Physical Regions of Canada Think about a map of Canada. How is Canada divided? Typically, we think about Canada being divided into provinces and territories.

Physical Regions of Canada Canada is also divided into different Physical Regions. These regions are determined by features that are specific to each area like: Climate Landforms Natural resources

Physical Regions of Canada We will be studying 6 different Physical Regions that exist in Canada: The Atlantic Region The St. Lawrence Lowlands The Canadian Shield The Prairie Plains The Cordillera The North

The Atlantic Region The Atlantic Region is also known as “The Appalachian Highlands” What areas make up the Atlantic Region? Nova Scotia New Brunswick Prince Edward Island Newfoundland

The Atlantic Region-Landforms The Atlantic provinces are an extension of the Appalachians, an ancient mountain range. Much of the region has low, rugged hills and plateaus, and a deeply indented coastline.

The Atlantic Region-Landforms Erosion and the movement of glacial ice wore these mountains down until what is left is an area full of rocks, many trees, rich soil, many lakes and coastal inlets.

The Atlantic Region-Climate Climate is an important part of physical geography of the Atlantic region. The ocean has a lot to do with climate in this region as it helps make the temperatures milder or cooler. For example, the ocean can bring in both wind and storms, making bad weather common.

The Atlantic Region-Climate Each province in the Atlantic region has its own weather pattern. Newfoundland is one of the foggiest places in the region while Nova Scotia is the warmest because of the ocean's effect on the weather.

The Atlantic Region-Climate In the Atlantic region, New Brunswick is the farthest province from the ocean and the climate varies within the province. P.E.I. is the only province that is completely surrounded by water. P.E.I.'s weather can change suddenly due to its' location in the region. Climate shapes and creates the landforms through wind and precipitation.

The Atlantic Region-Landforms Water is truly plentiful in this region which includes the Gulf of St. Lawrence, as well, as the Canadian coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

The Atlantic Region Water always means tourism, as well as transportation such as the shipping industry, and hydroelectricity. 

The Atlantic Region-Industry In this area of Canada, water also means the fishing industry. The fishing industry has a rich heritage in the maritime provinces. Canadians have been fishing the Grand Banks since John Cabot's discovery in 1497. Cod, halibut, herring , flounder, mackerel, lobster, scallops, sole, crab, shrimp and mussels are just waiting for you to sample.

The Atlantic Region Unfortunately, since we've been over-fishing these areas since 1497, we've run into some problems of endangered species. The cod fish were nearly wiped out. Many fishermen had to get another job or else move away when they started to lose fish species. This, unfortunately, is an excellent example for all Canadians to observe. Our abundant resources found in the 6 physical regions will not last forever. We must all be careful.

The Atlantic Region- Natural Resources The Rocks of the Appalachian Highlands provide minerals for Canadians to mine. Iron, zinc, and gold are a few of the minerals utilized and mined in the Atlantic Region. Acadian Scotia Mine In Nova Scotia

The Atlantic Region- Natural Resources &Industry The trees of this regions are important to tourism/recreation industry (hiking, camping) etc., as well as, they are used to produce pulp and paper. Most of the pulp eventually becomes our daily newspapers. Pulp Mill in Saint John

The Atlantic Region- Natural Resources &Industry Oil has been discovered under the ocean floor here. The Hibernia oil field has helped boost the sagging economy of Newfoundland and Labrador because many out of work fishermen can go and work on the floating oil derricks found out in the ocean.

The Atlantic Region- Natural Resources &Industry There is also rich fertile soil found in some parts of this regions. The agricultural industry isn't as large here as in other regions in Canada, but livestock dairy, vegetables (PEI - potatoes), fruits ( Nova Scotia - blueberries and apples), and some grains are produced and exported to other parts of Canada, as well as, around the world.

The Atlantic Region The rich historical heritage and the maritime hospitality, traditions and cultures allow for the tourism industry to thrive. Have you read the book or seen the movie of " Anne of Green Gables" by LM Montgomery? Well, the entire setting celebrates the beauty of the Appalachian Highlands. It is worth the read!