This comprehensive guide provides readers with an in-depth look at the Great Lakes, one of the most iconic natural features of North America. From their geological formation to their current ecological importance, readers will learn about the history, geography, and ecology of the five Great Lakes.
The Great Lakes, also called the Great Lakes of North America, are a series of large interconnected freshwater lakes spanning the Canada–United States border. The five lakes are Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario. The Great Lakes Waterway enables modern travel and shipping by water among the lakes. The lakes connect ultimately to the Atlantic Ocean via the Saint Lawrence River as their primary drainage outflow. The lakes are also connected to the Mississippi River basin through the Illinois Waterway.