Clear Lake (Michigan) facts for kids

Clear Lake is a very common name for lakes, especially in the U.S. state of Michigan. In fact, there are many different lakes called "Clear Lake" spread across various counties in Michigan! This can sometimes be a bit confusing, but each one is a unique body of water with its own special features.

Many Lakes, One Name

Michigan is known for having thousands of lakes. It's not unusual for many of them to share similar names. "Clear Lake" is a popular choice, likely because the water in these lakes is often very clean and easy to see through. This makes them great places for swimming, fishing, and enjoying nature.

How Lakes Get Their Names

Lakes often get their names from simple descriptions of what they look like or where they are. For example, a lake with very clear water might be called "Clear Lake." Other lakes might be named after local plants, animals, or even people who lived nearby a long time ago. It's a way to describe the place quickly and easily.

Finding a Specific Clear Lake

Since there are so many lakes named "Clear Lake," how do people tell them apart? Scientists and mapmakers use special identifiers to make sure they are talking about the right one. Each lake has a unique ID number and exact location details.

What is a GNIS ID?

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has a system called the Geographic Names Information System, or GNIS. This system gives a special ID number to every lake, river, mountain, and other geographic feature in the United States. So, even if two lakes are both called "Clear Lake," their GNIS IDs will always be different. This helps everyone know exactly which lake they mean.

Understanding Coordinates and Elevation

Another way to identify a specific lake is by its coordinates and elevation.

• Coordinates are like a precise address on Earth, using lines of latitude and longitude. They tell you exactly where the lake is located on a map.
• Elevation tells you how high the lake is above sea level. This information is important for understanding the landscape around the lake.

For example, one Clear Lake in Calhoun County is at an elevation of about 853 feet (260 meters) above sea level. Another Clear Lake in Baraga County is much higher, at about 1,749 feet (533 meters) above sea level! These details help show how different each "Clear Lake" truly is.

This article includes a list of lakes that share the same name (or similar names). If an internal link incorrectly led you here, you may wish to change the link to point directly to the intended lake article.

__DISAMBIG__