US and Canada: Physical Geography

Physical Features The two countries share many physical characteristics. Much of the area is dominated by grassy plains and mountain chains.

Mountain Ranges Eastern North America the Appalachian Mountains Western North America dominated by the Rocky Mountains Also the Pacific Ranges: Sierra Nevada, Coast Range, and Cascades

Plains Coastal Plains near Atlantic Ocean and Gulf Coast Great Plains between Appalachian Mts. and Rocky Mts. From the South by the Gulf of Mexico all the way up to the icy tundra in Canada

Rivers Mississippi River is the largest on the continent. Ohio and Missouri Rivers are tributaries of the Miss. River. Other major rivers include the Colorado, Columbia, Saint Lawrence, Yukon, and the Rio Grande

Major Bodies of Water Bering Sea and Bering Strait separate North America and Asia Gulf of Mexico made up of Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean North America has 8 of the world’s 12 largest freshwater lakes Including the 5 Great Lakes Also has one major saltwater lake

Canadian Shield Also known as the Laurentian Plateau Huge expanse of igneous rock (comes from volcanoes) covered by a thin layer of soil Gives us an idea of how the northern portion of the United States was formed

Climate and Vegetation Polar Zones Polar Climate Northern Canada and Alaska Winters are long and cold, summers short and cool Tundra has very little vegetation Pine forests toward the southern portion of Canada

Climate and Vegetation Temperate Zones Temperate Climate Most of Canada and the United States Humid climates with year-round precipitation Trees vary from broadleaf trees to pine forests dependent on region Some of the world’s largest trees found in the Pacific Northwest Prairies used mostly for ranching and farming

Climate and Vegetation Tropical Zones Tropical Climate Southern states Humid and dry in the southeast Arid and dry in the southwest Palm trees grow in the coastal areas of California, Florida, and Hawaii Southwest portion of United States filled with desert vegetation

Weather Experiences most types of natural disasters Volcanoes along the Pacific Coast Droughts in the Southwest Tornados in the central plains Hurricanes/Tropical Storms along the Gulf and East Coast Floods in areas with lots of rainfall/rivers Heavy snow/avalanches in mountainous areas

Resources Water Land Mineral and Fossil Fuels Allow for shipping and fishing industries to be successful Land North America is the leading food exporter in the world. Lots of woodlands and lumber resources Mineral and Fossil Fuels Valuable deposits of iron ore, nickel, copper, and gold Natural gas/oil and coal deposits allow for energy producing resources to come from within