The Great Lakes

History of the Great Lakes

Summary Formation About the Great Lakes The Individual Lakes The Great Lakes Restoration Act Restoration Goals

Formation About a billion years ago, a fracture in the earth generated volcanic activity that practically split North America. Over the next 20 million years, lava flowed from this fracture.

Formation When the glaciers arrived, the lava turned into ice. Once the glaciers started melting, they left high ridges which led to huge lakes. These lakes are now what we call the Great Lakes.

About the Great Lakes The Great Lakes border two countries, eight states and two provinces. United States: Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Canada: Ontario and Quebec.

About the Great Lakes The Great Lakes form the largest freshwater system on Earth covering over 94,000miles. Lake Erie Lake Huron Lake Michigan Lake Ontario Lake Superior Their connecting channels

Lake Erie Lake Erie is the smallest of the five lakes with about 120 cubic miles in volume. Because of its lush soils, the basin is mostly densely populated and therefore exposed to the greatest effects of urbanization and agriculture. It covers parts of Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan , New York, and Ontario.

Lake Ontario Lake Ontario holds over three times the volume of Lake Erie, about 395 cubic miles. More urbanization and agriculture takes part on the Canadian shores than the U. S. shores. Lake Ontario covers parts of New York, and Pennsylvania, Ontario and Quebec.

Lake Huron Lake Huron is the third largest of the Great Lakes with a volume of 850 cubic miles. It is joined to Lake Michigan by the Straits of Mackinac and is intensely farmed. Lake Huron covers parts of Michigan and Ontario.

Lake Michigan Lake Michigan is the second largest of the Great Lakes with a volume of about 1180 cubic miles. It is the only lake of the five that is entirely within the United States. Joined to Lake Huron. It covers parts of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin.

Lake Superior Lake Superior is the largest of all the Great lakes with a volume of almost 3000 cubic miles. Besides being the largest of the Great lakes, it also has the largest surface of any other freshwater lake in the world. It is the coldest and deepest lake, so there is little agriculture. Lake Superior covers parts of Michigan, Wisconsin and Ontario.

The Connecting Channels - St. Lawrence River Niagara River St. Clair River Detroit River

Facts The Great Lakes hold about one-fifth of the entire worlds supply of fresh water and nine-tenths of the U. S. supply. The Great Lakes are the source of drinking water for over 40 million Americans and Canadians. The Great Lakes feeds/houses over 3500 species of plants and animals. The Lake Superior Basin can hold water from all four of the other lakes with room to spare.

Facts There are more than 30,000 islands in Lake Huron. The oldest lighthouse in the U. S. is located on the shores of Lake Ontario at Fort Niagara. Lake Huron and Lake Michigan are hydrologically inseperable and together cover 45,300 square miles. Winds have produced a water difference in Lake Erie of over 16 feet.

Management of the Great Lakes The Great Lakes are located between two countries, so it may create some difficulties when trying to manage them. Both governments may have different perspectives on issues, though they agree that restoration is highly important.

The Clean Water Act In 1977, The Clean Water Act was passed to help regulate the discharge of pollutants into the U. S. waters. Decades later, toxic contaminants and runoff continued to pollute the Great Lakes, so it was decided that something more needed to be done.

The Great Lakes Restoration Act - In July 2003, the Great Lakes Environmental Restoration Act was passed. - The Act dedicated 6 billion dollars over 10 years to help restore and protect the Great Lakes.

Goals Many things need to be done, but there are three main goals of the Restoration Act. 1. Stop the spread of invasive species 2. Restore the fish and wildlife habitat 3. Clean up contaminated areas

Goal # 1 It is important to stop the spread of invasive species such as lampreys , zebra mussels and Asian Carp because they prey on our native wildlife and are dangerous to boaters and anglers. In the past decade, the cost to businesses and citizens due to invasive species was about 10 billion dollars.

Goal # 2 An estimated 70% of the Great Lakes wetlands have already been lost so it is extremely important to restore what remains. These wetlands are crucial for fish and water fowl, to prevent erosion of soil, and to provide recreation.

Goal #3 Toxic pollutants make waters unsafe for swimming , fish unsafe for eating and habitats unfit for wildlife. This is why it is extremely important to clean up these contaminated sites . An estimated 8 billion dollars is needed to clean up previously designated sites.

Ending Thought Although the Great Lakes seem big and powerful they are still in great danger. It is the only water system of its kind and size and ecological diversity. Containing forests, wetlands, marsh and dune communities, it is essential to both humans and wildlife as it provides food, homes and recreation for many.