Canada’s Landform Regions

How do geographers classify landform regions? The age of the rock Relief Type of rock Gradient Process that has shaped the area

The landform regions of Canada The Canadian Shield- the oldest rock in Canada is located here. 4 billion years old! It is home to vast coniferous forests It covers most of central Canada Parts of: Saskatchewan Manitoba Ontario Quebec Labrador Northwest Territories Nunavut

Appalachian Mountains This landform region was formed around 375 million years ago Over time these mountains have been worn down by ice and water The result is a landscape of rolling hills and broad valleys Most of Atlantic Canada is a part of this region Coniferous and deciduous forests blanket this area

Western Cordilera This landform is made up of several parallel mountain ranges The Coast Mountains The Columbia Mountains The Rocky Mountains Provinces in this landform region include: British Columbia home to the Okanagan Valley and good soils Yukon Territory Part of Alberta

Innuitian Mountains Located in Canada’s north These mountains are rugged and the climate is harsh, and trees can not grow here

Arctic Lowlands Located south of the Innuitians This landform experiences a cold, dry climate This landform is located in Nunavut. Sparse vegetation grows here

Interior Plains Located between the Western Cordillera and the Canadian Shield Includes most of Alberta Sections of Saskatchewan Parts of Manitoba Part of the Northwest Territories Parts of the plains are characterized by moist well drained soil

Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Lowlands Located south of the Canadian Shield Includes southwestern Ontario from the Great Lakes to the St. Lawrence River Takes in the mouth of the Saguenay River in Quebec This area is known for it’s moist, rich soil

Hudson Bay Lowlands A part of the Canadian Shield Located in Northern Ontario and Manitoba This area is swampy, and not suitable for farming