Geology of the Five Great Lakes - Research Paper Example

Geology of the Five Great Lakes The Great Lakes are the world’s largest fresh lake found in north-central North America. These include the Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario and Lake Superior. The Great Lakes sprawls from United States to Canada. They are connected to each other by means of natural and artificial ways. The Lakes contribute around 20% of Earth’s fresh water and 95% to the fresh water supply in America. Apart from these five lakes there are other comparatively small lakes and rivers found in this region. Several islands are also found here formed by the movement and changes in glaciers. The history of Great Lake dates back to billions of years when volcanic activity and massive erosion resulted in depressions. These were simultaneously filled with sea water and caused more erosion. However, glaciers played a significant role in the formation of The Great Lakes. The glaciers were very thick and occupied a large part of the great lake basin. When the glaciers melted, the region was filled with fresh water giving birth to the world’s largest lakes. 1. Lake Erie Lake Erie is the shallowest among the five lakes and the fourth largest lake with reference to surface area. The name Erie is derived from an Iroquoian word meaning long tail and hence defining the shape of the lake. It was among the first lake to be uncovered from glaciers. The Lake has three basins namely, the western basin, central basin and the eastern basin. The central basin is commonly used for fishing. The warm, shallow and high biological productive nature of the lake supports fishery. Lake Erie provides the highest number of consumable fish. Therefore it also opens job opportunities and supports the economy. Many minerals are also found from Lake Erie such as sand, gypsum, limestone, salt and sandstone. Other than being a major mineral source, the lake is also the main supplier of fresh water to millions of people. According to a report, the water treatment plant on the North Coast of Ohio never showed contaminants exceeding the standards of drinking water. Unfortunately, Lake Erie is also a site for dumping sewage and waste products. Billions of waste is deposited which is detrimental for children and the elderly. The sewage has resulted in severe health problems such as the gastrointestinal illness, hepatitis and many fatal losses such as failure of kidneys, liver and spleen. 2. Lake Michigan Lake Michigan is the second largest lake with reference to volume. It is the only lake that falls entirely within the territory of the United States of America. Hence it is the greatest source of water in America. The lake is the sixth largest lake in the world. Lake Michigan and Lake Huron are considered as a single body of water. This is because the Michigan drains into Lake Huron. Several streams and rivers also drain into Lake Michigan. The major tributaries include the Fox-Wolf, the Grand and the Kalamazoo. Similar to Lake Erie, Lake Michigan is also a large fishing hub. Infact, almost 43% of the fishing in the Great Lake is done here. The lake breeds species of salmon and trout such as Chinook, Coho, Rainbow and Brown. It is also attributed for having the world’s ultimate collection of fresh water sand dunes. Around thousands of ships have been reported to sink in Michigan. A rare fossilized coral is found in the Petoskey stone which is only available at the Lake Michigan beaches. The grit at the southwestern beaches of Michigan is known as the “sugar sand” because of its similarity with the grains of sugars with respect to measurement and purity. It is at time referred to as the “singing sand” because of the sound that generates while walking through the sand. 3. Lake Huron Lake Huron is the second largest lake with respect to surface area and the fifth largest fresh water lake of the world. It has the longest shoreline of all the five lakes and was the first lake to be discovered by the Europeans. Lake Huron is enveloped by Lake Michigan and Lake Superior and hence receives water from both these lakes. However, it discharges into Lake Erie. The main economical activity apart from fishing is lumbering that is carried out here. The lake also assists heavy commercial traffic in iron ore, grain and limestone. 4. Lake Ontario Lake Ontario is the smallest of all the five lakes in surface area and ranks second highest among the lakes with reference to depth. A major part of the lake is found in Canada. The Lake receives water mainly from the Niagara River. Among the prominent features of Lake Ontario are the Scarborough Bluffs. These are cliffs rising about hundred meters above the Lake, formed by the intersection of glacial and other lake deposits in eastern Toronto. Other exotic features include rocky coasts, Islands of the Kingston Basin and sandy beaches found at different places. Ironically, the water in the Lake rarely freezes during winter season. Researchers believe it is due to its long depth and invasion of warm air that moderates the winter climate of Lake Ontario. 5. Lake Superior Lake Superior as the name implies is the largest among the Great Lakes and body of fresh water in the world. It is located to the north of the Great Lake region. It is as deep as 1300 ft below the surface. Hence the lake rarely freezes completely. However, the lake is partially or above partially found covered with ice during winters. Like other lakes, the Lake Superior contains many types of fish which includes carp and diverse species of salmon, trout and perch. It is also an abode to various species of plants like the Michigan’s state tree, the white pine, and flowering rush. The lake also serves as a dwelling for different kinds of birds such as hawks, woodpecker, owls and loons. The Five Great Lake beautifies the Earth with their magnificent features. They are utilized in many ways by people like fishing and carrying out recreational activities. They are also an important fresh water source. However, keeping in mind the significance of these lakes care should be taken for their maintenance. References Ashworth, W. (1986). The Late, Great Lakes: An Environmental History. NY: Wayne State University Press. Marsh, C. (2010). The Mystery on the Great Lakes. London: Gallopade International. Ratigan, W. (1977). Great Lakes Shipwrecks & Survivals. Texas: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing. Read More