakes, 286; Pine Lake, 289; Conway Lake, 290; Rush Lake, 291; Ives and Mountain Lakes, 293; Lake Michigamme, 296; Portage and Torch Lakes, 303; Lake Gogebic, 310; Chicagon Lake, 318.

Kviii TABLE OP CONTENTS

CHAPTER IX Page Lakes of the Kalamazoo Morainic and Outwash Systems 321

Sugarloaf Lake, 324; Cavanaugh Lake, 324; Crooked Lake, 325 ; Wampler's Lake, 325; Vineyard Lake, 325; Clark Lake, 326; Devils and Round Lakes, 327; Bawbeese, Coldwater and Marble Lakes, 328; Coldwater Lake, 329; Marble Lake, 329; Goguac Lake, 330; Gull Lake, 330; Crooked Lake, Barry County, 332; Wall Lake, 332; Austin Group (Austin, Long, West, and Gourdneck), 333; Long Lake, 334; Diamond Lake, 334.

CHAPTER X Lakes of the Valpariaso-Charlotte, Morainic and Outwash Systems 335

Walled Lake, 335; Whitmore Lake, 336; Huron River Group (Portage, Base Line, Strawberry, Zuke5^ etc.), 337; Duck Lake, 337; Chippewa Lake, 338; Hess Lake, 339; Reed Lake, 339; Miner Lake, 340; Paw Paw Lake, 340; Cora Lake, 341; Sister Lakes, 342; Indian Lake, 343.

CHAPTER XI Lakes of the Port Huron Morainic and Outwash Systems 345

Crystal Lake, Montcalm County, 345; Coldwater Lake, Isabella County; 346; Missaukee Lake, 347; Manistee Lake, 348; Big Star Lake, 349; Fremont Lake, 350; Big Blue Lake, 351; Twin Lakes, 352; Wolf Lake, 352.

Chapter XII

Border Lakes and Lakes of Diverse Origin Outside the Port Huron Morainic System. 355 Border Lakes, 355; Bass Lake, 357; Portage Lake, Manistee County, 358; Platte Lakes, 359; Glen Lake, 360; Grand Lake, Presque Isle County, 361; Van Etten Lake, 363; Lakes of Diverse Origin, 364; Long Lake, Iosco County, 364; Sage Lake, 365; Carp Lake, 366; Grand Traverse Lakes, 367; Green and Duck Lakes, 367; Long Lake, Grand Traverse County, 368; Silver Lake, 369; Bear Lake, 370.

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

PLATES

Page Kalamazoo County Frontispiece

View on Gull Lake,

Plate I. Sink Hole, Sunken Lake, Alpena County

Plate II, A. Waves, Burt Lake

Plate II, B. Whitecaps and breakers, Higgins Lake

Plate III, A. Ice-push terrace, Athabasca

Plate III, B. Lake nearing extinction by vegetation Second Sister Lake, near Ann

Arbor

Plate IV, A. Sand Dunes, Little Traverse Bay, Round Lake in foreground

Plate IV, B. Marl Bed, Sturgeon River near Burt Lake

Plate V, A. Pittsburgh Landing, Burt Lake

Plate V, B. Boulder-paved Bank, Burt Lake

Plate VI, A. Nigger Creek, Mullett Lake

Plate VI, B. Stony Point, Mullett Lake

Plate VII, A. Hook, Douglass Lake

Plate VII, B. Raised Beaches, Pine Lake

Plate VIII, A. Stratified Edge of Built-Terrace, Torchlight Lake

Plate VIII, B. Raised Boulder Strand, Torchlight Lake

Plate IX, A. Algonquin Bar, Torchlight Lake

Plate IX, B. Algonquin Bar, Elk Lake

Plate X, A. Ice-jam, Crystal Lake

Plate X, B. " Drop-off," Corey Lake

Plate XI. Bar, Long Lake, St. .loseph County

Plate XII, A. White Sands, Lake Mitchell

Plate XII, B. Ice-jam, Lake Mitchell

Plate XIII. Stream diverted by current.s. Lake Mitchell

Plate XIV, A. " Beaver Dam," Otsego Lake

Plate XIV, B. Ice-formed V-bar, Long Lake, Alpena County

Plate XV, A. Ice-formed Spit, Long Lake, Alpena County

Plate XV, B. Ice Rampart, Apple Island, Orchard Lake

Plate XVI, A. Spit, Cass Lake

Plate XVI, B. Dissection of ice rampart, Cass Lake

Plate XVII, A. Ice rampart, Indian Lake

Plate XVII, B. Vecetation — Lagoon and bar near Indian Lake, Schoolcraft County.

Plate XVIII. E.^tinction by vegetation, Arm of PiiiC Lake, Huron Mountains. . . .

Plate XIX, A. Waves breaking over submerged bar, Taire Michiganime

Plate XIX, B. Storm beach, east ead of Lake Michigamme

Plate XX, A. Looking North on Lake Gogebic

P late XX, B. Mountain Lake, Huron Mountains

26 42

42 60

Fig.

Fig.

F'ig.

Fig.

o

Fig.

Fig.

Fig.

Fig.

Pig.

Fig.

Fig.

Fig.

Fig.

FIGURES

A stage of the Wi.sconsin glacier showing lobate character of the ice front . .

Relative position of glacial deposits

Map showing the morainic systems of Michigan

Map of Lake Algonquin .showing relation to present Great Lakes

Map of Lake Nipissing showing its relation to the present Great Lakes. . .

Map showing physiographic provinces of the Northern Peninsula

Map showing physiographic provinces of the Southern Peninsula

Map and diagrams showing characteristics of ox-bow lakes

Map and diagram to show manner of formation of lakes in sink-holes. . . .

Diagram and map to show characteristics of rift valley lakes

Diagram showing characteristics of lagoons of the drowned stream type. . Diagrams and maps showing characteristics of morainal (marginal) lakes.

Lake Antoine. A lake of the morainal dam type

Sketch and diagram to illustrate mamier of formation of fosse lakes

XX LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

Paee

Pig. 15. Map and diagram to illustrate ciiaracteristics of pit lakes 33

Fig. 16. Diagram illustrating movement of water particles in wa-i.es of oscillation 38

Fig. 17. Diagram illustrating the ideal development of waves 39

Fig. 18. Diagram illustrating rapid decrease with depth of motion of water particles in a

wave 40

Fig. 19. Diagram to illustrate the formation of white caps 41

Fig. 20. Diagram of the path of a particle of water affected by a number of successive

Fig. 21. Diagram showing paths of a water particle in waves of translation 43

Fig. 22. Diagram showing upward and forward, and downward and forward movements

of a wave of translation 43

Fig. 23. Diagram to show actual motion of water pajticles striking shore at an oblique

angle 44

Fig. 24. Diagram to show currents .set up in a circular lake ., 45

Fig. 25. Diagram showing conditions under which a shore current is formed 46

Fig. 26. Farwells Point, an undercut cliff on Lake Mendota, Wisconsin ■. . . 47

Fig. 27. Profile of a cut and built terrace on a steep rocky shore 49

Fig. 2k. Profile of a cut and built terrace on a shore formed of loose materials 49

Fig. 29. Section of a barrier with characteristic steep landward and gentle seaward slope 50

Fig. 30. Sea-cave's in process of formation along joints 51

Fig. 31. A sea arch and small caves on the shore of one of the Apostle Islands, Lake

Superior 52

Fig. 32. Stack on the shore of Lake Superior 53

Fig. 33. Diagram illustrating the filling of a lake by vegetation 63

Fig. 34. Outline map showing lakes of the Cheboygan" River Basin 70

Fig. 35. Map of Crooked Lake showing configuration of bottom 72

Fig. 36. Spit oflfset near distal end. Northwest end of Oden Island, Crooked Lake. ... 75

Fig. 37. Map showing outlines and configuration of the bottom of Burt and Mullet Lakes 78

Fig. 38. Hook at Greenman Point, Burt Lake 83

Fig. 39. Diagrammatic profile of the exposed terraces of Burt Lake 83

Fig. 40. Recession of a flooded shore line due to removal of vegetation 94

Fig. 41. Outline map of Black Lake, Chebo^'gan and Presque Isle counties. 100

Fig. 42. Outline map of Douglass Lake 107

Fig. 43. Sand cusp, Douglass Lake 112

Fig. 44. Sand cusp, Douglass Lake 112

Fig. 45. Conventional diagram illustrating the increase in curvature of waves within an

embayment 113

Fig. 46. Diagrammatic plan of bars and lagoon at Sedge Point, Douglass Lake 114

Fig. 47. Diagrammatic plan of bars and lagoons at Diogenes Point, Douglass Lake. . . . 115

Fig. 48. Outline map of Walloon Lake. 121

Fig. 49. Spit at the west side of the entrance to the North Arm Walloon Lake 124

Fig. 50. Spit at east side of the entrance to the North Arm, Walloon Lake 124

Fig. 51. Ice rampart, Mud Hole, Walloon Lake 129

Fig. 52. Map showing outline and configuration of the basin of Pine Lake, Charlevoix

County 134

Fig. 53. Diagram showing exposed terraces along the shores of Pine Lake 138

Fig. 54. Map of Torchlight Lake and vicinity 144

Fig. 55. Diagram showing terraces about the shores of Torchlight Lake 147

Fig. 56. Conventional sketch of point designated at B on ma,p. Torchlight Lake 150

Fig. 57. Conventional sketch of point near Y. M. C. A. camp, Torchhght Lake 152

Fig. 58. Outhne map of Elk Lake ■ • 160

Fig. 59. Tenement house in process of burial by a moving dune, Elk Rapids. 165

Fig. 60. Outline map of Crystal Lake, Benzie County 168

Fig. 61. Small ice rampart of sand. Crystal Lake 170

Fig. 62. Diagram showing the attachment of the bars at the west end of Crystal Lake

to the north shore cliffs 173

Fig. 63. Topographic map of Khnger Lake and surroundings 178

Fig. 64. Topographic map of Corey, Clear and Long Lakes and surroundings 182

Fig. 65. Sketch of small island tied to the mainland by two bars or tombolos 185

Fig. 66. Outline map of Gun I ake, Barry County 194

Pig. 67. Outline map of Lakes Mitchell and Cadillac, Wexford County 202

Fig. 68. Map showing the distribution of the glacial formations in the vicinity of

Houghton and Higgins Lakes 210

Fig. 69. Outline map of Houghton Lake, Roscommon County .■ 212

Fig. 70. Outline map of Higgins Lake, Roscommon Couny 216

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS xxl

Page

Fig. 71. Outlijie map of Portage Lake, Crawford County > 225

Fig. 72. Map of the glacial formations in the vicinity of Otsego Lake 228

Fig. 73. Outline map of Otsego Lake 229

Fig. 74. Map of the glacial formations in the vicinity of Hubbard Lake 235

Fig. 75. Outline map of Hubbard Lake, Alcona County 237

Fig. 76. Outline map of Long Lake, Alpena County 243

Fig. 77. Boulder pushed on-shore by an ice -jam, Long Lake, Alpena Coimty 248

.Fig. 78. Boulder pushed on-shore by an ice-jam 248

Fig. 79. Topographic map of Cass and Orchard Lakes and vicinity, Oakland Couhty . . 254

Fig. 80. Outline map of Long Lakeland neighboring lakes, Genesee County 262

Fig. 81. Outline map of Brevort Lake, Mackinac County 270

Fig. 82. OutUne map of the Manistique Lakes, Luce and Mackinac counties 276

P'ig. 83. Outline map of Indian Lake near Manistique, Schoolcraft County 282

Fig. 84. Topographic map of the Huron Mountains 288

Fig. 85. Outline map of Lake Michigamme, Marquette County 297

Fig. 86. Geological section across the Marquette Iron Range, .showing relation of Lake

Michigamme to the formation 297

Fig. 87. Sketch showing plan of the spits on the north shore of Lake Michigamme .... 300

Fig. 88. Cuspate foreland on the north shore of Lake Michigamme 301

Fig. 89. Outline map of Portage and Torch Lakes and vicinity, Houghton County .... 304

Fig. 90. Outline map of Lake Gogebic, Ontonagon and Gogebic counties 311

Fig. 91. Map of western part of the Northern Peninsula showing the general distribution

of the Copper and Gogebic Ranges and also the basin of the Ontonagon River 312 Fig. 92. Map to show the change in drainage which has taken place within the present

basin of the Ontonagon River 315

Fig. 93. Topographic map of Chicagon Lake and vicinity, Iron County 319

THE INLAND LAKES OF MICHIGAN

I. D. SCOTT

Chapter I The Origin And Classification Of Lake Basins

Lakes are numerous and the types of basins are many. If the basins are classified according to their manner of formation, complications may arise on account of several factors entering into the formation of a single basin. As the study is extended all of the agencies which are shaping the land surfaces of the earth are involved and it is, therefore, necessary to become familiar with the broader phases of the work and results of these agents.

To the beginner, one of the striking facts derived from the study of earth science is that the surface of the earth is slowly but constantly changing. Uplift and subsidence of the land are fundamental conceptions and no longer is the expression "terra firma" strictly applicable. Elevation has lifted the continents higher above the seas, while depression has served to deepen the ocean basins. On the first land waves, currents, and the atmosphere began their work, and with further elevation other agents — running water, ground water, winds, glaciers — became active. In general, the work of these agents is to wear down the land and transport the material elsewhere, eventually to the oceans. The continents occupy only one-fourth of the surface of the earth and are low in. average elevation compared to the depth of the oceans, therefore, if elevation were ineflflcient or not active, they would soon be worn down nearly to sea level. But the continents have stood for ages far beyond the scope of human experience and, with the land assured, our interest centers on the agents which are fashioning its surface. The agents which are of most importance for our purposes are the atmosphere, running water, wind, ground water, and glaciers.