1.2 Great Lakes Geography and Geology

What are the Great Lakes?

Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario, forming the largest fresh surface water system on Earth.

How do humans impact the Great Lakes?

By building civilizations, altering flooding patterns, introducing invasive species, and polluting land and water.

What is the Clean Water Act?

A science-based law aimed at protecting water resources in the United States.

What are watersheds?

Areas of land where all the water drains off into the same location.

What is the significance of the Chicago River reversal in 1900?

It altered river system flow directions as part of human engineering efforts.

What is the scale of the Great Lakes watershed?

Includes part or all of eight U.S. states and the Canadian province of Ontario, impacting over 34 million people.

What is unique about Lake Michigan?

It is the only Great Lake entirely within the United States.

What does the acronym H.O.M.E.S. stand for?

The Great Lakes: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior.

What are rare earth elements (REE)?

Minerals essential for technology, including electric cars and renewable energy.

What process did Marie Tharp contribute to in geology?

Mapping the ocean floor and providing evidence for plate tectonics.

What is the main evidence for the concept of plate tectonics?

Identical fossils discovered in rocks of similar age on different continents.

What is bathymetry?

The study of underwater depth of ocean floors and lake beds.

What is the estimated volume of water the Great Lakes hold?

About 6 quadrillion gallons, which is roughly 20% of the world’s freshwater supply.

What inspired the name 'Lake Huron'?

It comes from early French explorers who named it after the Huron Indians.

Which Great Lake has the longest shoreline when including its islands?

Lake Huron.

How does water flow from Lake Superior to the Atlantic Ocean?

Through St. Mary's River, the Straits of Mackinac, St. Clair and Detroit Rivers, Niagara River, and St. Lawrence River.

What is a theory in scientific terms?

A well-substantiated explanation of an aspect of the natural world, tested extensively and supported by evidence.

What geological feature lies beneath the Great Lakes region?

A diverse assemblage of surface rocks formed by glaciers and ancient geological processes.

What is the history of the Great Lakes region's geology?

The region features rocks ranging from 3.7 billion years old to the most recent deposits formed after the last Ice Age.