The Great Lakes, located in the North American continent, are the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world. They are a major source of freshwater for the surrounding areas, and they also play a significant role in the economy of the region. The Great Lakes consist of five separate lakes, which are interconnected by various waterways and channels. In this article, we will focus on the location of two of these lakes, Lake Michigan and Lake Ontario, and the relationship between them.
Overview of the Great Lakes
The Great Lakes consist of five separate lakes, which are Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario. They are located in the northern part of the North American continent, along the border between the United States and Canada. The lakes cover a total area of 94,250 square miles and hold approximately 20% of the world’s surface freshwater.
Locating Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan is located in the north-central part of the United States, between the states of Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana. It is the third-largest of the Great Lakes and has a surface area of 22,400 square miles. The lake is separated from Lake Huron by the Straits of Mackinac and is connected to Lake Huron by the Mackinac Bridge.
Geographical Features of Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan has a maximum depth of 923 feet and an average depth of 279 feet. It has approximately 1,400 miles of shoreline, and its waters are known for their clarity and blue-green color. The lake also has numerous islands, including Beaver Island and North Manitou Island, which are popular tourist destinations.
Locating Lake Ontario
Lake Ontario is located in the northeast part of the North American continent, between the Canadian province of Ontario and the state of New York in the United States. It is the smallest of the Great Lakes, with a surface area of 7,340 square miles. The lake is connected to Lake Erie by the Niagara River and to the St. Lawrence River by the Thousand Islands.
Geographical Features of Lake Ontario
Lake Ontario has a maximum depth of 802 feet and an average depth of 283 feet. It has a shoreline of approximately 712 miles and is home to a variety of fish species, including salmon, trout, and bass. The lake is also known for its beautiful sunsets and its many lighthouses.
The Relationship between Lake Michigan and Lake Ontario
Lake Michigan and Lake Ontario are not directly connected, but they are part of the same Great Lakes system. Water from Lake Michigan flows into Lake Huron, which then flows into the St. Clair River, and eventually into Lake Erie. From Lake Erie, water flows into the Niagara River and into Lake Ontario. This means that the water in Lake Ontario is ultimately connected to the water in Lake Michigan.
The Proximity of Lake Michigan and Lake Ontario
Lake Michigan and Lake Ontario are located approximately 800 miles apart. However, they are still considered part of the same Great Lakes system and are connected by the flow of water between the lakes.
The Flow of Water between Lake Michigan and Lake Ontario
The flow of water between Lake Michigan and Lake Ontario is controlled by a series of dams and canals, including the Welland Canal and the Chicago River. These structures help to regulate the flow of water between the two lakes and ensure that water is not lost unnecessarily.
The Importance of the Relationship between the Two Lakes
The relationship between Lake Michigan and Lake Ontario is important for several reasons. First, the flow of water between the two lakes helps to regulate the water levels in both lakes, which is critical for the surrounding ecosystems and for the communities that rely on the lakes for freshwater. Second, the lakes are also connected by a network of shipping channels, which are used to transport goods between the United States and Canada.
Conclusion
Lake Michigan and Lake Ontario are two of the Great Lakes located in the North American continent. They are part of a larger system of interconnected freshwater lakes and play a significant role in the economy and ecology of the region. Although they are not directly connected, they are still part of the same system and are connected by the flow of water between the lakes.
References
- "Great Lakes." National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, . Accessed 11 May 2021.
- "Lake Michigan." Encyclopædia Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/place/Lake-Michigan. Accessed 11 May 2021.
- "Lake Ontario." Encyclopædia Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/place/Lake-Ontario. Accessed 11 May 2021.
