Physiography is the examination of physical geography, specifically the landforms which characterize an area. A physiographic region includes features of geological structure, relief features, distribution of permafrost, and tree-line position.
Arctic The Arctic region is located above the tree-line, with the Arctic and Sub-Arctic encompassing 26% of Canada’s landmass (2.6 million square kilometers). Glaciation covers the majority of the north and has greatly influenced the current environment of lowlands. The geological makeup of the area contains metamorphic, igneous, and sedimentary rock, often exposed due to the low amount of soil present. The Arctic maintains a constant permafrost, while the Sub-Arctic experiences some melt during the summer in the southern regions. The Arctic region has a tundra and polar desert climate.
Cordillera The Cordillera is a mountain region located on the west coast of Canada, covering British Columbia and the Yukon, and parts of Alberta and the North West Territories. The physical features include many plateaus, valleys, plains, and mountain ranges formed from the converging of ocean and continental tectonic plates. The oldest feature of the Cordillera are the interior planes formed through the retreat of glaciers at the end of the last ice age. Many climate systems are found in the Cordillera due to the dramatic changes in altitude, proximity to the Pacific Ocean, and latitude. Similarily, the tree-line of the Cordillera depends on altitude and geographical position.
Interior Plains Located between the Canadian Shield and the western Cordillera, the Interior plains encompass Alberta, Saskatchewan, and parts of Manitoba. With 18% of Canada's land mass, the plains are a divided into three 'steps'; the Manitoba Escarpment, the Saskatchewan Plain, and the Missouri Conteau. The climate of this area experiences warm, dry summers with cold, dry winters.
Canadian Shield Encompassing 48% of Canada's land mass, the Canadian Shield extends from northwest Quebec, into Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and into Nunavut. Glacial scouring is a moajor feature of the region. Uplands and plateaus are inturrpted by belts of hills and lakes. The crystalline, Precambrian rocks are the oldest rocks found in Canada, displaying the age of the continental plate.
St. Lawrence Lowlands Composing of only 1.8% of Canada's land, the St. Lawrence Lowlands also contain a large portion of Canada's population. Located below the Canadian Shield and west of the Appalachian Region, the lake and marine history of the area provide fertile soil. Hot, humid summers with cold, dry winters create a wide climate range for this region.
Appalachian Region Although it is Canada's Atlantic coast, composed of Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, the Appalachian region is only 3.6% of Canada's landmass. Its geography is a mix of uplands and lowlands, caused by tectonic uplifting 480-280 million years ago that was then scared by glacial retreat. The uplifting also cause terraces to form on the coast , creating a rocky coastline.
There is a lot more of specific information that is included in the physiographic regions of Canada. A useful tool for teachers to give their students to compile the content is graphic organizers. Below is an example of a graphic organizer that includes the different features which should be addressed when studying the regions of Canada.