Which one of the following pairs of Great Lakes in North America is connected by the Soo Canal (Sault Ste. Marie Canal and locks)?

Introduction / Context:
The Great Lakes of North America—Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario—are interconnected by a series of channels, rivers, and canals that allow ships to travel between them. Because these lakes lie at different elevations, locks and canals are needed to overcome differences in water level. The Soo Canal (often referred to as the Sault Ste. Marie Canal and locks) is one of the most important of these connections. This question asks you to identify which pair of Great Lakes is linked by the Soo Canal.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The canal mentioned is the Soo Canal (Sault Ste. Marie).
• Options list different pairs of Great Lakes: Superior and Michigan, Superior and Huron, Huron and Ontario, Huron and Erie.
• We assume basic geographical knowledge of the layout of the Great Lakes.
• The question is about the direct connection at the Soo Canal, not about indirect links further downstream.

Concept / Approach:
Lake Superior is the largest and highest in elevation among the Great Lakes. Water flows from Superior into Lake Huron via the St. Marys River. At Sault Ste. Marie, the river drops in elevation, making navigation difficult. To allow ships to travel between Lake Superior and Lake Huron safely, the Soo Locks and canal were built at this point. Lake Michigan, though connected to Lake Huron through the Straits of Mackinac, is not directly connected by the Soo Canal. Lakes Huron and Erie are connected by the St. Clair River, Lake St. Clair, and the Detroit River, and Lakes Huron and Ontario are linked via Lake Erie and the Welland Canal. Hence, the Soo Canal specifically connects Lakes Superior and Huron.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Maps of the Great Lakes and shipping routes clearly show the Soo Locks at Sault Ste. Marie between Lake Superior and Lake Huron. The canal is marked on the St. Marys River, linking these two lakes. Descriptions of Great Lakes shipping also emphasise that the Soo Locks are crucial for vessels moving between the uppermost lake (Superior) and the lower lakes via Huron. There is no such reference connecting the Soo Canal directly with Michigan, Erie, or Ontario, confirming that Superior and Huron is the correct pair.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Lakes Superior and Michigan: Lake Michigan connects to Lake Huron through the Straits of Mackinac, not through the Soo Canal.
• Lakes Huron and Ontario: They are separated by Lake Erie and connected indirectly via other waterways, including the Welland Canal.
• Lakes Huron and Erie: Connected through the St. Clair River, Lake St. Clair, and the Detroit River, not by the Soo Canal.

Common Pitfalls:
Because the names of the lakes and connecting waterways can be confusing, some candidates may choose the wrong pair simply by guessing. Another pitfall is to assume that any canal between upper and lower lakes involves Lake Michigan, which is not correct in this case. To avoid such errors, it helps to study a map of the Great Lakes, paying particular attention to the position of Sault Ste. Marie between Lake Superior and Lake Huron.

Final Answer:
The Soo Canal (Sault Ste. Marie Canal) connects Lakes Superior and Huron in the Great Lakes system.