NA - Physical Geography Lesson

Physical Geography

The United States and Canada are some of the largest countries in the world. In fact, the United States is ranked second and Canada is ranked third in terms of total landmass. In addition to being large, the two countries share the Great Lakes, two mountain ranges, and ocean borders. The main differences between the geographies of Canada and the United States are due to their climates. As you know, Canada is north of the United States. Since it is north, it is farther from the equator and closer to the Arctic Circle. This means that in general, as a person travels from the south to the north, the temperatures become cooler. The exceptions to this are in places that are high in elevation or are near large bodies of water.

Since natural features such as lakes and rivers often make excellent borders between countries, several of these natural boundaries were used to create the political boundaries between the countries of North America. The Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes separate portions of the United States and Canada. Similarly, the Rio Grande separates a portion of the United States and Mexico.

Complete the activity below.

 

For this module's map activity, use the atlas of your choice to identify the following areas:

• • • • • • • Basin and Plains: Great Basin, Great Plains
            • Continent: North America
            • Countries: Canada, United States of America, Mexico
            • Salt Waters (Bays, Seas, Gulfs): Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Arctic Ocean, Hudson Bay, Great Salt Lake, Gulf of Mexico
            • Lakes: Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, Ontario, Salt Lake
            • Mountain Ranges: Appalachian, Cascades, Rockies, Sierra Nevada
            • Provinces and Territories: Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon Territory, Northwest Territories
            • Rivers: Colorado, Columbia, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Rio Grande, St. Lawrence, Saskatchewan
            • Shield: Canadian Shield

 

RESOURCES IN THIS MODULE ARE OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES (OER) OR CREATED BY GAVS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. SOME IMAGES USED UNDER SUBSCRIPTION.