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What are the Great Lakes?

Alan Rankin
Alan Rankin

The Great Lakes are a group of five interconnected freshwater lakes along the border of Canada and the northern United States. Together, they form the largest landlocked body of water on Earth and are clearly visible from space. They were vital to travel, commerce, and immigration during the early history of the two nations. In modern times, they are no longer used for travel but remain important to the economy, culture, and environment of the surrounding area.

The Great Lakes were formed by melting and receding glaciers at the end of the last Ice Age, roughly 10,000 years ago. They consist of Lake Ontario, bordering upstate New York; Lake Erie, running along the northern borders of New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio; Lake Huron and Lake Michigan, surrounding the state of Michigan; and Lake Superior, bordering Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. All except Lake Michigan form most of the southern border of the Canadian province of Ontario. They compose 21 percent of the planet’s available fresh, or salt-free, water.

The Great Lakes provide drinking water to many communities.
The Great Lakes provide drinking water to many communities.

All of the Great Lakes except Lake Superior are named for words in the languages of the Native American tribes who originally inhabited the region. Early settlers used the lakes to transport goods, raw materials, and passengers, including generations of immigrants who populated the major cities on the shores of the Great Lakes. These cities include Toronto, Chicago, and Detroit. Milwaukee, Cleveland, and Thunder Bay also lie along the Great Lakes, many of which have strong ethnic subcultures to this day. In the 1800s, canals linked the lakes with the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, allowing water to travel from New York to the Gulf of Mexico. Despite this, passenger and freight trade declined in the 19th century as overland travel became possible.

Lake Superior is the largest lake in the United States.
Lake Superior is the largest lake in the United States.

The Great Lakes remain an important part of the region’s economy, supporting commercial and recreational fishing and boating, industry, and tourism. A significant segment of Canada’s economy is dependent on the lakes. The ecosystem of the lakes is threatened by human activity, including sewage disposal and pollution from nearby cities and industrial centers, invasive species, and widespread development. Canada and the United States have both launched initiatives to protect the Great Lakes environment from further decline. Many local communities depend on the lakes for drinking water.

Four of the five great lakes border both the United States and Canada.
Four of the five great lakes border both the United States and Canada.

The Great Lakes are a vital part of the region’s culture. Locals and visitors alike explore the lakes and their surrounding rivers, islands, and smaller lakes for sport and relaxation. There is even a surfing scene on the lakes, made up of hardy all-weather surfers. Milwaukee’s Summerfest is only one of many annual festivals held on the shores of the Great Lakes. In 1976, singer Gordon Lightfoot released the folk-rock classic The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, about a famous shipwreck on Lake Superior.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Great Lakes and where are they located?

Michigan is known as the Great Lakes State for its five major lakes and more than 11,000 inland lakes.
Michigan is known as the Great Lakes State for its five major lakes and more than 11,000 inland lakes.

The Great Lakes are a group of five large freshwater lakes in North America, forming the largest lake group in the world by total area. They are located on the border between the United States and Canada, comprising Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario. Together, they hold about 21% of the world's surface fresh water.

How were the Great Lakes formed?

The Great Lakes were formed by glacial activity during the last Ice Age, approximately 14,000 years ago. As glaciers advanced and retreated, they carved out deep basins in the earth. When they melted, these basins filled with water, creating the lakes we see today. This process also created the rich soils and diverse ecosystems surrounding the lakes.

What kind of wildlife can be found in and around the Great Lakes?

The Great Lakes region is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including over 170 species of fish, such as lake trout and walleye. The surrounding habitats support numerous bird species, like the piping plover and bald eagle. Mammals such as black bears, wolves, and moose can also be found in the Great Lakes' forests and wetlands.

Are the Great Lakes important for commerce and transportation?

Yes, the Great Lakes are crucial for commerce and transportation. They serve as a major shipping route for goods like iron ore, coal, and grain, with the St. Lawrence Seaway enabling transit to the Atlantic Ocean. According to the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway System, this waterway supports 227,000 jobs and $35 billion in economic activity annually.

What environmental issues are the Great Lakes facing?

The Great Lakes face several environmental issues, including invasive species like the zebra mussel, pollution from industrial runoff, and habitat loss. Climate change is also impacting water levels and temperatures, which can affect native species and water quality. Efforts are ongoing to address these challenges through conservation and restoration initiatives.

Can you visit the Great Lakes for recreational activities?

Absolutely! The Great Lakes offer a plethora of recreational activities, such as boating, fishing, swimming, and beach-going. The region boasts numerous state and national parks, scenic trails, and historic lighthouses. Winter sports like ice fishing and skiing are also popular, making the Great Lakes a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Discussion Comments

Inaventu

I was surprised to learn that some of the Great Lakes, especially Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, aren't all that deep. I know Lake Superior and Lake Michigan are really deep, and they can get some mighty powerful storms out there. I grew up near Buffalo, New York, and we always braced ourselves for a bad snowstorm whenever the Great Lakes froze over. They called it "lake effect snow", when the moisture over the lakes evaporates and gets pulled into storm clouds. If other cities expected two to four inches of snow, we would expect two to four feet.

RocketLanch8

I grew up near Lake Erie, and one of the things I really liked about the Great Lakes was the shoreline. The beach and the water were just as nice as any ocean beach I've seen, and I didn't have to worry about getting salt water in my eyes when I swam. Sometimes we took a charter boat cruise around Lake Erie and look at Cleveland from a distance. I know a lot of people want to retire near the ocean, but I think any of the Great Lakes would be great places to settle down.

There are some really nice island towns in the Great Lakes, too. I really liked visiting a place called Put-in-Bay on Lake Erie. It reminded me of the Florida Keys, but with different weather.

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    • The Great Lakes provide drinking water to many communities.
      By: goodluz
      The Great Lakes provide drinking water to many communities.
    • Lake Superior is the largest lake in the United States.
      By: rudi1976
      Lake Superior is the largest lake in the United States.
    • Four of the five great lakes border both the United States and Canada.
      By: Hugh O'Neill
      Four of the five great lakes border both the United States and Canada.
    • Michigan is known as the Great Lakes State for its five major lakes and more than 11,000 inland lakes.
      By: Floki Fotos
      Michigan is known as the Great Lakes State for its five major lakes and more than 11,000 inland lakes.