Facts About The Great Lakes

The Great Lakes: A Natural Wonder

Facts About the Great Lakes

The Great Lakes are a series of large interconnected freshwater lakes in North America. They are located between the United States and Canada and form a natural boundary between the two countries. The Great Lakes include Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario. The Great Lakes cover an area of over 94,000 square miles and contain over 6 quadrillion gallons of water, which is about one-fifth of the world's fresh water.

History of the Great Lakes

The Great Lakes were formed by the glaciers that retreated from North America about 10,000 years ago. The glaciers carved out the Great Lakes basins and left behind a series of large, deep lakes. The Great Lakes have been used by humans for thousands of years. The Native Americans used the Great Lakes for transportation, fishing, and hunting. The Europeans first explored the Great Lakes in the 16th century, and the United States and Canada have been vying for control of the Great Lakes ever since.

Importance of the Great Lakes

The Great Lakes are an important part of the North American economy and environment. The Great Lakes provide drinking water for over 40 million people and support a thriving fishing industry. The Great Lakes are also a popular destination for tourism and recreation. The Great Lakes are a major shipping route, and they are used to transport goods between the United States and Canada.