The Interior Plains- Location The plains are one of the smallest areas in Canada. It is shaped like a large triangle. The Great Plains are so called plains because they are flat. It used to be covered by an ocean, then by lakes and swamps.

The Interior Plains- Location The Prairie Plains is found in the Yukon, Northwest Territories, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

The Interior Plains- Location At the northern extension of the Interior Plains, forest gives way to treeless Tundra and polar deserts.

The Interior Plains- Climate The way the land is shaped affects the climate in many ways. Winters are long and cold, with winds sweeping across the open treeless plains meaning there is little to block their affect.

The Interior Plains- Climate Closer to the western mountains the winter temperatures are lowered by the Chinook winds (warm breeze descending down the mountain slope).

The Interior Plains- Climate The summers are hot in the prairies because of the warm air that blows in from the Pacific Ocean and over the mountains. But the season is short and there is often danger of early frosts because of the cool air that can also blow in from the Pacific Ocean.

The Interior Plains- Climate The prairies climate is dry compared to most other parts of Canada with only 30 cm of precipitation a year. It is like this because the land is so flat and this makes it easier for any moisture to evaporate.

The Interior Plains- Landforms Sometimes, people make the mistake of calling the Plains the Prairie Provinces or just the Prairies. The term prairie refers to the prairie grasses that grow wild in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

The Interior Plains- Landforms The Interior Plains landscape includes much more than just the prairie grasslands. You'll find that this entire region is generally flat in elevation.   In fact there are 3 flat levels of elevation and each level is lower as you move to the east.

The Interior Plains- Landforms If you can picture 3 steps on stairs that descend, then you sort of get what it looks like. Found within these 3 levels of flat elevation , you may find hills, cliffs, low mountains, forests, wide river valleys and there are even sand dunes!

The Interior Plains- Natural Resources The soil in this region is perfect for growing wheat and helps keep livestock alive and healthy. The soil has minerals and natural fertilizer which helps support life. The soil can be thought of as SKIN of the LAND.

The Interior Plains- Natural Resources Oil and gas are also found below the surface of the Interior Plains within the Prairies. Millions of years ago this land was under tropical seas. After the seas disappeared, deposits of oil, natural gas and potash were left behind from decaying animals. 90% of potash is found in Saskatchewan and is used for fertilizer.

The Interior Plains- Natural Resources Potash is the common name given to potassium carbonate and various mined and manufactured salts that contain the element potassium in water-soluble form. Potash is vital for agriculture because it improves water retention, yield, nutrient value, taste, color, texture and disease resistance of food crops. It has wide application to fruit and vegetables, rice, wheat and other grains, sugar, corn, soybeans, palm oil and cotton, all of which benefit from the nutrient’s quality enhancing properties.

The Interior Plains-Industry First of all, the farming  is extremely important. Crops such as wheat, barley, oats, flax, canola, mustard, potatoes, corn and sugar beets are grown in the plains.

The Interior Plains-Industry Farmers also raise cattle, pigs, poultry, to name a few. Both the crops and livestock produced in this area, feed many Canadians, as well as, others around the world.

The Interior Plains-Industry The agricultural industry is also linked with promoting the tourism industry. Many rodeos, stampedes and agricultural shows are held throughout this region for everyone to enjoy.

The Interior Plains-Industry Another main industry on the Prairies is oil and gas. These create many jobs in this region. Oil and gas from this region are sold in Canada and around the world making it one of the richest regions in Canada. Potash, also creates the industry of mining and fertilizer processing plants. This resource is found in Saskatchewan by drilling mostly underground. Potash is sold all around the world and in Canada, making it an important industry.