Physical Geography of Canada

PHYSICAL GEOGRA-PHY OF CANADA

Great Lakes-St.Lawrence Low-lands

Smallest geographical region Humid continental climate Vegetation: fertile soils, heavily treed,

maple, beech, hickory, black walnut trees, oak, ash, birch, and pine

Environmental concerns: acid rain, pollu-tion of the Great Lakes

Topography: rolling landscapes

Canadian Shield More than 2 billion years old Humid continental climate Vegetation: spruce, pine, fir, polar and

white birch, and sandy soil Environmental concern: extraction and

use of resources and timber Topography: glaciers removed soil Barren rock surface in many places

Interior Plains Vast sweep of plain Not entirely flat Rolling hills and deep river valleys Continental climate Northern portion has arctic climate Long, cold winters and short, cool summers Vegetation: trees grew in river valleys Environmental concern: tornadoes Topography: devided into central lowlands

and great plains

Intermountain Region Locates between Rocky and Coast moun-

tains High plateaus Isolated mountains Climate: affected by its location and ele-

vation Environmental concern: birds habitats be-

ing destroyed, 11 bird species are endan-gered

Topography: streams and rivers never reach the sea

Arctic Plains Northern Canada Combination of lowlands and mountains Climate: very severe, winter lasts for 10

months and very cold and dry Vegetation: very few plants can grow Trees can’t grow on the tundra Topography: flat Arctic near the ocean

Appalachian Region Mountainous area Extends for 2400 km Climate: varies throughout the year and af -

fected by 2 ocean currents Vegetation: heavily forested with coniferous

and deciduous trees Soil was productive Topography: mountains were formed

300000000 years ago Not wholly mountainous Contains fertile plateaus and river valleys

Coastal Plains Lowland area Climate: subject to hurricanes between

late summer and early winter Vegetation: soils are very sandy Pine forests Lush jungles Environmental concern: hurricanes Topography: mostly flat or gently rolling

surfaces Many swamps and marshes

Western Cordillera Rocky Mountains Separated by plateaus and valleys Climate: maritime climate Vegetation: grasses and cactuses grow in

dray valleys Great evergreens no longer grow Giant sequoia, the largest tree, grows Topography: comprised of new mountains

not yet worn down by erosion

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