Regions of the US and Canada

Physiographic Regions of the US and Canada

How physical geography made the US rich… Glaciation resulted in _____________. A variety of climate zones has caused ______________. Abundant ________________.

Glaciation Glaciation – during the Ice Age 16,000 years ago many areas in the US and Canada were covered by glaciers all the time.

The Ice Age

Glaciation Glaciers – during the Ice Age 16,000 years ago many areas in the US and Canada were covered by glaciers all the time. - As the planet warmed the glaciers melted. They left behind loess which created fertile soils. - Loess  clay and silt that has nutrients that plants need to grow .

Regions of the US and Canada Glaciation Regions – formed by glaciers - Interior Plains - Canadian Shield - Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Seaway Task  Take out your map and locate the Interior Plains (Great Plains), Great Lakes, St. Lawrence Seaway, and the Canadian Shield.

Climate Zones Climate Zones The US has a variety of climate zones. This allows the US to grow many different crops like potatoes, wheat, and oranges.

Climate Zones A variety of climate zones led to diversification and self-sufficiency Self-sufficiency – US could rely on itself for food. Diversification – having many different crops

Regions of the US and Canada Agricultural Regions – farming occurs 1. Interior Plains 2. Atlantic Coastal Plains 3. Gulf Coastal Plains

Natural Resources Natural Resources - The US has an abundance of natural resources they can use and trade. Using p. 120 give an example of each of the following types of natural resources. Energy Resources Water Resources Agricultural Resources (come up with your own) Industrial Resources

Regions of the US and Canada Agricultural Regions – farming occurs 1. Interior Plains 2. Atlantic Coastal Plains 3. Gulf Coastal Plains Natural Resource Regions 4. Appalachian Mountains 5. Canadian Shield 6. Western Mountain Ranges

Transportation Routes The US also has great water transportation routes used to ship goods. Two regions: The Mississippi River System The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway.

Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway

Y X z

Regions of the US and Canada Agricultural Regions – farming occurs 1. Interior Plains 2. Atlantic Coastal Plains 3. Gulf Coastal Plains Natural Resource Regions 4. Appalachian Mountains 5. Canadian Shield 6. Western Mountain Ranges Shipping Routes 7. Mississippi River 8. Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway

Regions Project – Step 1 1. Answer the questions on the little slip of paper in your notebook. 2. Answer the following question: How did this region make the US/Canada rich? 3. Sketch the map 4. Create a rough draft for a poster.

instaar.colorado.edu/cosmolab/clyde_river/