The lakes rest upon an area known as the Great Lakes Tectonic Zone and were formed by the extension of tectonic plates over 1 billion years ago, creating the Midcontinent Rift. Another part of the lakes geography is known as the St. Lawrence rift, an active seismic zone which created the area for the lower lakes 500 million years ago. While the zone is active, it is not known for very many earthquakes which could cripple a city like Chicago.
Having being formed during the last ice age, the lakes became filled with water as the Laurentide ice sheet melted. Basins that were created by the ice glaciers became filled with water and now known as the Great Lakes. While the formation of the lakes occurred over 10,000 years ago, they were vital to the creation and industrialization of Chicago to one of the largest cities in the world today.
You have a very good blog overall.
ReplyDeleteThe processes and forms are well explained.
I think you could explain more about it affects people that live there. You have some sentences structure issues in the last paragraph. Other than that Your blog is well organized and informational.
Good post! Chicago has always been a city of interest to me. You did well in explaining various forms and processes. Next time I hope to read more about the actual city's geography. Even though the lakes have a major involvement in Chicago, it would be nice to hear about the city and the various geographic things that are involved and how those things affect the people living there.
ReplyDeleteLove the location! I'm from Chicago so it's really nice to read up on some of the geography in the area. I think you covered the formation of the lakes really well, but Lake Michigan has a huge impact on the people that live there and that might be a good area to cover in the future. Also, besides the water the Glaciers impacted the flat terrain that is the Chicago area as well. Overall your blog is great though, I look forward to reading more!
ReplyDelete