The Major Landform Regions in Canada
'The Great Wall'
By ANdrew
Western Cordillera
The Western Cordillera is located on the western coastal area of Canada. Provinces that are included in the region include British Columbia, Yukon, Alberta, and the Northwest Territories. The Western Cordillera has distinctive features that include valleys, prairies, and grasslands, rugged mountain slopes and coastal islands. Being one of Canada’s youngest landforms, the Western Cordillera was created near the end of the Mesozoic Era, and the beginning of the Cenozoic Era.
When it comes to rock types, the Western Cordillera consists of 3; sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rock. Minerals commonly found in this region consist of gold, silver, zinc, copper, lead and fossil fuels such as coal, gas and oil.
Natural resources include timber, grasslands, and fish. Vegetation found in the higher altitudes include low shrubs such as moss, lichen and grass. On the windward side of the mountain, coniferous trees would be found due to the more severe precipitation that other plants cannot handle and so therefore, on the leeward side, you would find a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees. There is a scarce population due to the rugged terrain, colder temperatures and natural hazards. Other land use may include logging and mining practices. Water features in this region include the Pacific Ocean, the Fraser River, the Columbia River, the Kootenay Lake, the Okanagan Lakes and many more.
Finally, environmental issues in this region include clear-cutting of the timber in the forests. This raises concern because mishandling equipments can cause fires, while fallen logs and branches cause disruption in rivers; harming fish and other aquatic life. Some animals also may live in the trees, while they are being cut down. It destroys not only our vegetation but the beautiful wildlife the Western Cordillera is known for.
When it comes to rock types, the Western Cordillera consists of 3; sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rock. Minerals commonly found in this region consist of gold, silver, zinc, copper, lead and fossil fuels such as coal, gas and oil.
Natural resources include timber, grasslands, and fish. Vegetation found in the higher altitudes include low shrubs such as moss, lichen and grass. On the windward side of the mountain, coniferous trees would be found due to the more severe precipitation that other plants cannot handle and so therefore, on the leeward side, you would find a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees. There is a scarce population due to the rugged terrain, colder temperatures and natural hazards. Other land use may include logging and mining practices. Water features in this region include the Pacific Ocean, the Fraser River, the Columbia River, the Kootenay Lake, the Okanagan Lakes and many more.
Finally, environmental issues in this region include clear-cutting of the timber in the forests. This raises concern because mishandling equipments can cause fires, while fallen logs and branches cause disruption in rivers; harming fish and other aquatic life. Some animals also may live in the trees, while they are being cut down. It destroys not only our vegetation but the beautiful wildlife the Western Cordillera is known for.
If you come to the Western Cordillera, we would recommend to everyone to visit Whistler/Blackcomb ski hill in the winter. Even for non skiers this can be a blast due to the beautiful village at the bottom of the slopes, with little shops and restaurants. For skiers/snowboarders, the mountain is one of the largest ski hills in North America.
Around the area, there are several hotel/rental options to stay. The nearest airport is Vancouver, about a 2 hour drive. If you visit this place, make sure to bring a warm jacket as in the winter, due to the higher elevation, it tend to be cold. For ones skiing/snowboarding, you should remember to bring proper safety equipment such as skis, snowboards, and helmets.
Around the area, there are several hotel/rental options to stay. The nearest airport is Vancouver, about a 2 hour drive. If you visit this place, make sure to bring a warm jacket as in the winter, due to the higher elevation, it tend to be cold. For ones skiing/snowboarding, you should remember to bring proper safety equipment such as skis, snowboards, and helmets.