Canada’s Physical Diversity

We are truly a unique nations. We have young rugged mountains on the west coast, old rounded mountains along the east coast, flat fertile plains, rocky infertile regions like the Canadian Shield, desert regions, cold Arctic tundra, fertile river valleys and temperate rainforests.

Our northern limits are Polar, while our most southern regions are equal in latitude with northern California (Niagara Regions – 43 N). Canada has areas that experience earthquakes regularly and other areas that are fairly safe from seismic (aggressive) disturbance.

Canada’s physical landscape (relief) is NOT the end result of some process. It is in constant change. The difficulty for us as humans is that we do not live long enough to notice any great changes.

There are two (2) basic forces constantly in conflict with each other; Tectonic Forces: forces that build up the land. Gradational Forces: forces that break down the land.