Correct Option
The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
The Great Lakes of North America form the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth by total area. They constitute a vital inland waterway system connecting the resource-rich interior of the continent to industrial centers and the Atlantic Ocean via the St. Lawrence Seaway.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Incorrect. The Great Lakes system consists of five major lakes, not three. These are Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario. They are located on or near the border between Canada and the United States.
- Statement 2 is Correct. Lake Superior is the largest of the Great Lakes by surface area and volume. It also lies at the highest elevation (approximately 183 meters above sea level) among the five lakes, situated furthest upstream. Water flows from Superior through the St. Marys River into Lake Huron.
- Statement 3 is Correct. The Great Lakes serve as a critical transportation artery for the North American industrial region. They facilitate the bulk transport of iron ore from the ranges near Lake Superior (such as the Mesabi Range) to ports on Lake Erie. From there, the ore is transported by rail to steel-producing centers like Pittsburgh and Youngstown, which are located near the Appalachian coal fields.
Key Takeaway: The Great Lakes comprise five lakes (Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, Ontario) and serve as a primary inland waterway for the Iron and Steel Industry, linking iron ore deposits in the upper lakes with coal resources and steel mills in the lower lakes region.