The United States and Canada: Geography and Resources flashcards

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to the differences and similarities in geography, climate, and resources between the United States and Canada.

Colonies of Great Britain

Both the US and Canada were originally colonies of Great Britain.

Natural Resources

Both the US and Canada are abundant in natural resources.

Eastern Lowlands

A flat, coastal plain running along the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.

Appalachian Highlands

Mountain range extending from Newfoundland, Canada to Alabama, over 1,600 miles.

Interior Lowlands

A vast expanse of mainly level land that contains fertile soil, including the Great Plains.

Rocky Mountains

A young mountain range that stretches from Alaska to New Mexico, with much higher average elevation than the Appalachian Mountains.

Continental Divide

The line of highest points in the Rockies, separating rivers that flow eastward and westward.

Great Lakes

A group of five lakes (Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior) located in North America.

Mackenzie River

Longest river in Canada, flowing across the Northwest Territories to the Arctic Ocean.

St. Lawrence Seaway

A deepwater ship route connecting the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean via locks.

Permafrost

A layer of permanently frozen ground found in arctic regions, including parts of Alaska and Canada.

Tundra

Cold, treeless regions found in Alaska and Canada, characterized by long winters and short summers.

Humid Continental

A climate zone characterized by cold winters and warm summers, prevalent in the interior USA and Canada.

Humid Subtropical

A climate zone found in the southern United States, featuring hot summers and mild winters.

Mediterranean

Dry-summer climate zone found along the central and southern coasts of California.

Agricultural Areas

Regions in the US and Canada known for their fertile soil and significant agricultural production.