Which 2 countries are connected by the great lakes?

The Great Lakes

The Great Lakes are a group of five large freshwater lakes located in North America. They are situated between the United States and Canada, with Lake Superior located mainly in Canada and the other four lakes shared by both countries. The Great Lakes are the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world by total area and volume, containing about 84% of North America’s surface freshwater and 21% of the world’s surface freshwater. These lakes have played a significant role in the development and history of the United States and Canada, serving as a major transportation route, source of drinking water, and recreation area.

The United States and Canada

The Great Lakes are shared by the United States and Canada, with the boundary between the two countries running through the lakes. The United States and Canada have a long history of cooperation and collaboration in managing the Great Lakes, recognizing that the lakes are a shared resource that must be protected and preserved for future generations. The two countries have established several organizations and agreements to manage the lakes and ensure their sustainability, including the International Joint Commission and the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.

Lake Superior: The Northernmost Lake

Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes by volume and the northernmost lake. It is located mainly in Canada, with the border between Canada and the United States running through the lake. Lake Superior is the third-largest freshwater lake in the world by volume, containing about 10% of the world’s surface freshwater. It is also the deepest of the Great Lakes, with a maximum depth of 406 meters. The lake is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and other recreational activities.

Lake Huron: The Second-Largest Great Lake

Lake Huron is the second-largest of the Great Lakes by volume and is located between the United States and Canada. It has the longest shoreline of the Great Lakes and is known for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Lake Huron is connected to Lake Michigan by the Straits of Mackinac and is also connected to Lake Erie by the St. Clair River. The lake is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

Lake Michigan: The Only Great Lake Located Entirely in the U.S.

Lake Michigan is the only one of the Great Lakes that is located entirely within the United States. It is the third-largest Great Lake by volume and the sixth-largest freshwater lake in the world. Lake Michigan is connected to Lake Huron by the Straits of Mackinac and is known for its sandy beaches, clear water, and beautiful sunsets. The lake is a popular destination for recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming.

Lake Erie: The Shallowest and Warmest Great Lake

Lake Erie is the shallowest and warmest of the Great Lakes, making it a popular destination for swimming and other water activities. It is located between the United States and Canada and is connected to Lake Huron by the St. Clair River and Lake Ontario by the Niagara River. Lake Erie is known for its scenic shoreline, islands, and historic lighthouses. It is also an important commercial shipping route, with ports in both the United States and Canada.

Lake Ontario: The Easternmost and Smallest Great Lake

Lake Ontario is the smallest of the Great Lakes by surface area but is the second-deepest after Lake Superior. It is the easternmost of the Great Lakes and is located between the United States and Canada. Lake Ontario is connected to Lake Erie by the Niagara River and is known for its beautiful scenery and recreational opportunities. The lake is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

The St. Lawrence River: The Connection to the Atlantic Ocean

The St. Lawrence River is the outlet for the Great Lakes, connecting them to the Atlantic Ocean. It is a major shipping channel and transportation route, with cargo ships traveling from the Great Lakes to ports around the world. The St. Lawrence River is also a popular tourist destination, with scenic cruises and recreational opportunities along its length.

The International Joint Commission: Managing the Great Lakes

The International Joint Commission is a binational organization established by the United States and Canada to manage the Great Lakes. The Commission is responsible for addressing issues related to water quality, environmental protection, and natural resource management. It also provides advice and recommendations to the two countries on matters related to the Great Lakes.

The Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement: Protecting the Lakes

The Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement is a binational agreement between the United States and Canada to protect and restore the water quality of the Great Lakes. The Agreement was first signed in 1972 and has been updated several times to address emerging issues. It sets goals and targets for reducing pollutants and improving water quality in the Great Lakes and provides a framework for cooperation and collaboration between the two countries.

Conclusion: The Importance of the Great Lakes

The Great Lakes are a vital resource for the United States and Canada, providing drinking water, transportation, recreation, and economic benefits. They are also an important ecosystem, supporting a diverse array of aquatic plants and animals. While the Great Lakes face many challenges, including pollution, climate change, and invasive species, the United States and Canada have made significant progress in protecting and restoring the lakes. Continued cooperation and collaboration between the two countries will be essential in ensuring the sustainability and health of the Great Lakes for generations to come.

References: Further Reading on the Great Lakes

Great Lakes Information Network. (n.d.). About the Great Lakes. Retrieved from https://www.great-lakes.net/about
International Joint Commission. (n.d.). About the IJC. Retrieved from https://ijc.org/en/about