why does not eventually drain into the Great lakes...I know it has something to do with the tides, but i don't know exactly why...my 11 year old son asked me and I thought maybe someone out there might have the answer for him...thanks in advance.
2006-09-02 13:03:29 · 5 answers · asked by Chris W 3 in Environment
The Great Lakes are quite high above the sea level. Superior for instance, has its surface is 600 ft above sea level. The flow from one lake to the next, going through 170 ft Niagara falls, and after exiting lake Ontario, the water goes to the St-Laurent river.
Around Quebec city is where tide stops being felt, so from them on it is essentially sea level.
Having the flow reverse more inland that Quebec would involve water getting uphill.
2006-09-02 13:16:42 · answer #1 · answered by Vincent G 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The Niagara Escarpment prevents ANY water from the Atlantic Ocean (including the St. Lawrence Seaway) from entering the Great Lakes.
For example, the lowest great lake, lake Ontario, is only 240 feet above sea level.
2006-09-02 13:08:46 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Because when the St. Lawrence Seaway was built for shipping to enter the Great Lakes from the Atlantic, it was built higher than the Atlantic Ocean.
2006-09-02 13:06:19 · answer #3 · answered by cboni2000 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
The lakes are higher than the ocean. Water doesn't flow uphill.
2006-09-02 13:09:07 · answer #4 · answered by doggiebike 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
the great lakes are above sea level
2006-09-02 17:19:04 · answer #5 · answered by festa 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋