The modern history of the Great Lakes region can be viewed as a progression of intensifying use of a vast natural resource. At first it was a matter of making use of the natural resources while avoiding its dangers.
Tag: fresh water seas
Sep 28 2008
Great Lakes: Introduction
Physical Characteristics
The Great Lakes – Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario – span more than 750 miles from west to east and are an important part of the physical and cultural heritage of North America. 
The complexity and magnitude of the Great Lakes water system is difficult to grasp, even for those who live within the basin.
The lakes cover a total of 294,000 square miles and contain about 5,500 cubic miles of water. The Great Lakes are the largest collection of fresh, surface water on earth, containing roughly 18 percent of the world supply. Only the polar ice caps contain more fresh water. Although part of a single system, each lake is different.