This volume of 16 chapters by 15 contributing authors was conceived as a means of drawing together a body of basic information about the Great Lakes that is up to date, based on sound research, and interpreted by experts in the scientific, historical, environmental and political value of the Great Lakes to North America and the world. Chapters include: (1) "These are the Sweetwater Seas" (Lee Botts); (2) "The Geological Setting of the Great Lakes" (Jane L. Forsyth); (3) "Vegetation and Plant Geography of the Lake Erie Basin" (John J. Furlong); (4) "The Effect of Lake Erie on Climate" (Val L. Eichenlaub); (5) "Coastal Processes on the Great Lakes" (Charles H. Carter); (6) "Early Struggles for Peace on Lake Erie" (Gerard T. Altoff); (7) "Opening the Region to Prosperity" (Gerard T. Altoff); (8) "The History of Great Lakes Shipping" (Alexander C. Meakin); (9) "Condition of Shipping on the Great Lakes" (Jeffery A. Bryant); (10) "Lake Erie Coastal Uses" (Richard Bartz); (11) "Water Level Fluctuations on the Great Lakes" (Thomas E. Croley II); (12) "Effect of Human Activities on the Ecology of Lake Erie" (Elliot J. Tramer); (13) "History of Changes in the Lake Erie Fishery" (Andrew M. White); (14) "Recovering from Phosphorus Enrichment" (Charles E. Herdendorf); (15) "Toxics in Lake Eric" (Clayton J. Edwards); and (16) "Governing the Great Lakes Basin" (Kathleen L. Barber). Information about the authors is provided. (MDH)