Canadian lakes. Great American Lakes

The Great Lakes of North America are a unique natural system consisting of five large lakes connected to each other by rivers and straits. Which lakes are honored to be called great, what is the history of their origin, and where they are located, we will find out in this article.

General information

The Great Lakes are located on the territory of two countries: Canada and the United States of America. They belong to the Atlantic Ocean basin, and the occupied area is 245.2 thousand square meters. km. with a water volume of 22671 cubic meters. km. This water system includes five major freshwater lakes and numerous very small lakes and rivers.

Rice. 1. Great Lakes.

In terms of area, the Great Lakes are approximately 7.5 times larger than even Lake Baikal. Despite this, Baikal holds more water, which indicates the shallow depth of the Great Lakes. The average depth of Lake Baikal is 744 meters, and the depth of the North American Pearl is 147 meters.

Great Lakes include:

• Lake Superior;
• Lake Huron;
• Lake Michigan;
• Lake Erie;
• Lake Ontario.

All lakes are connected by rivers, canals and straits and together form a unique water system that exists only in North America.

Origin story

The Great Lakes system began 12 thousand years ago, when the territory of modern North America was covered with ice. Under the influence of tectonic processes, depressions were formed - pits, which were gradually filled with fresh water. Where did the water come from? The fact is that the climate gradually changed and the mainland became warmer. The ice melted, and the resulting water filled the depressions, thereby forming lakes.

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Lake Superior is the largest lake in the world by area; the other lakes in the studied water system are quite “baby” in comparison with it. It got its name because of its location. It is located 186 meters above sea level. The lake is located simultaneously in Canada and the United States. The St. Marys River flows from this lake.

Rice. 2. Lake Superior.

What unites the Canadian province of Ontario and one of the American states of Michigan? Both territories have access to Lake Huron. This lake is unique in that it is connected to Superior, Michigan, and Erie via the St. Marys River, Straits of Mackinac, and Detroit River, respectively. The lake is also located in both Canada and the USA.

Rice. 3. Lake Huron.

Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan ranks fourth on the list of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. Its peculiarity is that it is located exclusively in the United States. All other “Great Five” lakes occupy space in both the United States and Canada. Scientists often do not separate Huron and Michigan into separate lakes, but rather view them as a single entity. After all, they are on the same level and connected by a deep strait.

In the language of the Indians who originally lived on these lands, the name mishigami translates as “big water.”

Lake Erie

Most of Lake Erie is located in the United States; in Canada, it washes the shores of the province of Ontario. It is connected to Lake Ontario by the Niagara River. It is in the bed of this river that the world famous Niagara Falls is located. The lake is not deep at all compared to the others, the water in it warms up well, which contributes to the reproduction of many species of fish.

Lake Ontario

The last lake in the Great Lakes is Lake Ontario. It is the smallest in this water system. Its area is 20 thousand sq. km. It is connected to the Atlantic Ocean by the St. Lawrence River. Since the Atlantic Ocean is very close, the water in the lake almost never freezes.

Canada's lakes are amazing and gorgeous, especially in British Columbia and Alberta. But this does not mean that lakes in other parts of the country do not deserve attention - each of them is attractive in its own way. But we must admit that the western lakes with turquoise water and beautiful mountain peaks around are a special place on the planet. If you want to have a good swim or take a motorboat ride, it is better to pay attention to the eastern part of Canada. But for a relaxing holiday surrounded by nature and solitude, it’s definitely worth casting your gaze to the west.

Moraine Lake

When going on a trip to Moraine Lake, do not forget to take a camera and a large memory card with you. One look and you'll immediately understand why this is one of Canada's most photographed lakes. His landscapes have been featured on Canadian currency, used as Windows screensavers, and repeatedly featured in photographs for National Geographic. This glacial lake is located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks in Banff National Park. Majestic mountain peaks provide a stunning backdrop to one of the world's most beautiful natural lakes.

Lake Louise

Beautiful Lake Louise is one of the finest examples of an all-season resort and the quintessence of Canada's beautiful lakes. The lake was named after Queen Victoria's daughter, Princess Louise Caroline. One of the best ways to experience the beauty of this place, with turquoise blue water and the peak of the Victoria Glacier in the background, is to take a boat tour on the lake, or walk along the many walking paths around the lake in the summer season. In winter, excellent skiing awaits you here.

Lake Maline

If you're looking to visit one of Canada's cutest attractions, Maline Lake fits the bill. It is an elongated body of blue glacial water located in the Canadian Rockies of Jasper National Park in Alberta. Maline is the largest glacial lake in the park, as well as the longest in the Canadian Rockies with a length of 21 kilometers. You can hike along numerous trails, or take a boat excursion to Spirit Island. This small island is covered with dense thickets of trees.

Peyto Lake

The deep turquoise blue waters of Peyto Lake contrast sharply with the surrounding mountain peaks, forming a picturesque combination of beauties for nature lovers. This lake in Banff National Park is known for its water color, which is called a "photo magnet." The best place to view this mass of water is the Bow Point lookout on the Icefields Highway through Western Alberta. To take beautiful photographs, it is also worth going down to the shore of the lake.

Lake Emerald

July is the optimal time to visit Emerald Lake Emerald. It is the largest body of water in Yoho National Park in the Canadian Rockies. It is its emerald green water that attracts numerous tourists and nature lovers. The lake gets its color from powdered limestone dissolved in the water. Emeralds freeze almost until June, and only in July does the water reach its peak emerald color. In winter it is a great place for cross-country skiing and winter sports.

Lake Abraham

Lake Abraham on the Saskatchewan River in Northern Alberta was formed relatively recently. It was not created by glacial action, although its waters have a glacial blue hue. Abraham was created as a result of the construction of a dam on the river in 1972. And although winter in the Canadian Rockies is very cold, it is a great time to get acquainted with the famous phenomenon of bubbling water. Decaying plants release methane, causing the water to bubble as it freezes. Methane is flammable, so try not to smoke nearby.

Lake Ontario

Lake Ontario gives its name to the entire Canadian Region it borders. And although it is the smallest of the Great Lakes, Ontario is still large enough to be the 14th largest lake in the world. Located below Niagara Falls, the lake is the link between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean, releasing its waters into the St. Lawrence River. Lighthouses stand proudly along the shores of the lake dotted with numerous islands, and the largest city on the Canadian side is Toronto. The 51-kilometre swim around the lake is a major challenge for numerous swimmers, and only 50 have completed it so far.

Lake Superior

Formed by volcanic action, Lake Superior has existed for hundreds of millions of years. It is the largest of the Great Lakes and one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. The southern part of the lake, divided between Canada and the United States, is known as the Great Lakes ship graveyard. This name comes from the many shipwrecks concentrated mainly around Whitefish Point. The most famous shipwreck was the SS Edmund Fitzgerald in 1975. The area today is an underwater sanctuary, attracting many divers.

Lake Garibaldi

Located in the provincial park of the same name, Lake Garibaldi is a picturesque body of water surrounded by snowy mountains and lush forests. The lake is located 90 minutes from Vancouver, British Columbia. This is followed by a moderately challenging 18-kilometre round trip walking tour, taking approximately five to six hours. Many tourists book a campsite here in advance to stay overnight and enjoy the beauty of Lake Garibaldi at sunrise.

Lake Huron

Separating Canada and the United States, Lake Huron is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. It is also home to the largest freshwater island in the world called Manitoulin. Georgian Bay and Saginaw Bay are so large that they are sometimes mistaken for separate lakes. Dense forests surround Huron on all sides, and centuries-old shipwrecks still have their traces under the water. The most important wreck sites are now part of nature reserves. One of the most beautiful lakes in Canada is named after the Huron Indians.

Spotted Lake Kliluk

Summer is a good time to visit Spotted Lake near Osoyoos in south-central British Columbia. Kliluk is included in the list of the most unusual places in the world due to its unique spotted landscape. Its waters are filled with many minerals. As the water evaporates during the summer, it leaves colorful mineral stains on the bottom of the lake. In the summer heat, minerals settle to the bottom, forming clearly defined round pools. To avoid damaging the fragile ecosystem, Spotted Lake Kliluk can only be observed from behind a fence.

Joffrey Lakes

Joffrey Lakes are known for their extraordinary beauty. The Lower, Middle and Upper Joffrey Lakes were created by glacial action, as evidenced by the beautiful turquoise green color of the water. Located 35 km north of Penticton, British Columbia, the lake exemplifies a picture of tranquility. Getting here is not easy and you should be prepared for some hiking. It's a relatively easy walk of a few kilometers from the parking lot. As you descend towards the shores of Lake Joffrey, the landscape becomes rocky and steep, turning the excursion into a real adventure. Without a doubt, this is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.

general information

The Great Lakes formed at the end of the last ice age, about 10,000 years ago, when the glacier began to retreat and melting water filled the valley carved out by the ice. As the glaciers retreated, their edges left sharp cuts that are still visible today in Wisconsin and Ontario's Bruce Peninsula, as well as at Niagara Falls.

Five lakes account for more than 20% of the world's fresh water reserves - 22,812 cubic meters. km. All five lakes are among the 18 largest lakes in the world, both in area and volume. Their total area is 151,681 square meters. km is more than the territory of England, Scotland and Wales combined.

Lake Superior is the largest and deepest; in fact, its area exceeds the area of ​​the Czech Republic. Lake Michigan is second in volume, while smaller Lake Huron is second in area. Lake Erie is the shallowest and the smallest in volume, while Lake Ontario is the smallest in area. It is also located at a much lower altitude than other lakes.

From the lakes flows the St. Lawrence River, which flows into Quebec, past the Gaspé Peninsula, and into the Atlantic Ocean. In those days before railroads were built, it was the St. Lawrence River that served as the main transportation artery between the large industrial cities on the shores of the lake. Today, tourism is an important component of the economies of both countries along the border, as is industrial fishing.

Due to their size, lakes influence the climate in the region. In the summer, their waters absorb heat, keeping them cool, while in the winter they protect the area from the cold. However, it is in winter that the lakes look most impressive. Dry continental air masses, usually coming from the west, absorb the moisture of the lakes, and as soon as they reach the cold air over the areas to the east, heavy snowfalls begin, sometimes snow falling several feet high. They say that at this time snow can come literally from nowhere, from a completely cloudless sky.

There are several national parks along the shores of the Great Lakes. You can go sailing, kayaking, fishing or scuba diving, while the forests surrounding the lakes offer opportunities for cycling, bird watching, hiking and camping. The uninhabited areas along the lakes are home to bald eagles and herons, while in the more secluded forests you can find black bears, wolves, moose and even the endangered Canada lynx.

The lake basin is inhabited by more than 33 million people, more than one tenth of the entire population of the United States of America and a quarter of the inhabitants of Canada. The governments of both countries are making considerable efforts to prevent pollution in this area, trying to protect this magnificent region from the damage caused by civilization.

If you are interested in the countries of North America, then you could not help but see photos of the lakes of Canada for which this country is famous. Some of them played a major historical role in the colonization and conquest of these lands. Well, if you have read books about Indians, you will recognize some of them with great pleasure.

There is an incredible spotted lake in British Columbia - Kliluk. This is truly the work of nature without any human intervention. The secret of this phenomenon is simple. Kliluk contains a huge concentration of mineral salts, which makes the coloring so unusual.

Moraine Lake. This picturesque body of water is located in Banff National Park at an altitude of about 2 kilometers. It is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.

Garibaldi Lake is beautiful and convenient to visit due to its close location to the city of Vancouver, which has a major international airport.

Mount Robson Nature Reserve is home to the equally famous Berg Lake. At different times of the year, you can see waterfalls or snow melts here, leaving characteristic white marks on the slopes.

Banff Nature Reserve is home to picturesque Lake Louise. And what’s doubly wonderful is that on its shore there is the Fairmont Chateau hotel, where you can relax perfectly from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Lake Waterton is located on the border between Montana and Alberta. This natural area is carefully protected by the international organization UNESCO. Here, tundra, subalpine forests and natural swamps converge in one place, providing a wide variety of flora. Caring for nature allows it to develop in its original form.

And again we want to surprise you! In Alberta there is a unique Lake Abraham, where in winter, when the temperature drops to minus 30, you can see an unusual phenomenon. These large bubbles are frozen methane rising from the bottom, where it is produced by numerous bacteria.

It's time to remember about the Great Lakes of North America. The first of them is Ontario. Located between Canada and the USA. Its proximity to major cities makes it popular among urban residents of both countries. People from Toronto and Kingston often come here to relax.

Famous from books about Indians, Lake Huron is named after the Indian tribe of the same name. It is also located between two North American countries, their border runs along the middle of the water surface.

Lake Kejimkujik is interesting because its entire coastline is completely covered with forests. This is due to the fact that it is located in the reserve of the same name, which, in turn, is located in the province of Nova Scotia.

We hope that the photos of Canadian lakes did not leave you indifferent. Perhaps one day you will visit their shores and take equally beautiful photographs.

One of the most beautiful parts of the continent is the area known as the Great Lakes of North America. It is located in a swimming pool and is known almost throughout the world as an incredibly beautiful place where nature is preserved intact. What kind of lakes are included there and how big are they? Are there other large bodies of water of this type on the continent? Let's figure it out and find answers to all possible questions about these unique natural places on the North American continent.

Great Lakes Group

This unique natural conglomerate of reservoirs is located on the border of the United States of America and Canada. The definition refers to a group of five main lakes, to which sometimes more modest in size are added. However, Superior, Huron, Michigan, Erie and Ontario are always mentioned first. Sometimes in North America St. Clair is also included. In addition, the basin includes the rivers Niagara, St. Lawrence, St. Marys, and Detroit. The waters in these places have minimal mineralization. The water area is home to more than one hundred and seventy species of fish from the families of trout, carp, perch, salmon, and whitefish. In the south, the territory is surrounded by industrial areas, and in the north - by the area of ​​the agricultural and raw materials industry. In addition, cities such as Chicago and Milwaukee, Cleveland, Buffalo, Detroit and Toronto are located on the banks.

The Great Lakes of North America are among the world's largest watershed systems, containing eighteen percent of the world's freshwater supply. Replenishment of the basin occurs with the help of precipitation, surface and underground currents.

Upper Lake

This is the largest freshwater body of water on the continent. Part of the Great Lakes of North America, Superior is second in volume only to Lake Baikal and Tanganyika. Eleven and a half thousand cubic kilometers provide the reservoir with a confident third place. The depth of Lake Superior averages one hundred and forty-seven meters, and the maximum reaches four hundred and six. It is located between the USA and Canada. The coastline is four thousand three hundred eighty-seven kilometers long. It is all cut up by numerous bays and bays. The largest lake in North America is five hundred and sixty kilometers long and two hundred and sixty kilometers wide, which cannot fail to impress even those who are not too familiar with the usual dimensions. The southern part is surrounded by a plain. In the north there are cliffs and cliffs. The St. Marys River connects the lake with Huron.

It is believed that the reservoir arose due to the movement of tectonic plates, in which deep faults arose, and then they were leveled by glaciers. One way or another, this is a unique place, which is rightfully considered a natural wonder of the world.

Huron

The lake, the location of which connects it with the group of the Great Ones, has been known to mankind for a very long time. Once upon a time, Indians lived here, after whose tribe the reservoir was named. They farmed, fished and hunted. During colonization, these places attracted Europeans. The French were the first to settle here, drawing up a map of the coastline. Woodworking factories began to appear near the lake and the search for minerals began. The Indians practically disappeared from these regions. Huron has a surprisingly long coastline of six thousand one hundred fifty-six kilometers. There are many small islands on its territory.

Technological progress has changed the ecological system of the lake, many shellfish and fish have disappeared from the water, so the governments of Canada and the United States have developed a protection program.

Michigan

On the banks of this reservoir is located one of the most famous cities in the USA - Chicago. The area of ​​Lake Michigan is more than fifty-seven thousand kilometers. Americans liked the white beaches, reminiscent of the shores of the Atlantic, at the beginning of the last century, and as a result, vacations here have become extremely popular. Despite its northern location, the reservoir is covered with ice only four months a year. Fishing is considered the most popular entertainment here. Like North America's largest lake, the Great Lake, Michigan is filled with a variety of salmon, bass, and carp species. Their fishing is carefully monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Another popular holiday is the beach. The forty kilometer long coastline allows for twenty-eight city recreational facilities that are open free of charge.

Erie

The fourth in the Great Lakes system, the lake covers an area of ​​twenty-five thousand seven hundred square kilometers. It is the thirteenth largest in the world. located in Canada and the United States, stretching from west to east. It borders Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and Ontario. From December to early April, Erie is covered with ice. Numerous rivers flow into it - Detroit, Huron, Cuyahoga, Grand, Raisin. Lake Erie is surrounded by several cities - Toledo, Buffalo, Cleveland, Monroe. The name of the reservoir is associated with the local Indians - the Erielkhonan tribe. Its average depth is nineteen meters, and the maximum is sixty-four.

Ontario

When listing the large lakes of North America, one cannot help but remember this. Its name is associated with the dialect of the local Indians and translated means “beautiful.” In the Great system, Ontario is the smallest, but its volume is even greater than that of Erie. The length of the coastline is just over a thousand kilometers. The maximum depth is two hundred and forty-four meters, and the average is eighty-six. Most of the water comes here from Niagara, the rest is supplied by the Humber, Oswego, and Genesee rivers, as well as precipitation. There are several islands on the lake, the largest is Volka. You can only get to it by ferry.

Ontario almost never freezes. Along its banks are cities such as Toronto, Rochester, Hamilton, and Kingston. Like many other large lakes in North America, Ontario boasts a large number of fish and a variety of animals, plants and birds.

St. Clair

The Great Lakes of North America, the list of which was given above, may also include this body of water. Lake St. Clair occupies one thousand one hundred fourteen square kilometers. Its depth is noticeably inferior to others and even at its maximum does not exceed eight meters. The main river bears the same name and links St. Clair with Huron. The Thames, Sydenham and Clinton also flow here. The Detroit River connects the lake to Erie. Europeans first arrived on these shores in August 1679, on St. Clare's Day. In the southwest is Detroit, a city in the United States of America, and Windsor, which belongs to Canada. It goes right along the lake

Manitou

When listing the lakes of North America, the list cannot but be supplemented with this name. Manitou is a unique lake. It is located on Manitoulin Island. The island, in turn, is located in Lake Huron. Thus, Manitou ends up inside him. Moreover, it itself has impressive dimensions with a length of twenty kilometers and a width of six. Interesting fact - there are islands on Manitou too. They also have lakes. The most complex system sets this place apart from others. In addition, Manitou has incredibly salty water. Even those who decided to do it for the first time will be able to lie down and swim. There is a lake around which can be visited from May to October.

Nipigon

In northwestern Ontario there is another body of water connected to the Great Lakes system. This is Nipigon. The area of ​​the lake is almost five thousand kilometers, and the maximum depth is one hundred and sixty-five meters. The river of the same name flows from Nipigon, which flows into Lake Superior near the city of Thunder Bay. The area is famous for the many caribou that live along the banks. Once upon a time the lake was much larger and was called Agassiz. The modern name is related to the word "continuous water" used by the local Ojibwe people. This ideal holiday destination is perfect for fishermen - here you can catch pike, whitefish, trout or pike-perch. Fishing is controlled by special commercial services, so there is no need to fear causing serious harm to the environment.

Nipissing

This lake is also located in the Canadian province of Ontario. It is located above sea level - at an altitude of one hundred and ninety-five meters. Along the coastline there are small islands of alluvial origin. It occupies almost eighty kilometers, and is thirty in width, with a maximum depth of fifty-two meters. The name translates as “small water” - the reservoir is the eleventh largest in the province. There are excellent conditions for the habitat of fish, of which more than forty species live here. The list includes pike, perch, pike perch, and whitefish. The largest city is North Bay. Nipissing was first seen by a French explorer in 1610; over the next two hundred years, the lake acquired transport significance, which means that people began to settle around it. When the Canadian Pacific Railway was built nearby, the population exploded. Now about fifty thousand people live here. In addition, many tourists come here during the warm season. They are attracted here by national conservation parks: Manitou Islands, West Sandy Island, Mashkinonge and South Bay.

Other large lakes

It is worth mentioning a few more bodies of water that do not belong to the Great system, but are still worthy of a visit. For example, the Great Salt is the largest non-fresh body of water in the United States. This lake is located in Utah. Connoisseurs of extreme conditions can go to Alaska. Lake Iliamna is located there. It is also interesting to look at the country's largest reservoir, Oahe, which is located on the border of North and South Dakota. Another one is located in Louisiana and is called Pontchartrain. In California, a body of water with similar properties is called the Salton Sea. Along the Canadian-American border are Champlain, Rainy Lake and Lesnoye - after exploring them, you can go to the Great Lakes, which are very close, in the same province of Ontario or New York state.