Great Lakes
The Great Lakes are a system of five interconnected freshwater lakes located in eastern North America. Together, they form the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth by total surface area and contain approximately 21 percent of the world's surface fresh water.
The Great Lakes consist of:
Michigan is uniquely positioned among the Great Lakes states, bordering four of the five lakes and possessing the longest freshwater coastline of any political subdivision in the world.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Number of Lakes | 5 |
| Surface Area | Approximately 94,250 square miles |
| Water Volume | Approximately 5,439 cubic miles |
| Countries | United States, Canada |
| Largest Lake | Lake Superior |
| Smallest Lake | Lake Ontario |
| Freshwater Share | Approximately 21% of global surface freshwater |
The Five Great Lakes
Lake Superior
Lake Superior is the largest, deepest, and coldest of the Great Lakes.
Notable characteristics include:
- Largest freshwater lake by surface area in the world
- Maximum depth of over 1,300 feet
- Rugged shoreline
- Significant shipping activity
Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan is the only Great Lake located entirely within the United States.
Notable features include:
- Sleeping Bear Dunes
- Extensive beaches
- Major ports
- Tourism destinations
Lake Huron
Lake Huron borders both Michigan and Ontario.
Notable features include:
- Georgian Bay
- Thousands of islands
- Mackinac Island
- Historic shipping routes
Lake Erie
Lake Erie is the shallowest of the Great Lakes.
The lake supports:
- Commercial fishing
- Recreation
- Shipping
- Agriculture
Its warmer waters contribute to a productive ecosystem.
Lake Ontario
Lake Ontario is the easternmost Great Lake.
The lake connects to the Atlantic Ocean through:
- St. Lawrence River
It serves as a major transportation corridor between the interior of North America and international markets.
Formation
The Great Lakes were formed primarily by glacial activity during the last Ice Age.
As massive continental glaciers retreated approximately 10,000 to 15,000 years ago, they carved deep basins into the landscape.
These basins gradually filled with meltwater and precipitation, creating the modern Great Lakes system.
Michigan and the Great Lakes
Michigan's geography is defined by the Great Lakes.
The state borders:
Major Michigan communities located along the Great Lakes include:
The Great Lakes influence Michigan's economy, climate, recreation, transportation, and culture.
Shipping & Commerce
The Great Lakes form one of the world's most important inland transportation systems.
Major industries supported by Great Lakes shipping include:
- Iron Ore
- Coal
- Grain
- Limestone
- Manufacturing
- Energy Production
Important shipping routes connect:
- Duluth
- Chicago
- Detroit
- Cleveland
- Buffalo
- Montreal
through the St. Lawrence Seaway.
Ecology
The Great Lakes support diverse ecosystems and wildlife.
Common species include:
- Lake Trout
- Walleye
- Whitefish
- Salmon
- Perch
- Sturgeon
The lakes provide drinking water to tens of millions of people throughout the United States and Canada.
Recreation
Popular recreational activities include:
- Boating
- Fishing
- Sailing
- Swimming
- Kayaking
- Camping
- Diving
- Wildlife Observation
Major Michigan destinations include:
Environmental Challenges
The Great Lakes face several environmental challenges, including:
- Invasive species
- Water pollution
- Habitat loss
- Coastal erosion
- Climate change impacts
Numerous organizations and government agencies work to protect and preserve the Great Lakes ecosystem.
Legacy
The Great Lakes have shaped the history, economy, culture, and development of North America for thousands of years.
They remain among the world's most valuable freshwater resources and continue to play a central role in the identity of Michigan and the broader Great Lakes region.
See Also
References
geography great_lakes freshwater lake_superior lake_michigan lake_huron lake_erie lake_ontario michigan