Canadian Physiographic Regions

• The text provides a breakdown of physiographic regions, continental drift and plate tectonics, glaciers, weathering and erosion, and human-led activities impacting the Earth.

Physiographic Regions

• The Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Lowlands are characterized by water bodies, deciduous forests, low elevation, and flat plains, making the area highly suitable for agriculture and various recreational activities.
• The Canadian Shield features rugged terrain, fluctuating elevations, glacial erosion, thin soils, and coniferous trees, rich in mineral deposits, and suited for mining and recreational activities.
• The Hudson Bay Lowlands have sedimentary rocks, wet soils, a subarctic climate, and flat, low-lying lands, favorable for hydroelectric power generation, winter activities, and wildlife exploration.
• The Appalachian Region consists of old eroded mountains, valleys, and plateaus composed of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, with diverse forests making it suitable for forestry and recreational activities.
• The Interior Plains are characterized by flat plains with gently rolling hills, rich soils conducive to agriculture, and appropriate for outdoor activities.
• The Western Cordillera features mountain ranges with diverse rock types shaped by tectonic forces, high elevations, glaciers, and rivers that are suitable for geological research and recreational activities.
• The Arctic Lands are marked by permafrost, coastal features, glaciers, and ice caps, suited for biological research, viewing natural phenomena, and exploring indigenous culture.

Continental Drift & Plate Tectonics

• Alfred Wegener proposed the theory of continental drift, suggesting that continents were once joined as 'Pangea' and have since drifted apart.
• Evidence of the theory includes the fit of continents, similar fossils on separate continents, matching rock formations, and climate indicators in different regions.
• The Earth's layers include the crust (thin, solid rock), mantle (thick, semi-solid), outer core (liquid layer creating the magnetic field), and inner core (solid metal center).
• Divergent plate boundaries involve plates moving apart, leading to creation of new crust.
• Convergent boundaries cause plates to collide, forming mountains or subduction zones.
• Transform plate boundaries involve plates sliding past each other, causing earthquakes.
• Interactions at plate boundaries include new ocean floor and rift valleys at divergent boundaries, mountain ranges and trenches at convergent boundaries, and earthquakes at transform boundaries.

Glaciers

• Glaciers form from compacted snow turning into ice over time due to pressure.
• Glaciers transform physical geography by carving valleys, creating lakes, and shaping landscapes through erosion.
• Scientists use glaciers to measure climate change by observing their melting or advancing patterns.
• Many glaciers worldwide have been rapidly retreating, mainly due to global warming.
• Alpine glaciers form at high elevations (such as the Western Cordillera).
• Continental glaciers form at high latitudes, covering large land areas (such as in arctic regions).

Weathering & Erosion

• Physical weathering breaks rocks into smaller pieces without changing their composition (e.g., freeze-thaw).
• Chemical weathering alters the minerals in rocks (e.g., acid rain).
• Biological weathering involves living organisms breaking down rocks (e.g., tree roots).
• Weathering is the breaking down of rocks, while erosion is the movement of weathered materials.
• Water, wind, and ice are the main ways earthen materials move around the globe.

Human Led Activities

• Deforestation involves cutting down forests for agriculture and urbanization, destroying habitats.
• Mining is the extraction of minerals and resources, which can disrupt ecosystems.
• Urbanization involves the destruction of natural habitats and increased pollution.
• Agriculture changes landscapes, affects soil, water, and air quality, and can harm local wildlife.
• These activities provide resources, jobs, and space for growing populations.
• Sustainable forestry practices (e.g., reforestation and conservation) can reduce deforestation impacts.
• Stricter regulations on mining practices, less harmful extraction methods, and restoration of mined areas help reduce mining effects.
• Smart growth, sustainable urban planning, green building practices, public transportation, and green spaces mitigate urbanization effects.
• Crop rotation and organic farming can maintain soil health and reduce chemical use in agriculture.