The Great Lakes in North America are together the largest interconnected source of fresh water on the planet Earth, with about 21% of the world’s freshwater.Lying near the border of Canada and the United States, the Great Lakes are five in number. They are Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, and Lake Huron.The Great Lakes are located in the upper middle-east region of the continent of North America. Their estimated age is around 7000-32,000 years old. The five lakes join the Atlantic Ocean through the Saint Lawrence River. The Great Lakes waterway enables water transport in the lakes. They are also referred to as inland seas because of their sea-like attributes such as strong waves and currents, prevailing winds, and water flow. On account of pollution, Lake Erie is said to be the most polluted of the five lakes, followed by Lake Michigan and then Ontario.These lakes are natural freshwater systems, and their process of formation started millions of years ago when the melting and movement of the glaciers began. Hence, The Great Lakes basin was formed as a result of huge glacial movements in the middle of the continent, and then it filled with water gradually with time, resulting in the formation of the Great Lakes of North America.Where is the Great Lakes region? What is the Great Lakes region famous for? Which is the deepest lake in North America? What role does lake water play in Canada and the USA? Read on to learn some interesting facts about the deep Great Lakes!If you liked reading this article, then you must also check out facts about Lake Huron Beach Ontario Canada and Lake Erie Canada.Fun Facts About Lake SuperiorWith a volume of 2903 cu. mi (12,100 cu km), Lake Superior is the largest of the five Great Lakes. Lake Superior covers an area of 1,700 sq mi (82,103 sq km) and, hence, it is the second-largest lake in the entire world.It is also the largest freshwater lake in the world on the basis of surface area and the third-largest freshwater lake by volume. It is the northernmost of the Great lakes.Lake Superior carries 10% of the world’s total fresh water, and it has the capacity to accommodate the rest of the Great Lakes by itself. The largest island on Lake Superior is Isle Royale in Michigan. This island has many smaller lakes, and those lakes accommodate other smaller islands.Lake Superior is so deep that it is said that if we drained out all the water from the continent of North America, then the deepest point on the continent would be found in Lake Superior.Fun Facts About Lake ErieWith an area of 9,939 sq. mi (25,744 sq. km), Lake Erie is the shallowest Of the Great Lakes of North America.It is also the fourth largest of the Great Lakes on the basis of surface area, whereas it is the 11th largest lake overall. It is situated in the southernmost stretch of the Great Lakes. Lake Erie is the least voluminous as compared to the other four lakes.Just like other Great Lakes, Lake Erie also causes lake-effect snow in winters on the passage of chilled winds from its warm waters.Lake Erie owns the world’s largest commercial freshwater fisheries that support over 10,000 jobs per annum. It boosts the economy by more than a billion dollars every year. Lake Erie is called the Walleye Capital of the World.Lake Erie provides drinking water to a population of over 11 million.Fun Facts About Lake MichiganLake Michigan has a volume of 1180 cu. mi (4,918 cu. km) and covers 22,405 sq. mi (58,030 sq. km) of surface area. By volume, it is the second-largest among the Great Lakes of North America. Whereas, it is the third-largest on the basis of surface area.In the east, Lake Michigan’s basin is connected with that of Lake Huron by the narrow Straits of Mackinac. Hence, Lake Michigan and Lake Huron are single lakes both technically and hydrologically.Lake Michigan is also the largest lake situated in a single country.The lake is divided into northern and southern basins via the Milwaukee Reef. The state of Michigan, which surrounds all the Great Lakes except Lake Ontario, was named after Lake Michigan.You can find many beaches on Lake Michigan. Its stretches are also called the ‘Third Coast’ of the United States of America, after the coasts of the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean.Fun Facts About Lake HuronLake Huron is the second largest of the Great Lakes with an area of about 23,011 sq. mi (59,600 sq. km). The lake holds 850 cu. mi (3,543 cu km) of freshwater and is the third-largest of the Great Lakes if you go by volume. Lake Huron and Michigan together are known as the ’two lobes of the same sea’.Lake Huron has the longest shoreline of all the five lakes. It has approximately 30,000 islands.Lake Huron has been witness to more than 1,000 shipwrecks. While lots of debris still lies at the bottom of the lake, some remains are preserved as artifacts in museums; almost two dozen of these wrecks are preserved in the Fathom Five National Marine Park.Fun Facts About Lake OntarioLake Ontario is the fourth largest of the Great Lakes with an area of 7,320 sq. mi (18,960 sq. km) and a volume of 394 cu. mi (1,640 cu. km). Lake Ontario is named after the Canadian province of Ontario, which is located to its north.In the south and east, Lake Ontario is surrounded by New York. The lake’s shoreline has three cities in Canada: Kingston, Hamilton, and Toronto. Moreover, the American city of Rochester also lines the shores of the lake.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for five Great Lakes: Fascinating facts to know if you have never been there, then why not take a look at James Bay Canada or Boreal Forest Canada.
The Great Lakes in North America are together the largest interconnected source of fresh water on the planet Earth, with about 21% of the world’s freshwater.
