S.2 North America Notes 2020 Caltec S.2

GREAT LAKES REGION AND ST.LAWRENCE SEA WAY A huge engineering project started in 1954 till 1959 to create deep water navigation between Ontario and Montreal town. It stretches from the Great lakes region (Lake Superior) up to the Atlantic Ocean in the east. Involved the construction of 2 power dams and employing over 2200 men. The project costed around 100 million dollars shared by Canada and USA. After completion, ocean going ships were able to sail for the first time from the mouth of St. Lawrence river to the western shores of lake Superior covering 3800 km ( 8.5 sailing days). It has 25,750 km2 of navigable water, major international ports and 50 smaller regional ports. It basica lly operates from March to late December due to ice during winter. St Lawrence Sea way A sketch map of St Lawrence Sea way region A sketch map of the Great Lakes showing major falls A cross section through the St. Lawrence sea way-Great Lakes region Problems still being faced along the sea way. a) Silting of the river valley. b) Freezing of the water during winter. Objectives/ Aims a) To create deep water for ocean going ships. b) To generate enough power like at Ontario and Hamilton. c) To promote industrialization in the region. d) To provide employment and improve standards of living. e) To provide an alternative route for the northern route of Canadian wheat. f) To link the interior to the ocean. g) To ease transportation of bulky/ heavy goods via water h) To control floods in the area. i) To enhance international co -operation between USA and Canada . Problems before and during construction a) Delays in travel of passengers and goods due to congestion at the ports. b) Fog which affects visibility and navigation . c) d) …