Feature

Details

Definition

The Great Lakes are a series of large interconnected freshwater lakes in eastern and central North America that connect to the Atlantic Ocean via the Saint Lawrence River.

Lakes

Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario

Location

Generally located on or near the Canada-US border

Hydrological Connection

Lakes Michigan and Huron are connected hydrologically via the Straits of Mackinac.

Significance of Lake Huron

Third largest freshwater lake in the world after Lake Superior and Lake Victoria.

Transportation

The Great Lakes Waterway enables modern water travel and shipping between the lakes.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements about Lake Victoria:

1. It is the second-largest freshwater lake in the world.
2. It is located in East Africa, bordering Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya.
3. The lake is the source of the White Nile River which flows southward to form the Nile River.
4. Lake Victoria supports the largest freshwater fishery globally producing over 1 million tons of fish annually.

Select the correct answer using the codes below:

1. 1, 2, and 3
2. 1, 2 and 4
3. 1, 3, and 4
4. 2 only

Answer: B

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Lake Victoria is the second-largest freshwater lake in the world, after Lake Superior in North America.

Statement 2 is correct: Lake Victoria is located in East Africa, bordered by Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Lake Victoria is the source of the White Nile which flows northward (not southward), eventually merging with the Blue Nile in Sudan to form the Nile River.

Statement 4 is correct: The lake supports the largest freshwater fishery in the world with an annual fish production of around 1 million tons.