The Connection Between the Great Lakes and the Ocean
The Great Lakes are the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world, containing approximately 84% of North America’s freshwater supply. These lakes are located in the northeastern part of the United States and in the southeastern part of Canada. They are an important resource for both countries, providing water for drinking, agriculture, and industry. The Great Lakes are also a popular tourist destination, known for their natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
One of the most interesting features of the Great Lakes is their connection with the ocean. While the lakes themselves are freshwater, they are connected to the Atlantic Ocean by a series of waterways that allow ships to travel between the Great Lakes and the coast. These waterways are collectively known as the St. Lawrence Seaway, and they are an important part of the transportation infrastructure of North America.
Understanding the Great Lakes Basin
The Great Lakes Basin is the region of North America that drains into the Great Lakes. It covers more than 750,000 square miles, including parts of eight U.S. states and two Canadian provinces. The basin is home to approximately 35 million people and supports a wide range of economic activities, including agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and fishing.
The Great Lakes themselves are interconnected, with each lake flowing into the next through a series of rivers and channels. The five lakes are Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario. They vary in size and depth, with Lake Superior being the largest and deepest, and Lake Ontario being the smallest and shallowest. The shoreline of the Great Lakes is over 10,000 miles long, and the lakes contain more than 90% of the surface freshwater in North America.
The St. Lawrence Seaway: A Brief History
The St. Lawrence Seaway is a system of locks, canals, and channels that allows ships to travel from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. It was constructed in the mid-20th century as a joint project between Canada and the United States. The seaway system is made up of two main sections: the Montreal section, which runs from Montreal, Quebec to Lake Ontario, and the Lake Ontario section, which runs from Lake Ontario to the Atlantic Ocean.
The St. Lawrence Seaway was a massive undertaking, involving the construction of numerous locks and dams, as well as the dredging of channels to allow for deeper drafts. The seaway officially opened in 1959, and it has since become an important part of the transportation infrastructure of North America. The seaway is jointly operated by the Canadian St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation and the U.S. Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation.
The Role of the Montreal and Lake Ontario Sections
The Montreal section of the St. Lawrence Seaway is the first part of the system encountered by ships traveling from the Atlantic Ocean. It includes the Lachine Canal, which bypasses the Lachine Rapids, and the Beauharnois Canal, which bypasses the Beauharnois Rapids. The section also includes seven locks, which allow ships to navigate the elevation changes of the river.
The Lake Ontario section of the St. Lawrence Seaway includes the Welland Canal, which bypasses the Niagara Falls and connects Lake Ontario to Lake Erie. The section also includes eight locks, which allow ships to navigate the elevation changes between the two lakes. The Lake Ontario section is the last part of the seaway encountered by ships traveling from the Great Lakes.
Navigating the St. Lawrence Seaway
Navigating the St. Lawrence Seaway can be a challenging and complex process. Ships must adhere to strict regulations regarding their size and draft, and they must be piloted by highly trained and experienced professionals. The seaway is also subject to seasonal restrictions, with the navigation season typically running from late March to late December.
Ships traveling through the seaway must also contend with a variety of hazards, including strong currents, shallow areas, and narrow channels. The seaway is constantly monitored and maintained by a team of professionals to ensure safe and efficient navigation.
The Soo Locks: A Vital Component
The Soo Locks are a vital component of the St. Lawrence Seaway system. Located on the St. Mary’s River at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, the locks allow ships to travel between Lake Superior and the lower lakes. The locks were built in the mid-19th century and have since been expanded and modernized to accommodate larger ships.
The Soo Locks are a critical part of the transportation infrastructure of North America, facilitating the movement of raw materials such as iron ore, coal, and grain from the Midwest to the rest of the world. The locks are also a popular tourist attraction, with visitors able to watch the massive ships pass through the narrow channels.
The Effects of Seasonal Changes on the Seaway
The St. Lawrence Seaway is subject to seasonal changes that can affect navigation. In the winter, the seaway is closed due to ice buildup, while in the summer, water levels can fluctuate due to rainfall and snowmelt. These seasonal changes can have a significant impact on shipping and can result in delays and disruptions.
The seaway is constantly monitored to ensure safe and efficient navigation, and management authorities work closely with shipping companies to manage the effects of seasonal changes. In recent years, climate change has caused some concern about the long-term viability of the seaway, as changing weather patterns could lead to more frequent and severe disruptions.
Environmental Concerns and Protection Measures
The St. Lawrence Seaway is an important part of the transportation infrastructure of North America, but it also has the potential to impact the environment and natural resources. The seaway has been subject to a variety of environmental concerns, including the introduction of invasive species and the potential for oil spills and other pollution.
To address these concerns, a variety of protection measures have been implemented, including the use of ballast water treatment systems to prevent the spread of invasive species, and the implementation of spill prevention and response plans to minimize the impact of potential spills. The seaway management authorities also work closely with environmental organizations to monitor and address any potential environmental impacts.
Economic Importance of the St. Lawrence Seaway
The St. Lawrence Seaway is an important component of the transportation infrastructure of North America, facilitating the movement of raw materials and finished goods between the Great Lakes and the rest of the world. The seaway supports a wide range of economic activities, including agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and tourism.
According to the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation, the seaway handles over 200 million tons of cargo annually, with a total value of over $35 billion. The seaway is also responsible for the creation of over 225,000 jobs in Canada and the United States. The economic impact of the seaway extends beyond the immediate region, with industries and consumers throughout North America benefiting from the efficient transportation of goods.
Future Prospects for the Great Lakes and the Seaway
The future prospects for the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway are closely tied to the ongoing challenges of climate change and environmental protection. The seaway management authorities are committed to ensuring safe and efficient navigation while also protecting the environment and natural resources of the region.
In addition, there is growing interest in the development of new industries and technologies that can further enhance the economic potential of the Great Lakes region. These include the development of renewable energy sources, the expansion of tourism and recreation opportunities, and the use of new technologies to improve the efficiency and sustainability of transportation and shipping.
Conclusion: A Natural Wonder for All to Enjoy
The Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway are a natural wonder of North America, providing a vital resource for both Canada and the United States. The seaway system is an important part of the transportation infrastructure of North America, supporting a wide range of economic activities and providing a link between the Great Lakes and the rest of the world.
As we look to the future, it is important that we continue to balance the economic benefits of the seaway with the need to protect the environment and natural resources of the region. By working together, we can ensure that the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway remain a source of wonder and inspiration for generations to come.
References and Further Reading
- "St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation." (2021). Retrieved from https://www.greatlakes-seaway.com/en/
- "Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation." (2021). Retrieved from https://www.seaway.dot.gov/
- "Great Lakes Basin." (2021). Retrieved from
- "Soo Locks." (2021). Retrieved from https://www.saultstemarie.com/attractions/soo-locks/
- "The Great Lakes: An Introduction." (2021). Retrieved from
