The Link between Great Lakes and the Ocean
The Great Lakes, located in North America, are the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world. They are connected to the Atlantic Ocean via a waterway that allows ships to navigate between these two vast bodies of water. This waterway has been crucial for the development of both regions, enabling trade and commerce to flourish.
The Importance of Waterways
Waterways are crucial for transportation, both for goods and people. They allow for the movement of goods and services between regions and countries, facilitating trade and commerce. Waterways also provide access to resources that are essential for economic development, such as timber, minerals, and agricultural products. Additionally, waterways provide recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing, and swimming.
The Geography of Great Lakes
The Great Lakes are located in North America and are shared by the United States and Canada. The lakes are Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario. They are connected to each other by a series of waterways and locks. The Great Lakes region is one of the most important economic regions in North America, accounting for a significant portion of the continent’s GDP.
The Distance between Great Lakes and Ocean
The distance between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean is approximately 2,300 miles. This distance makes it difficult for ships to navigate between the two bodies of water without the aid of a waterway. The waterway that links the Great Lakes to the ocean is the Saint Lawrence Seaway.
Historic Canals and Waterways
Historically, canals were used to connect the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. The construction of these canals was crucial for the economic development of the region. The first canal built was the Erie Canal, which was completed in 1825. This canal allowed for the transportation of goods between New York City and the Great Lakes.
The Erie Canal
The Erie Canal was the first canal built to connect the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean. It is a 363-mile long canal that runs from Albany, New York to Buffalo, New York. The canal was completed in 1825 and allowed for the transportation of goods between New York City and the Great Lakes.
The Development of the Saint Lawrence Seaway
The Saint Lawrence Seaway was developed in the 20th century to provide a more direct and efficient waterway for ships to navigate between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean. The development of the seaway was a joint effort between the United States and Canada.
The Opening of the Saint Lawrence Seaway
The Saint Lawrence Seaway was officially opened in 1959. The project was completed at a cost of $1 billion and took six years to finish. The opening of the seaway was a significant event in the history of the Great Lakes region, as it allowed for increased trade and commerce between the region and the rest of the world.
Technical Aspects of the Saint Lawrence Seaway
The Saint Lawrence Seaway is a system of canals, locks, and channels that allows ships to navigate between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean. The seaway has a depth of 27 feet, a width of 766 feet, and a length of 2,342 miles. The seaway is operated and maintained by the Canadian and American governments.
Shipping through the Saint Lawrence Seaway
The Saint Lawrence Seaway is used for shipping a variety of goods, including grain, iron ore, coal, and petroleum products. The seaway is also used for passenger travel, with cruise ships and ferries operating on the waterway.
Environmental Impact of the Saint Lawrence Seaway
The Saint Lawrence Seaway has had both positive and negative environmental impacts. The seaway has allowed for increased trade and commerce, which has been beneficial for the economies of the Great Lakes region and North America as a whole. However, the seaway has also had negative impacts on the environment, including the introduction of invasive species and changes to the water levels of the Great Lakes.
Conclusion: The Future of the Great Lakes-Ocean Link
The link between the Great Lakes and the ocean is essential for the economic development of the region. The Saint Lawrence Seaway plays a crucial role in this link, allowing for the transportation of goods and people between the two bodies of water. However, the seaway also has negative environmental impacts that need to be addressed. The future of the Great Lakes-ocean link will depend on finding a balance between economic development and environmental protection.
