North America’s five Great Lakes - Erie, Huron, Michigan, Ontario and Superior - lie on the Canadian/USA border and were carved out of the landscape by great glaciers during the last ice age, then filled with meltwater as the glaciers retreated. These interconnected lakes make up the largest body of fresh water on Earth, with a volume of 22,812 cubic km (5,473 cubic miles) and a total area of 151,681 sq km (94,250 sq miles), with their main outlet to the Atlantic being via the St Lawrence river. This link with the ocean led to their exploitation for heavy industry, particularly on the US side, but the sucessive advents of rail, road and air freight mean that they are far quieter than in their heyday. Away from the major cities there are quiet bays and peaceful countryside with stunning landscapes to explore. Concerted efforts are being made to preserve the wilderness areas, particularly in the various national parks that surround the lake shores, where it is possible to lose yourself for days.

 

HACHETTE, A. 501 Must See: natural wonders. China - UK Company: Bounty Books, 2016. 

Considerando o texto “The Great Lakes”, diga, em INGLÊS, como se deu a formação dos cinco grandes lagos citados.