PHY - North America [LESSON]
North America
Beautiful View of Scenic Highway with American Rocky Mountain Landscape in the background. Colorful Summer Sunrise Sky.
Welcome, explorers! Today, we embark on a virtual tour of North America, a continent teeming with diverse landscapes and captivating stories of human settlement. Buckle up for a journey through its physical features, climates, and natural resources that have shaped the lives of its inhabitants.
Guide Point 🧭
Physical Features
A physical and political features map of North America.
Physical Features
Mississippi River System
Aerial of a barge on the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and a map showing the watershed and Mississippi River System.
Our adventure begins with the mighty Mississippi River System, a sprawling network of rivers that crisscrosses the continent. Come along with me as we float down the “Mighty Mississippi” aboard that barge in the photo, navigating the muddy waters near Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This waterway provides fertile lands for agriculture and vital transport routes for people and goods, having a significant impact on settlement patterns along the river, stretching from the headwaters in Minnesota to the mouth of the river near New Orleans, Louisiana. See that map showing the massive size of the Mississippi River System watershed or drainage basin? It takes up approximately half of the size of the continental United States!
Appalachian & Rocky Mountains
The Blue Ridge Mountains Smoky Mountain National Park wide horizon landscape background layered hills and valleys large format panoramic photo.
As we traverse the landscape, the imposing Appalachian and Rocky Mountains come into view. Imagine standing atop the Blue Ridge Mountains (really just the southern portion of the Appalachian Mountain chain), their layered hills and valleys painting a panoramic picture of historical migrations and settlements. The Appalachian Mountains, running from Canada to Alabama, and the Rocky Mountains, stretching from Alaska to New Mexico, are prominent mountain ranges. Both of these natural barriers have influenced historical migration and settlement. For example, the Appalachian Mountains were used as a western boundary for Americans living in the Thirteen Colonies by the British in the Proclamation of 1763 following a conflict between the British and French in the French and Indian War. Additionally, the Rocky Mountains played an important role in making westward movement a significant challenge during the 19th century of American History. As a physical feature, mountain ranges often play the role of a boundary, creating distinct cultures, prohibiting easy travel.
Canadian Shield
As we journey north, The Canadian Shield, a massive geological formation covers much of Canada surrounding Hudson Bay. The Canadian Shield is rich in minerals. It has had a significant influence on settlement patterns due to its important mining activities and the subsequent development of resource-based communities. We just had to visit here, because it is such a unique feature!
North America Map | Practice Activity
Click each feature to see where it is on the map.
Additional Physical Features
Let's not forget the Great Plains, a vast expanse of fertile flatlands contributing to massive agriculture production in the United States and Canada, putting both countries on par with some of the greatest agricultural producers in the world. The Great Lakes, a shared feature of Canada and the United States are the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world, influencing trade and transportation on the lakes and through the St. Lawrence Seaway and Erie Canal to the Atlantic Ocean. I think you will agree, both features truly are “great.”
Guide Point 🧭
Climate
A team of six husky sled dogs running on a snowy wilderness road in the Canadian north under the aurora borealis and moonlight and an ariel photograph of South Beach, Miami Beach. Florida.
As we tour these physical features, we should also note significant changes in climate. Ranging from the Arctic north near the Canadian Shield to the subtropical south near the mouth of the Mississippi River. Imagine running with husky sled dogs racing beneath the aurora borealis in the Canadian north, contrasting with the sun-kissed beaches of Miami, Florida. And all on one continent! Climate, a key player in habitability, has shaped settlement patterns and industries across the continent. Warm southern regions have become havens for agriculture, the colder north has seen a different pattern of settlement, emphasizing industries suited to those conditions. Arid and semi-arid climates in parts of the southwestern United States have caused people to seek out sources of fresh water. The Great Plains extending into the eastern seaboard experience a continental climate with distinct seasonal variations. Coastal areas, especially along the northwest coast of the United States for example, enjoy a milder maritime climate influenced by the Pacific Ocean.
Guide Point 🧭
Natural Resources
Fuel & Energy
As we tour the continent, we notice vast differences in physical features and climate, which in turn, have an important impact on the natural resources available. North America is endowed with abundant oil and natural gas resources, contributing significantly to its economic prosperity. The United States and Canada, in particular, have been key players in the global energy market. The presence of vast oil reserves, notably in regions like Texas, Alaska, and the Canadian Prairies, has propelled the continent to the forefront of global oil production. Similarly, extensive natural gas reservoirs in areas like the Appalachian Basin and Western Canada have played a pivotal role in meeting energy demands.
The development of these resources has been a driving force behind economic development in North America. The oil industry, centered in Texas and Alberta, Canada, has spurred job creation, technological innovation, and infrastructure development. This economic boom has not only enriched the nations but has also influenced global energy markets.
An oil pump jack working in a snow-covered agriculture field along a barbed wire fence on the Canadian prairies in Rocky View County Alberta Canada.
Agriculture
Agricultural resources are widespread, with different regions specializing in various crops. The climatic variability in North America profoundly influences the types of crops that can be cultivated. In the fertile plains of the Midwest, characterized by a continental climate and rich soil, staple crops like corn and soybeans flourish. The warmer and more arid southwestern regions, such as California, are ideal for cultivating fruits like oranges and grapes. The northern regions with shorter growing seasons may prioritize cold-resistant crops, while the southern regions can cultivate a wider variety of crops throughout the year.
Mineral Resources
Lastly, the continent is rich in mineral resources, from iron and copper to coal and gold. North America has an array of mineral resources, contribute significantly to its economic development. The Canadian Shield, a geological marvel, hosts abundant reserves of minerals such as nickel, copper, gold, and diamonds. The Rocky Mountains in the United States are renowned for their deposits of valuable minerals like copper, lead, and zinc. The Appalachian Mountains exhibit coal deposits, playing a pivotal role in the development of the coal mining industry in the eastern United States. Cities like Pittsburgh, for example, were situated near coal and iron deposits, eventually developing into industrial hubs.
An aerial view of a coal mine in West Virginia.
Reflection
As our virtual tour concludes, consider the ways North American settlement patterns have been profoundly influenced by physical characteristics, climate, and available resources. There is a clear dynamic interplay between physical geography and human civilization. This understanding forms the foundation for unraveling the complexities of settlement patterns and resource utilization in the diverse landscape of North America. Engaging with these insights not only enhances our comprehension of geographical features but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the intricate relationship between the environment and the human communities that have shaped this remarkable continent.
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