Chapter 5 “A Land of Contrasts” United States and Canada

Ch. 5.1 “Land and Resources” U.S. and Canada occupy 4/5 of North America Culturally known as Anglo America Large land mass + abundance of resources = high probability of econ. success In total land mass Canada and US are #2 and #3 respectively behind only Russia. Known as Anglo America because both countries were both colonies of Great Britain.

Varied Landforms Eastern Lowlands (Coastal Plain) Appalachian Mtns. (highlands) Interior Lowlands Great Plains Canadian Shield West 1. Rocky Mountains 2. Continental divide 3. Sierra Nevada & Cascades Islands 1. Canadian (Arctic) 2. Aleutian (Alaska) 3. Hawaiian (Pacific) Eastern Lowlands is a coastal plain that runs along Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. Appalachian Mtns are one of two major mtn ranges in US and Canada

Continental Divide: point where rivers flow E and W. Islands of Canada Rocky Mtns. Continental Divide: point where rivers flow E and W. Islands of Canada Rocky Mtns. 2nd major mtn range.

Oceans Pacific Atlantic Arctic Gulf of Mexico Hudson Bay

Waterways The Great Lakes Mississippi River Mackenzie River: Canada’s longest river 1. Mississippi is the continents longest and busiest river

Land and Forests U.S. is the world’s largest food exporter Most Agricultural land is found in plains and river valleys Large forest areas ½ Canada 1/3 U.S.

Minerals and Fossil Fuels Both US and Canada have large supplies of both This allowed both to industrialize rapidly 1. US is the largest consumer of energy resources

5.2 “Climate and Vegetation” U.S. has more climate zones than Canada Colder Climates Arctic Coasts of Alaska and Canada Permafrost – permanently frozen ground Moderate Climates N. Central and N. Eastern U.S. and S. Canada Prevailing Westerlies: NW U.S.- winds that blow from West to East. Wet but mild winters

Great Plains

Differences in Climate and Vegetation Milder Climates Southern States: mild temp + adequate rainfall = long growing season Dry Climates Great Plains and Northern parts of Great Basin, less than 15 in. of rain per year Tropical Climates Hawaii and Southern Florida Everglades: swamp land that covers 4,000 sq. mi.

Effects of Extreme Weather Thunderstorms Tornados Blizzards Cold air from Canada Warm air from Gulf of Mexico

5.3 “Human Environment Interaction”

Settlements Alter Land 1st Settlers Nomads: people who move from place to place Probably came from Asia on land bridge known as Beringia. Most settled near coastline, rivers and streams.

Agriculture Alters Land Settlements become permanent after agriculture becomes primary source of food. Both countries are leading exporters of agriculture

Building Cities Montreal Canada’s 2nd largest city Major Port Below 32° 100 days out of year As consequence many retail centers underground

Los Angeles US 2nd largest city Rapid population leads to problems Smog Inadequate H²O supplies

Overcoming Distance Land bridges Europeans settled on E. coast and cut paths (Oregon trail) to west.

Waterways Erie Canal- Atlantic Ocean to Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway N. Americas most important deepwater ship route Uses locks to move ships up & down 600 feet

Transcontinental Railroad Trains make crossing continent easier 1st trans continental RR completed in 1869 Many natural barriers, canyons, rivers, mountains, had to be overcome

National Highway System US 4,000,000 miles of roads Canada 560,000