Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the highest point in the Adirondack Mountain Range?
What is the highest point in the Adirondack Mountain Range?
- Mount Rainier
- Mount Marcy (correct)
- Mount Saint Helens
- Mount Chamberlin
Which ocean does not border North America?
Which ocean does not border North America?
- Pacific Ocean
- Indian Ocean (correct)
- Arctic Ocean
- Atlantic Ocean
Which river is the longest in North America?
Which river is the longest in North America?
- Missouri River (correct)
- Mississippi River
- St. Lawrence River
- Colorado River
Which of these is a cold desert?
Which of these is a cold desert?
What is the capital city of Canada?
What is the capital city of Canada?
What was the name of the supercontinent that existed millions of years ago?
What was the name of the supercontinent that existed millions of years ago?
What is the name of the theory that explains how continents have moved over millions of years?
What is the name of the theory that explains how continents have moved over millions of years?
What were the names of the two major continental blocks that Pangaea initially split into?
What were the names of the two major continental blocks that Pangaea initially split into?
Which present-day continents were part of Gondwana?
Which present-day continents were part of Gondwana?
What is the name given to the sea that existed between Laurasia and Gondwana?
What is the name given to the sea that existed between Laurasia and Gondwana?
What are the large sections of Earth's crust called?
What are the large sections of Earth's crust called?
What is the name of the ocean that surrounded the supercontinent Pangaea?
What is the name of the ocean that surrounded the supercontinent Pangaea?
Which ocean borders North America to the east?
Which ocean borders North America to the east?
What connects North America and South America?
What connects North America and South America?
Which of these is one of the three largest countries in North America?
Which of these is one of the three largest countries in North America?
Which of the following is a major language spoken in North America?
Which of the following is a major language spoken in North America?
Which mountain range is part of the Western Cordilleras?
Which mountain range is part of the Western Cordilleras?
What is the name of the largest canyon in the world, located on the Colorado Plateau?
What is the name of the largest canyon in the world, located on the Colorado Plateau?
What type of landform are the Great Plains?
What type of landform are the Great Plains?
Which mountain range is considered the oldest in North America?
Which mountain range is considered the oldest in North America?
Which of these features is characteristic of the Sierra Madre?
Which of these features is characteristic of the Sierra Madre?
Which river drains the Great Plains in the United States?
Which river drains the Great Plains in the United States?
Considering the geographical context, which of the following statements correctly contrasts the Missouri River and the Colorado River?
Considering the geographical context, which of the following statements correctly contrasts the Missouri River and the Colorado River?
How does the geographical positioning of the Mojave Desert differentiate it from the Chihuahuan Desert?
How does the geographical positioning of the Mojave Desert differentiate it from the Chihuahuan Desert?
Which of the following statements most accurately describes the relationship between the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River?
Which of the following statements most accurately describes the relationship between the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River?
Considering their respective locations and characteristics, which of the following statements best compares the Brooks Range and the Cascade Range?
Considering their respective locations and characteristics, which of the following statements best compares the Brooks Range and the Cascade Range?
How does the confluence of rivers contribute to the formation of the Missouri River, and what is the significance of this process?
How does the confluence of rivers contribute to the formation of the Missouri River, and what is the significance of this process?
Which of the following best describes the relationship between the Continental Drift Theory and the Plate Tectonics Theory?
Which of the following best describes the relationship between the Continental Drift Theory and the Plate Tectonics Theory?
If the Plate Tectonics Theory demonstrates that tectonic plates are constantly moving, why don't we feel the movement?
If the Plate Tectonics Theory demonstrates that tectonic plates are constantly moving, why don't we feel the movement?
Imagine a scientist discovers a new fossil species on both the coast of South America and the coast of Africa. Which geological concept would best support an explanation for this discovery?
Imagine a scientist discovers a new fossil species on both the coast of South America and the coast of Africa. Which geological concept would best support an explanation for this discovery?
What was the primary force driving the breakup of Pangaea and the subsequent movement of continents, according to the Plate Tectonics Theory?
What was the primary force driving the breakup of Pangaea and the subsequent movement of continents, according to the Plate Tectonics Theory?
Which of the following statements accurately reflects the composition of Laurasia after the breakup of Pangaea?
Which of the following statements accurately reflects the composition of Laurasia after the breakup of Pangaea?
Using the understanding of tectonic plate movement, which of the following is the most likely long-term (millions of years) outcome for the Atlantic Ocean?
Using the understanding of tectonic plate movement, which of the following is the most likely long-term (millions of years) outcome for the Atlantic Ocean?
How did the drifting of continents influence the formation of the five oceans?
How did the drifting of continents influence the formation of the five oceans?
Which of the following best describes the formation of the United States?
Which of the following best describes the formation of the United States?
If you were standing on the Isthmus of Panama, which two continents would you be connecting?
If you were standing on the Isthmus of Panama, which two continents would you be connecting?
Considering the physical divisions of North America, where would you most likely find a landscape characterized by young fold mountain ranges?
Considering the physical divisions of North America, where would you most likely find a landscape characterized by young fold mountain ranges?
In which of these physical divisions would you expect to find the fertile grounds ideal for large-scale wheat farming?
In which of these physical divisions would you expect to find the fertile grounds ideal for large-scale wheat farming?
Which of the following locations is characterized by old fold mountains with an average height of about 1,500 meters?
Which of the following locations is characterized by old fold mountains with an average height of about 1,500 meters?
What geological process primarily formed the Sierra Madre mountains located along Mexico's Pacific Coast?
What geological process primarily formed the Sierra Madre mountains located along Mexico's Pacific Coast?
The Great Plains are drained by several rivers. Which of the following rivers is NOT mentioned as draining the Great Plains?
The Great Plains are drained by several rivers. Which of the following rivers is NOT mentioned as draining the Great Plains?
If a geologist were studying the rock structure of the Rocky Mountains, what types of rocks would they expect to find?
If a geologist were studying the rock structure of the Rocky Mountains, what types of rocks would they expect to find?
What is the geological significance of the Colorado Plateau within the Western Cordilleras?
What is the geological significance of the Colorado Plateau within the Western Cordilleras?
Which natural feature lies to the east of the Appalachian Mountains and faces the Atlantic Ocean?
Which natural feature lies to the east of the Appalachian Mountains and faces the Atlantic Ocean?
Pangaea was the name of the supercontinent that existed millions of years ago.
Pangaea was the name of the supercontinent that existed millions of years ago.
The Continental Drift Theory was proposed by Isaac Newton.
The Continental Drift Theory was proposed by Isaac Newton.
Laurasia consisted of present-day South America, Africa, and Australia.
Laurasia consisted of present-day South America, Africa, and Australia.
The Tethys Sea was located between Laurasia and Gondwana.
The Tethys Sea was located between Laurasia and Gondwana.
Tectonic plates are static and do not move.
Tectonic plates are static and do not move.
Christopher Columbus is definitively known to be the first person to discover North America.
Christopher Columbus is definitively known to be the first person to discover North America.
The United States, the most populous country in North America, was formed in the late 1700s.
The United States, the most populous country in North America, was formed in the late 1700s.
North America is located entirely in the Southern and Eastern Hemispheres.
North America is located entirely in the Southern and Eastern Hemispheres.
The Isthmus of Panama joins North and South America.
The Isthmus of Panama joins North and South America.
North America only has two large countries.
North America only has two large countries.
Greenland is an independent country.
Greenland is an independent country.
The Western Cordilleras consist of young fold mountain ranges.
The Western Cordilleras consist of young fold mountain ranges.
The Grand Canyon is located on the Columbia Plateau.
The Grand Canyon is located on the Columbia Plateau.
The Appalachian Mountains are older than the Rocky Mountains.
The Appalachian Mountains are older than the Rocky Mountains.
Mount Mitchell is the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains.
Mount Mitchell is the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains.
According to the Continental Drift Theory, the Tethys Sea was formed before Pangaea broke into Laurasia and Gondwana.
According to the Continental Drift Theory, the Tethys Sea was formed before Pangaea broke into Laurasia and Gondwana.
The Plate Tectonics Theory suggests that the Earth's tectonic plates are stationary and do not move over time.
The Plate Tectonics Theory suggests that the Earth's tectonic plates are stationary and do not move over time.
Alfred Wegener initially proposed the Plate Tectonics Theory, which was later improved by the concept of sea-floor spreading.
Alfred Wegener initially proposed the Plate Tectonics Theory, which was later improved by the concept of sea-floor spreading.
Gondwana encompassed present-day North America, Europe, and Asia.
Gondwana encompassed present-day North America, Europe, and Asia.
The formation of the Atlantic Ocean resulted from North America and South America drifting westward, dividing the supercontinent of Panthalassa.
The formation of the Atlantic Ocean resulted from North America and South America drifting westward, dividing the supercontinent of Panthalassa.
The Isthmus of Panama, which joins North and South America, is also the location of the Panama Canal.
The Isthmus of Panama, which joins North and South America, is also the location of the Panama Canal.
The most widely spoken languages in North America, including English, Spanish, and French, are primarily due to indigenous origins.
The most widely spoken languages in North America, including English, Spanish, and French, are primarily due to indigenous origins.
The Western Cordilleras extend from Alaska to Mexico and consist of only the Rocky Mountains.
The Western Cordilleras extend from Alaska to Mexico and consist of only the Rocky Mountains.
The Grand Canyon of Colorado is known for its shallow depth of around 500 metres.
The Grand Canyon of Colorado is known for its shallow depth of around 500 metres.
The Great Plains are primarily drained by the Missouri River and its tributaries, which generally flow eastward from the Rockies.
The Great Plains are primarily drained by the Missouri River and its tributaries, which generally flow eastward from the Rockies.
The Eastern Plateaus, also known as the Great Mississippi Plain, include only the Appalachian Mountains.
The Eastern Plateaus, also known as the Great Mississippi Plain, include only the Appalachian Mountains.
The Central Lowlands are characterised by infertile soils, making them unsuitable for agriculture.
The Central Lowlands are characterised by infertile soils, making them unsuitable for agriculture.
Mt. Elbert, the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains, consists exclusively of sedimentary rocks.
Mt. Elbert, the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains, consists exclusively of sedimentary rocks.
Mt. Mitchell is the highest mountain in the Sierra Madre mountain range.
Mt. Mitchell is the highest mountain in the Sierra Madre mountain range.
The Sierra Madre, found along Mexico's Pacific Coast, contains prevalent rainforests and volcanic activity.
The Sierra Madre, found along Mexico's Pacific Coast, contains prevalent rainforests and volcanic activity.
Alfred Wegener proposed that Pangaea initially fractured into three major continental blocks: Laurasia, Gondwana, and a third unnamed landmass.
Alfred Wegener proposed that Pangaea initially fractured into three major continental blocks: Laurasia, Gondwana, and a third unnamed landmass.
The Tethys Sea was formed as North America separated from Laurasia.
The Tethys Sea was formed as North America separated from Laurasia.
The Plate Tectonics Theory suggests that movement of tectonic plates is primarily driven by external forces such as solar winds.
The Plate Tectonics Theory suggests that movement of tectonic plates is primarily driven by external forces such as solar winds.
The formation of the Atlantic Ocean occurred as North America and South America drifted westward.
The formation of the Atlantic Ocean occurred as North America and South America drifted westward.
The supercontinent that existed before the continents separated was known as Panthalassa.
The supercontinent that existed before the continents separated was known as Panthalassa.
Christopher Columbus is definitively recognized as the first person to discover North America.
Christopher Columbus is definitively recognized as the first person to discover North America.
Paleo-Indians are believed to have migrated to North America exclusively from the Pacific coast.
Paleo-Indians are believed to have migrated to North America exclusively from the Pacific coast.
The majority of North America is situated between the Antarctic Circle and the Tropic of Capricorn.
The majority of North America is situated between the Antarctic Circle and the Tropic of Capricorn.
The Isthmus of Panama connects North America and South America and is the location of the Panama Canal.
The Isthmus of Panama connects North America and South America and is the location of the Panama Canal.
While Greenland is geographically part of North America, it is an independent country.
While Greenland is geographically part of North America, it is an independent country.
The Western Cordilleras are characterized as old, eroded mountain ranges that no longer experience significant geological activity.
The Western Cordilleras are characterized as old, eroded mountain ranges that no longer experience significant geological activity.
The Grand Canyon, the world's largest canyon, is located on the Columbia Plateau.
The Grand Canyon, the world's largest canyon, is located on the Columbia Plateau.
The Great Plains are characterized by dense forests and high levels of precipitation, making them ideal for rainforest ecosystems.
The Great Plains are characterized by dense forests and high levels of precipitation, making them ideal for rainforest ecosystems.
The Eastern Plateaus, also known as the Great Mississippi Plain, extend from the Hudson Bay to the Gulf of Mexico and include the Appalachian Mountains.
The Eastern Plateaus, also known as the Great Mississippi Plain, extend from the Hudson Bay to the Gulf of Mexico and include the Appalachian Mountains.
The Sierra Madre mountain range, primarily consisting of sedimentary rock formations, is entirely landlocked and does not include any volcanoes.
The Sierra Madre mountain range, primarily consisting of sedimentary rock formations, is entirely landlocked and does not include any volcanoes.
The supercontinent that existed millions of years ago is called ______.
The supercontinent that existed millions of years ago is called ______.
The theory that explains how continents have moved over millions of years is the Continental ______ Theory.
The theory that explains how continents have moved over millions of years is the Continental ______ Theory.
Laurasia consisted of North America, Europe and ______.
Laurasia consisted of North America, Europe and ______.
The Tethys Sea was created between Laurasia and ______.
The Tethys Sea was created between Laurasia and ______.
The Earth’s crust is made up of tectonic ______.
The Earth’s crust is made up of tectonic ______.
The credit of discovering North America is given to Christopher ______.
The credit of discovering North America is given to Christopher ______.
The most populous country in North America is the ______ States.
The most populous country in North America is the ______ States.
North America is located in the Northern and Western ______.
North America is located in the Northern and Western ______.
North and South America are joined by the Isthmus of ______.
North and South America are joined by the Isthmus of ______.
Presently, North America has three large countries: Canada, USA, and ______.
Presently, North America has three large countries: Canada, USA, and ______.
[Blank] is not an independent country but an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark.
[Blank] is not an independent country but an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark.
The Western Cordilleras consist of the Rocky Mountains, the Sierra Nevada Range, the Coastal Range, and the Alaska ______.
The Western Cordilleras consist of the Rocky Mountains, the Sierra Nevada Range, the Coastal Range, and the Alaska ______.
Parts of ten states of the USA, three Prairie Provinces of Canada and portions of the North-west Territories are within the Great ______.
Parts of ten states of the USA, three Prairie Provinces of Canada and portions of the North-west Territories are within the Great ______.
The Eastern Plateaus extend from the Hudson Bay in the north to the Gulf of ______ in the south.
The Eastern Plateaus extend from the Hudson Bay in the north to the Gulf of ______ in the south.
The Rockies consist of igneous as well as sedimentary rocks along its margins and ______ rocks in localised areas.
The Rockies consist of igneous as well as sedimentary rocks along its margins and ______ rocks in localised areas.
According to the Continental Drift Theory, the supercontinent that existed millions of years ago was called ______.
According to the Continental Drift Theory, the supercontinent that existed millions of years ago was called ______.
The theory of ______ explains how the Earth's crust is divided into several plates that move and interact with each other.
The theory of ______ explains how the Earth's crust is divided into several plates that move and interact with each other.
The ______ ocean formed as North America and South America drifted westward, separating from Europe and Africa.
The ______ ocean formed as North America and South America drifted westward, separating from Europe and Africa.
The two major continental blocks that Pangaea initially broke into were Laurasia and ______.
The two major continental blocks that Pangaea initially broke into were Laurasia and ______.
The idea of ______ later improved upon Wegener's Continental Drift Theory.
The idea of ______ later improved upon Wegener's Continental Drift Theory.
The theory suggests that ______ were among the first to arrive in North America from Asia or migrated from the Pacific coast.
The theory suggests that ______ were among the first to arrive in North America from Asia or migrated from the Pacific coast.
North America is positioned between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, primarily located between the Arctic Circle and the Tropic of ______.
North America is positioned between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, primarily located between the Arctic Circle and the Tropic of ______.
The narrow strip of land connecting North and South America is known as the Isthmus of ______, where the Panama Canal is located.
The narrow strip of land connecting North and South America is known as the Isthmus of ______, where the Panama Canal is located.
English, Spanish, and French are widely spoken in North America, reflecting the ______ legacy of European settlers on the continent.
English, Spanish, and French are widely spoken in North America, reflecting the ______ legacy of European settlers on the continent.
The Western Cordilleras, which include the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada Range, are characterized as young ______ mountain ranges.
The Western Cordilleras, which include the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada Range, are characterized as young ______ mountain ranges.
The Grand Canyon, known as the largest canyon in the world, features gorges that reach depths of almost 1,800 meters and lies in the plateau of ______.
The Grand Canyon, known as the largest canyon in the world, features gorges that reach depths of almost 1,800 meters and lies in the plateau of ______.
The Great Plains are extensive, high plateaus, consisting of semi-arid grassland drained by rivers such as the Missouri, Red, and ______ Rivers.
The Great Plains are extensive, high plateaus, consisting of semi-arid grassland drained by rivers such as the Missouri, Red, and ______ Rivers.
Stretching from the Hudson Bay to the Gulf of Mexico, the Eastern Plateaus include the Appalachian Mountains and are also known as the Great ______ Plain
Stretching from the Hudson Bay to the Gulf of Mexico, the Eastern Plateaus include the Appalachian Mountains and are also known as the Great ______ Plain
The Central Lowlands are highly fertile plains, ideal for agriculture, supported by large rivers, and particularly suited for wheat farming and ______ rearing.
The Central Lowlands are highly fertile plains, ideal for agriculture, supported by large rivers, and particularly suited for wheat farming and ______ rearing.
The Sierra Madre, along Mexico's Pacific Coast, extends into Central America and consists of rainforests and volcanoes, with its mountains primarily being ______-block mountains.
The Sierra Madre, along Mexico's Pacific Coast, extends into Central America and consists of rainforests and volcanoes, with its mountains primarily being ______-block mountains.
What was the name of the supercontinent that existed before the continents drifted apart?
What was the name of the supercontinent that existed before the continents drifted apart?
What is the name of the theory that explains how the continents drifted to their current positions?
What is the name of the theory that explains how the continents drifted to their current positions?
Name the two giant continental blocks that Pangaea initially broke into.
Name the two giant continental blocks that Pangaea initially broke into.
What is the name of the theory that builds upon the Continental Drift Theory and explains the movement of Earth's crustal plates?
What is the name of the theory that builds upon the Continental Drift Theory and explains the movement of Earth's crustal plates?
What was the name of the enormous ocean that surrounded Pangaea?
What was the name of the enormous ocean that surrounded Pangaea?
Which two oceans border North America?
Which two oceans border North America?
Name the three largest countries in North America.
Name the three largest countries in North America.
What is the name of the landform that connects North and South America?
What is the name of the landform that connects North and South America?
What mountain range includes the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains?
What mountain range includes the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains?
What is a canyon?
What is a canyon?
What is the name of the plateau that lies south of the Great Basin?
What is the name of the plateau that lies south of the Great Basin?
Which European group is believed by some historians to have first reached North America?
Which European group is believed by some historians to have first reached North America?
From where are Paleo-Indians believed to have migrated?
From where are Paleo-Indians believed to have migrated?
What is the name given to the smaller countries clustered in the Caribbean Sea that are now independent countries?
What is the name given to the smaller countries clustered in the Caribbean Sea that are now independent countries?
Describe the major difference between Wegener's Continental Drift Theory and the Plate Tectonics Theory.
Describe the major difference between Wegener's Continental Drift Theory and the Plate Tectonics Theory.
If the Plate Tectonics Theory is accurate, and the plates are constantly moving, what would you expect the Earth to look like in another 250 million years?
If the Plate Tectonics Theory is accurate, and the plates are constantly moving, what would you expect the Earth to look like in another 250 million years?
Explain the significance of the Tethys Sea in the context of Pangaea's breakup.
Explain the significance of the Tethys Sea in the context of Pangaea's breakup.
Describe how the westward drift of North and South America contributed to the formation of the Atlantic Ocean.
Describe how the westward drift of North and South America contributed to the formation of the Atlantic Ocean.
What evidence might scientists use to support the idea that India was once part of Gondwana?
What evidence might scientists use to support the idea that India was once part of Gondwana?
How did the arrival of Europeans transform the cultural landscape of North America?
How did the arrival of Europeans transform the cultural landscape of North America?
What geological process primarily shaped the Western Cordilleras, and what evidence supports this?
What geological process primarily shaped the Western Cordilleras, and what evidence supports this?
Compare and contrast the formation and characteristics of the Appalachian Mountains and the Rocky Mountains.
Compare and contrast the formation and characteristics of the Appalachian Mountains and the Rocky Mountains.
How do the Great Plains contribute to the economy of both the United States and Canada?
How do the Great Plains contribute to the economy of both the United States and Canada?
What are the primary factors that make the Central Lowlands ideal for agriculture, and how does this influence trade?
What are the primary factors that make the Central Lowlands ideal for agriculture, and how does this influence trade?
Describe the significance of the Isthmus of Panama in connecting North and South America, and how did the Panama Canal enhance this connection?
Describe the significance of the Isthmus of Panama in connecting North and South America, and how did the Panama Canal enhance this connection?
How might the varied physical features of North America, such as mountains, plains, and plateaus, affect population distribution and economic activities?
How might the varied physical features of North America, such as mountains, plains, and plateaus, affect population distribution and economic activities?
Explain how the legacies of European colonization have influenced the linguistic diversity observed in North America today.
Explain how the legacies of European colonization have influenced the linguistic diversity observed in North America today.
What is a canyon, how is the Grand Canyon formed, and what are the unique characteristics of it?
What is a canyon, how is the Grand Canyon formed, and what are the unique characteristics of it?
In what ways does Greenland's autonomous status within the Kingdom of Denmark affect its governance and international relations?
In what ways does Greenland's autonomous status within the Kingdom of Denmark affect its governance and international relations?
Flashcards
Pangaea
Pangaea
A supercontinent that existed millions of years ago, comprising all the present-day continents joined together.
Panthalassa
Panthalassa
The enormous ocean that surrounded the supercontinent Pangaea.
Continental Drift Theory
Continental Drift Theory
A theory that the continents were once joined and have drifted to their current positions.
Laurasia and Gondwana
Laurasia and Gondwana
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Tethys Sea
Tethys Sea
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Plate Tectonics Theory
Plate Tectonics Theory
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Tectonic Plates
Tectonic Plates
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Adirondack Mountains
Adirondack Mountains
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Missouri River
Missouri River
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St. Lawrence River
St. Lawrence River
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Great Basin Desert
Great Basin Desert
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Chihuahuan Desert
Chihuahuan Desert
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"Melting Pot"
"Melting Pot"
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Isthmus
Isthmus
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Major North American countries
Major North American countries
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Western Cordilleras
Western Cordilleras
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Canyon
Canyon
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Great Plains
Great Plains
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Central Lowlands (Prairies)
Central Lowlands (Prairies)
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Rocky Mountains
Rocky Mountains
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Appalachian Mountains
Appalachian Mountains
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Sierra Madre
Sierra Madre
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Continental Drift
Continental Drift
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Alfred Wegener
Alfred Wegener
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Rate of Plate Movement
Rate of Plate Movement
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Cause of Plate Movement
Cause of Plate Movement
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Formation of the Atlantic Ocean
Formation of the Atlantic Ocean
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Formation of the Indian Ocean
Formation of the Indian Ocean
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Movement of Tectonic Plates
Movement of Tectonic Plates
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Brooks Range
Brooks Range
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Cascade Range
Cascade Range
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Mississippi River
Mississippi River
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Colorado River
Colorado River
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The Great Lakes
The Great Lakes
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North America's Location
North America's Location
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North America's Boundaries
North America's Boundaries
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Greenland
Greenland
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Eastern Plateaus (Highlands)
Eastern Plateaus (Highlands)
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Great Mississippi Plain
Great Mississippi Plain
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Piedmont Plateau
Piedmont Plateau
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Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon
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Laurasia & Gondwana
Laurasia & Gondwana
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Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus
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Native American Tribes
Native American Tribes
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Isthmus of Panama
Isthmus of Panama
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Columbia, Colorado, and Mexican Plateaus
Columbia, Colorado, and Mexican Plateaus
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Mt Mitchell
Mt Mitchell
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Plate Tectonics
Plate Tectonics
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North American Continent
North American Continent
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United States "Melting Pot"
United States "Melting Pot"
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Paleo-Indians
Paleo-Indians
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English, Spanish, and French
English, Spanish, and French
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The Great Plains
The Great Plains
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Cause of Tectonic Movement
Cause of Tectonic Movement
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Central Lowlands
Central Lowlands
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Formation of Continents
Formation of Continents
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Molten Mantle
Molten Mantle
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United States Formation
United States Formation
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Eastern Plateaus
Eastern Plateaus
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Fixed Continents?
Fixed Continents?
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Lithospheric Plates?
Lithospheric Plates?
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Continental Connection
Continental Connection
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Continental positions
Continental positions
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Internal Earth Heat's Role
Internal Earth Heat's Role
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North American features
North American features
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Northern and Western Hemispheres
Northern and Western Hemispheres
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Arctic Ocean
Arctic Ocean
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North Atlantic Ocean
North Atlantic Ocean
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Caribbean Sea
Caribbean Sea
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North Pacific Ocean
North Pacific Ocean
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Canada, USA, and Mexico
Canada, USA, and Mexico
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Grand Canyon of Colorado
Grand Canyon of Colorado
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Study Notes
- Initially, people believed continents were fixed
- Research revealed continents were once connected as Pangaea
- Pangaea was a supercontinent surrounded by Panthalassa, a vast ocean
- Alfred Wegener introduced the Continental Drift Theory in 1912
- The Continental Drift Theory explained how the joined continents drifted to their current positions
- Pangaea initially split into Laurasia and Gondwana
- Laurasia included present-day North America, Europe and Asia
- Gondwana included South America, Africa, Australia, Antarctica, and India
- The Tethys Sea formed between Laurasia and Gondwana
- North America separated from Laurasia around 65 million years ago
- South America, Africa, India, Madagascar, Australia, and Antarctica broke away from Gondwana around 65 million years ago
- North and South America drifted westward, forming the Atlantic Ocean
- The northward drift of India led to the formation of the Indian Ocean
- The five oceans formed as continents moved to current positions, dividing Panthalassa
- Sea-floor spreading improved Wegener's theory, leading to Plate Tectonics Theory
- Earth's crust is composed of tectonic or lithospheric plates
- There are seven large and several smaller tectonic plates
- Tectonic plates move slowly on the molten mantle
- Plate movement is extremely slow, only a few millimeters per year
- Internal heat causes plate movement
- The Plate Tectonics Theory proves that continents were once a single landmass that separated over time
History of North America
- North America was inhabited by people approximately 40,000 years ago
- Since that time, people have built communities and lived with the help of the continent's various geographical features
- Christopher Columbus is credited with discovering North America
- Historians suggest Vikings may have been the first to arrive in North America
- Native American tribes and the Aztec Civilization inhabited the land before Europeans
- The most populous country in North America, the United States, was formed in the late 1700s
- Today, the United States has become a "melting pot" of people and cultures
- Paleo-Indians are believed to be among the first to arrive in North America
- Paleo-Indians may have migrated from Asia or the Pacific coast
Location and Boundaries
- North America lies in the Northern and Western Hemispheres
- North America is between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans
- Most of North America is located between the Arctic Circle and the Tropic of Cancer
- The Arctic Ocean borders North America to the north
- The North Atlantic Ocean bounds North America to the east
- The Caribbean Sea borders North America to the southeast
- The North Pacific Ocean borders North America to the west
- Greenland is a large island in the northeast
- Numerous small islands and territories dot the Caribbean Sea and western North Atlantic Ocean
- North and South America are connected by the Isthmus of Panama
- The Panama Canal is located in Panama
- North America is a huge landmass with a diverse range of ecosystems, landforms, and climates
Countries and Capitals
- North America has three large countries: Canada, USA, and Mexico
- Smaller countries are clustered around the continent's center
- Small islands in the Caribbean form independent countries known as the West Indies
- Widely spoken languages include English, Spanish, and French
- These languages are a legacy of European colonization
- Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark, with its capital in Nuuk
- Antigua and Barbuda's capital is Saint John's
- Bahamas' capital is Nassau
- Barbados' capital is Bridgetown
- Belize's capital is Belmopan
- Canada's capital is Ottawa
- Costa Rica's capital is San Jose
- Cuba's capital is Havana
- Dominica's capital is Roseau
- Domincan Republic's capital is Santo Domingo
- El Salvador's` capital is San Salvador
- Grenada's capital is Saint George's
- Guatemala's capital is Guatemala City
- Haiti's capital is Port-au-Prince
- Honduras' capital is Tegucigalpa
- Jamaica's capital is Kingston
- Mexico's capital is Mexico City
- Nicaragua's capital is Managua
- Panama's capital is Panama City
- Saint Kitts and Nevis's capital is Basseterre
- Saint Lucia's capital is Castries
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines's capital is Kingstown
- Trinidad and Tobago's capital is Port of Spain
- USA's capital is Washington, D.C.
Major Physical Features of North America
- North America has four main physical divisions including the Western Cordilleras, the Great Plains, the Eastern Plateaus (Highlands), and the Central Lowlands (Prairies)
The Western Cordilleras
- The Western Cordilleras are young fold mountain ranges from Alaska to Mexico
- They include the Rocky Mountains, Sierra Nevada Range, Coastal Range, and Alaska Range
- Plateaus surrounded by these ranges are the Columbia Plateau, Colorado Plateau, and Mexican Plateau
- The Great Basin is in the Western Cordilleras
- The Colorado Plateau lies to the south, featuring deep gorges
- The Grand Canyon of Colorado is the largest canyon globally, and the Grand Canyon is nearly 1,800 meters deep within the Colorado Plateau
The Great Plains
- The Great Plains include vast, high plateaus and semi-arid grassland
- In the United States, the Great Plains are drained by the Missouri River
- Tributaries include the Red River, Rio Grande, and Arkansas River
- These rivers flow eastward from the Rockies through broad valleys
- Parts of ten U.S. states, three Canadian Prairie Provinces, and portions of the Northwest Territories are within the Great Plains
Eastern Plateaus (Highlands)
- The Eastern Plateaus run from Hudson Bay to the Gulf of Mexico
- The Eastern Plateaus include the Appalachian Mountains
- The Eastern Plateaus are also called the Great Mississippi Plain
- the Mississippi River and its tributaries flow in the middle of the highland towards the lowlands
- The Appalachian Mountains are old fold mountains, averaging 1,500 meters
- To the east of the Appalachian Mountains lie the Piedmont Plateau and Atlantic Coastal Plain
- The Piedmont Plateau faces the Atlantic Ocean
Central Lowlands (Prairies)
- The Central Lowlands are vast, fertile plains
- Large rivers irrigate the Central Lowlands
- The Central Lowlands are suited for wheat farming, cattle rearing, agro-based industries, and international market networking
Mountain Ranges in North America
- North America has diverse mountains, including ice-covered peaks, craggy rock pinnacles, forest-covered hills, and volcanoes on tropical islands
Rocky Mountains
- The Rocky Mountains are part of the world's longest mountain range
- They extend from northwestern Canada to New Mexico
- The highest peak is Mt. Elbert in Colorado, at 4,399 meters
- The rock structure of the Rockies consists of igneous, sedimentary, and volcanic rocks
- Animals in the Rocky Mountains include sheep, goats, mountain lions, and grizzly bears
Appalachian Mountains
- The Appalachian Mountains are the oldest mountain chain in North America
- They extend from Newfoundland to Alabama
- The Appalachian Mountains consist of mountains, ridges, and valleys
- The Great Smoky Mountains are a subrange extending from Tennessee to North Carolina
- The Blue Ridge Mountains extend from Georgia to Pennsylvania
- Mt. Mitchell is the highest mountain in the Appalachian range
Sierra Madre
- The Sierra Madre lies along Mexico's Pacific Coast and extends into Central America
- This mountain range features rainforests and vulcanos
- The Sierra Madre is made of fault-block mountains
- The highest point is Mount Whitney at about 4,418 metres
Adirondack Mountains
- The Adirondack Mountains are in northeastern New York
- Mount Marc is the highest point at around 1,629 metres
- The Adirondack Park is the largest state park in the United States
Brooks Range
- The Brooks Range stretches over 1,100 km across northern Alaska
- Mount Chamberlin the highest point at about 2,749 metres
Cascade Range
- The Cascade Range runs 1,100 kilometers along the northwest coast of the United States into Canada
- Mount Rainier is the highest point at about 4,399 m
- Is considered to be part of the Ring of Fire
- Mount Saint Helens is located in and is part of the Cascade Mountain Range and an active volcano
Water Bodies
- North America is bordered by the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic Oceans
- Plenty of seas, gulfs and bays surround North America
- The Caribbean Sea is part of the Atlantic Ocean that surrounds the Caribbean Islands in southeastern North America
Rivers
- Major rivers are found in North America
Missouri River
- The Missouri River is North America's longest at 3,767 kilometers
- The Missouri River is formed by the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin Rivers in Montana
- It flows past Bismarck, North Dakota, and Kansas City
- The Missouri River empties into the Mississippi River
- The Missouri River is regulated by dams, including Fort Peck in Montana and Oahe Dam in South Dakota
Mississippi River
- The Mississippi River is the second-longest in North America
- The Mississippi River begins at Lake Itasca, Minnesota
- It flows 3,734 kilometers into a delta along the Gulf of Mexico
- The Mississippi River forms the world's third-largest drainage basin
- Tributaries include the Illinois, Missouri, Ohio, Arkansas, and Red Rivers
- The Mississippi river flows past Minneapolis, St. Louis, Memphis, and New Orleans
Colorado River
- The Colorado River is significant in the southwestern United States
- The Colorado River forms numerous canyons, including the Grand Canyon in Arizona
- Dams on the Colorado River include the Hoover Dam near Las Vegas (forming Lake Mead) and the Glen Canyon Dam (forming Lake Powell)
St. Lawrence River
- The St. Lawrence River drains the Great Lakes
- It serves as a major waterway of eastern Canada
- The St. Lawrence River is joined by the Ottawa and Saguenay Rivers
- It flows through Montreal and Quebec City
- At its mouth, the St. Lawrence River forms one of the world's largest estuaries in the Gulf of St. Lawrence
Hudson River
- The Hudson River flows for 507 kilometers through eastern New York
- It forms the boundary between Manhattan and New Jersey
- The Hudson River has been historically significant
Mackenzie River
- The Mackenzie River is Canada's longest river
- It flows past Fort Providence and Fort Simpson in Canada's Northwest Territories
- The Mackenzie is the largest river flowing from North America into the Arctic Ocean
Lakes
- North America is home to stunning lakes
- The Great Lakes include Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario
- The Great Lakes hold 21% of the world's fresh water supply
- The Great Lakes is the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world
- The Great Lakes provide an efficient marine transportation system
- The Great Lakes Basin is an integral part of Ontario's ecosystem
Deserts
- There are four deserts in North America (three hot, one cold)
- All of these deserts are in the western part of the country
Great Basin Desert
- The Great Basin Desert is the largest of the four deserts
- The Great Basin Desert is mostly located in USA: Nevada, California, Idaho, Utah, and Oregon
- The Great Basin Desert is very cold
- Most of the precipitation in the Great Basin Desert falls as snow
Chihuahuan Desert
- The Chihuahuan Desert is along the border between Mexico and the United States
- The larger part of the desert is in Mexico
Sonoran Desert
- The Sonoran Desert lies in southern California (USA), Arizona (USA), and Mexico
- The Colorado River and Gila River flow through the Sonoran Desert
Mojave Desert
- The Mojave Desert is located in south-west United States in California, Nevada and Arizona
- Its is situated between the Great Basin Desert and the Sonoran Desert which lie to its north and south respectively
Facts
- North America's coastline is approximately 60,000 km, and the second largest of the continents after Asia.
- The coastline is notable for its many indentations, especially in the northern half
- The Panama Canal traverses 80 km across Panama
- Ships cross from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean via the Panama Canal
- Greenland is the biggest island on the planet
- Mount McKinley in Alaska is the continent's highest point, at 6,190 meters above sea level (20,310 feet)
- Death Valley in California is the lowest point in North America, at 86 meters below sea level
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Description
Test your knowledge of North American geography. This quiz covers topics from mountain ranges and rivers to continental drift and major languages.
