1. The Lowlands
page 138: #s 2, 5, 6, 7

2. 2b) Why are the ancient coral reefs of the Interior Plains important today?
The ancient coral reefs of the Interior Plains are important today because they are the site of significant oil & gas deposits, which are buried thousands of metres below the surface of the land today.

3. 5) What separates the Great Lakes Lowlands from the St
5) What separates the Great Lakes Lowlands from the St. Lawrence Lowlands? Where does this occur and what is the appearance of this lowlands region? (4 marks)
The Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Lowlands are separated by a thin slice of the Canadian Shield which extends across the St. Lawrence river near Kingston. The extension of rock in this area is known as the Frontenac Axis
The landscape of the area is one of rolling hills, deep river valleys and flat plains.

4. 6) Copy the paragraph and insert the correct term.
To the south of the Canadian Shield is the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence Lowlands.
Like the Interior Plains, the lowlands are underlain by sedimentary rock.
The St. Lawrence Lowlands were created when land between two faults collapsed creating a rift valley.
The landscape of the Great Lakes Lowlands is largely the result of erosion.
The Great Lakes were carved out by glaciers.
The Niagara escarpment is the single biggest feature of the lowlands.

5. 7a) Describe the characteristics of the Hudson bay Lowlands and Arctic Lowlands.
Characteristics of the Hudson Bay Lowlands include:
- a flat low area covered by swampy forests
sedimentary rock that rests on top of the ancient rock of the shield.
Characteristics of the Arctic Lowlands include:
- a series of islands in the far north that have a gently rolling landscape
- ground that remains frozen for most of the year.

6. The Highlands
Page 143 questions 2, 3, 4, 6

7. #2 ) Why does the Appalachian region have many excellent harbours?
During the last ice age the weight of the continental glaciers pushed the crust of the earth downwards.
When the ice melted, the ocean was able to move up the river valleys creating a flooded coastline
This caused the river beds to be much deeper under water than expected.
The result is that cities such as Halifax have very deep harbours which make them important centres for large ocean going ships.

9. How ice weighs down the earth’s crust

10. #3a) Describe the composition and appearance of the Innuitian Mountians.
The Innuitian Mountains have been described as icy watchtowers in Canada’s north.
The have the same composition (mostly sedimentary & some metamorphic rock) as the Appalachians.
Because they are younger they have higher (2500 m) and sharper peaks since they have not been eroded as much.
They are mostly ice covered and barren since the climate is so cold and the growing season so short.

11. #4a) How were the fiords of British Columbia created?
During the last ice age alpine glaciers occupied the river valleys leading out to the sea.
The glaciers eroded the bottom of these valleys until they were deeper than today’s sea level.
When the glaciers melted, the ocean flooded the valleys creating steep sided fiords.

12. #6) Which mountains are older ? How can you tell?
The Western Cordillera (left) are youngest
They have a sharper more jagged appearance since they have had less time for erosional forces to work.
The Appalachian Mountains (left) are oldest.
They have a more rounded shape and have been more eroded.
A second indicator is the general height of each mountain range. The lower the height the longer period of erosion
The Innuitian Mountains (left) are middle-aged (like me!) and so are higher but not as jagged.

13. Physical region Resource and Product
Interior Plains
Oil and gas deposits are found in ancient coral reefs.
Deep fertile soils which are ideal for farming wheat, canola, and flax.
Large fresh water lakes for recreation and food (fishing and hunting).
Where it is too dry, beef cattle are raised.
Gr Lakes – St Lawrence Lowlands
The Great Lakes are huge freshwater lakes on which fishing, recreation, industry, and for transportation.
Flat land is ideal for the growth of cities and industries.
Farm land because it is flat and warm.
Hudson Bay and Arctic Lowlands
Fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas.
Sand, silt and clay which are important building materials.
Appalachian Mountains
Coal can be found throughout
Zinc and iron in the highlands
Deep ocean coastal areas which are good for harbours.
Innuitian Mountains
Similar to Appalachian Mountains but not exploited because of cost.
Western Cordillera
Beautiful scenery attracts many tourists.
Farming in the interior plateau
Mining towns in the interior plateau
Fishing along the pacific coastline
Mountains are ideal for recreation