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

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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.

5. Oceans
Pacific
Atlantic
Arctic
Gulf of Mexico
Hudson Bay

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

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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

10. Great Plains

11. 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.

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

13. 5.3 “Human Environment Interaction”

14. 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.

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

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

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

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

19. 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

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

23. National Highway SystemUS
4,000,000 miles of roads
Canada
560,000