Canada: Section 1

Canada Section 1

A Northern Land Between the U.S. and Canada is the longest undefended border in the world. *the border is patrolled by lawenforcement, but not military personnel.

A Northern Land • Canada borders 3 oceans: the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic. • 2nd largest country behind Russia • It is made up of 10 provinces and 3 territories.

Provinces vs. Territories • Provinces are similar to states • The provinces are responsible for things like schools, hospitals, local government and keeping highways in order. • Territories are largely governed by native people, unless there are issues that involve other nations.

The Effect of Glaciers • As the glaciers moved and pushed the land down, they created a large, low basin and many low areas. • Water filled the lowest points, and now Canada has more lakes than any other country in the world!

The Canadian Shield • Huge, horseshoe shaped area made up of hills worn down by glaciers is called the Canadian Shield. • Wrapped around the Hudson Bay, it covers more than 1/2 of Canada! • Soil is not good for farming, but minerals (iron ore, copper, nickel, gold and uranium) are found in abundance.

The Effect of Glaciers • North of the Canadian Shield, the Arctic Islands are covered in tundra - treeless plains . • Glacial ice covers the northernmost islands.

Appalachian Highlands • In the southeast there are rolling hills and low mountains with forests and deep water harbors along the rocky coast. • Laurentian Highlands nearby • Dotted with farms and forests. • Harbors along the coasts.

St. Lawrence and Great Lakes Lowlands • fertile lowlands between the highlands • Rich soil and most of Canada’s farms, people, and industries • Toronto • Niagra Falls

The Interior Plains • • • •

An extension of the Great Plains Huge, rolling prairie with very fertile soil Wheat and grains grown here Herds of buffalo once roamed here, now cattle ranches occupy the land.

Rocky Mountains • Part of the cordillera (a group of mtn. ranges that run side by side). • Scenic beauty brings tourists (Banff and Jasper) • Rich in minerals

The Pacific Coast • The Coast Mountains are also part of the Cordillera. • Highest peak in Canada - Mt. Logan 19,551 ft, near the border with Alaska.

Climate • Generally cool or cold in the high latitudes • Northern Canada is polar • Between 50-70°N is subarctic with short, cool summers • Southeastern Canada (where most live) is humid continental • Southwest is marine west coast • East of the mtns. Is dry or partly dry.