Lake Erie and Lake Ontario are two of the five Great Lakes in North America. These two lakes are of great economic and ecological significance and are connected to each other through various waterways. One of the most popular questions related to these lakes is whether they are connected through a flowing waterway. This article aims to answer this question by providing an overview of the Great Lakes system, the Niagara River, the Niagara Falls, the Niagara Escarpment, the Welland Canal, the St. Lawrence River, and the Atlantic Ocean.
The Great Lakes System
The Great Lakes system consists of five lakes located in North America: Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario. These lakes are connected to each other through various waterways, including rivers and canals. The Great Lakes are the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world, and they hold approximately 84% of North America’s freshwater and 21% of the world’s freshwater.
Lake Erie and Lake Ontario
Lake Erie is the fourth largest of the Great Lakes and is located on the border between the United States and Canada. It is approximately 241 miles long and 57 miles wide and has an average depth of 62 feet. Lake Ontario, on the other hand, is the smallest of the Great Lakes but has the highest elevation. It is located on the border between the United States and Canada and is approximately 193 miles long and 53 miles wide. It has an average depth of 283 feet.
The Niagara River
The Niagara River is a river that flows from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. It is approximately 36 miles long and forms part of the border between the United States and Canada. The Niagara River is famous for its waterfalls, including the world-renowned Niagara Falls.
The Niagara Falls
The Niagara Falls are a group of three waterfalls that straddle the border between the United States and Canada. The falls are located on the Niagara River and consist of the Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. The Niagara Falls are one of the most popular tourist attractions in North America and attract millions of visitors each year.
The Niagara Escarpment
The Niagara Escarpment is a geological formation that runs from New York to Wisconsin and forms the backbone of the Great Lakes Basin. It is a ridge of rock that separates the low-lying Great Lakes Basin from the higher lands to the south and west.
The Welland Canal
The Welland Canal is a canal that runs from Lake Ontario to Lake Erie and bypasses the Niagara Falls. It is approximately 27 miles long and has eight locks that allow ships to travel up and down the Niagara Escarpment. The Welland Canal is an important shipping route and handles approximately 3,000 ships each year.
St. Lawrence River
The St. Lawrence River is a river that flows from Lake Ontario to the Atlantic Ocean. It is approximately 744 miles long and forms part of the border between the United States and Canada. The St. Lawrence River is an important shipping route and connects the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean.
The Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean is one of the world’s largest oceans and is located between the Americas to the west and Europe, Africa, and Asia to the east. It is connected to the Great Lakes through the St. Lawrence River.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario are connected to each other through various waterways, including the Niagara River, the Niagara Falls, the Niagara Escarpment, the Welland Canal, the St. Lawrence River, and the Atlantic Ocean. The Great Lakes system is of great economic and ecological significance, and it is important to protect and preserve this valuable resource.
References
- Canadian Geographic. (n.d.). The Great Lakes: A Geologic Wonder. Retrieved from https://www.canadiangeographic.ca/article/great-lakes-geologic-wonder
- National Park Service. (n.d.). Niagara Falls. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/nifa/index.htm
- Great Lakes Information Network. (n.d.). The Welland Canal. Retrieved from https://www.great-lakes.net/teach/atlas/welland.html
Further Reading
- The Great Lakes: An Environmental Atlas and Resource Book. (n.d.). Retrieved from
- The Great Lakes Commission. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.glc.org/
- The Great Lakes Fishery Commission. (n.d.). Retrieved from
