1. The United States Canada Physical Notes

2. PHYSICAL CHARACTERITICS Both countries share many of the same landforms. Craggy mountains in the west Low rounded mnts. In the east Golden, rolling plains in the Center.

3. Rocky Mountains Cordillera: related set of separate mountain ranges from northern Alaska to Mexico * Continental divide: boundary that separates rivers flowing toward opposite sides of the continent. Orographic Precipitation

4. CENTRAL PLAINS Great Plains: slope eastward from the Rockies to the Central Plains Prairie: a temperate grassland characterized by a great variety of grasses America’s Bread basket In Canada = Interior Plains: Eastern part of the interior plains is vast area of bedrock (solid rock covered with soil, gravel, and sand)

5. Low Eastern Mountains and Coastal Plains Appalachian Mountains: from New Brunswick, Canada to Alabama & Georgia, USA. Coastal plains in SE U.S. provide good soil for growing crops. Northeastern Coast: soil not as good. Grey dirt = less nutrients.

6. Rivers and Water ways Mississippi River in St. Paul Minnesota Mississippi River is a major water way for trade within the U.S. Often time has been inspiration for Mark Twain. U.S. has many ports with availability to the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean. Canada has access to both oceans, but in limited areas due to the climate at certain elevations.