The US and Canada Physical Geography

The United States and Canada

Geography of North America

  • North America features diverse landscapes, including mountains, plateaus, and plains.

Important Concepts

Regions

  • The geography of the United States consists of various distinct regions, characterized by their own natural features, climates, and industries.

Landforms

  • Mountains: Large natural elevations of the earth's surface. Includes:

    • Rocky Mountains:

      • Link between the U.S. & Canada.

      • Stretch over 3,000 miles from New Mexico to Alaska.

    • Appalachian Mountains:

      • Located east of the Mississippi River.

      • Oldest mountain range in North America, spanning about 1,600 miles from Newfoundland to Alabama.

Plateaus and Basins

  • Plateaus: Areas of relatively level high ground.

    • Examples:

      • Interior Plateau (British Columbia to Columbia Plateau).

      • Grand Canyon of the Colorado River in Arizona.

Lowlands and Plains

  • Lowlands/Plains: Areas where the land is at or near sea level without large hills.

    • Great Plains: Covers the interior of North America, east of the Rockies.

Islands

  • Definition: A body of land surrounded by water.

    • Examples:

      • Hawaii (8 major islands, 124 smaller).

      • Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton Island, and Vancouver Island.

Oceans and Waterways

  • Bounded by three oceans: Atlantic, Pacific, Arctic.

    • Importance: Essential for shipping and fishing industries.

Rivers

  • Definition: A body of water flowing downhill.

    • Examples:

      • Mississippi River: One of the longest and busiest rivers in the U.S.

      • Mackenzie River: Canada's longest river flowing into the Arctic Ocean.

Lakes

  • Definition: A body of water surrounded by land.

    • Notable: 8 of the world's 15 largest lakes are found in the region, especially the Great Lakes.

      • HOMES: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior.

Physical Regions of Canada

  • Western Cordillera:

    • Geography: Mountain ranges, plateaus, and valleys on the West Coast.

    • Climate: Wet and mild seasons with a maritime climate.

    • Industries: Logging, mining, tourism.

  • Intermountain Region:

    • Geography: Located between Rocky and Coastal ranges.

    • Climate: Dry, semi-desert, continental climate.

    • Industries: Agriculture, tourism.

  • Interior Plains:

    • Geography: Flat plains with rolling hills and deep river valleys in Central U.S.

    • Climate: Cold winters and hot summers; continental climate.

    • Industries: Agriculture and ranching.

  • Canadian Shield:

    • Geography: Largest region with lakes, rivers, and low mountains around Hudson's Bay.

    • Climate: Varies greatly; high precipitation.

    • Industries: Mining and logging.

  • St. Lawrence Lowlands:

    • Geography: Smallest but most populated; rolling hills, rivers, and Great Lakes.

    • Industries: Manufacturing, mining, forestry.

  • Appalachian Region:

    • Geography: Old low mountains, plateaus, valleys, islands on the East Coast.

    • Climate: High precipitation with violent storms.

    • Industries: Fishing, manufacturing, tourism.

  • Arctic Region:

    • Geography: Far North with little precipitation.

    • Climate: Severe winters lasting up to 10 months.

    • Industries: Fishing, hunting, mining, tourism.

Northeastern Geography

  • Features mountains, valleys, rolling hills, lakes, and an Atlantic coastline.

  • Appalachian Mountains stretch from Maine to the Southeast.

  • Numerous natural waterways formed by glacial activity.

Southeastern Geography

  • Features:

    • Highlands: North with hills, mountains, plateaus, valleys.

    • Lowlands: South with beaches, wetlands, and swamps.

Southwestern Geography

  • Significant portions covered by desert (notably the Sonoran Desert).

  • Central Plains recognized for canyons and plateaus, including the Grand Canyon.

Midwestern Geography

  • Predominantly flat with few trees.

  • Fertile soil in Central Plains for agriculture, but the Great Plains are drier.

Western Geography

  • Contains a variety of landforms including mountains, deserts, and coastlines.

  • Includes notable volcanoes like Mt. St. Helens, which is active and erupted in 1980.