Lecture Notes on the Great Lakes and Change

Introduction to Changes

• Changes keep the world moving forward through time.
• Historical perspective: Glaciers shaped the Great Lakes long before human interaction.

The Formation of the Great Lakes

• Natural History:
  • Glaciers created the Great Lakes, which are still forming today.
  • The beauty of the lakes prompts reflection on future changes.
• Traveling to the Great Lakes:
  • Visiting the lakes offers insights into geological changes.
  • Important to recognize that the Great Lakes have not always existed in their current form.

Concept of Change

• Observations of the landscape will reveal that nothing remains static.
• Questions posed about the permanence of what we see:
  • If one could travel back in time, would the scenery look the same?

Historical Context of the Great Lakes

• Ten Thousand Years Ago:
  • Glaciers were retreating, lakes remained, but they were constantly changing.
• Impact of Ice Age:
  • The glaciers shaped the land, creating depressions that formed lakes.
  • The ice had significant weight and altered land elevation.

Transition from Ice Age to Present

• When the sun melted the glaciers, it allowed lakes to form.
  • This process occurred multiple times, leading to the current Great Lakes.
• Flow of water changed direction over time due to geological shifts:
  • Initially draining north, later shifted to flow south.

Reflection on Water

• Water signifies life and change:
  • The importance of water in human existence and its role as a vital resource.
• Cultural References:
  • Mention of swimming, drinking water, and the transient nature of rivers.

Conclusion

• Continuous changes impact the world.
• Importance of recognizing both natural and human-induced changes in the environment.