This lesson uses short regional case studies to show how glaciers, water, and human actions have shaped Canadian landscapes and ecosystems. It links geological processes to hydrology and life-science consequences, highlighting regional examples (Canadian Shield, Great Lakes Lowlands, Prairies, Western Cordillera, Arctic/permafrost).
Case Studies of Canadian Landscapes — How Ice, Water, and Humans Wrote the Map "Canada: a place where glaciers were dramatic, rivers were bossy, and humans politely rearranged the furniture." — Your friendly, slightly theatrical TA Opening: Why case studies, and why now? You already ...
Quick recap (but not the boring kind) Glaciers carved valleys, left behind moraines, drumlins, and the Great Lakes' basins. Water systems (rivers, lakes, wetlands) distribute nutrients and shape habitats — and they respond to the land’s shape. Humans modify drainage, extract resources, and...
Case Study 1: The Canadian Shield — ancient rock stage left What it is The Canadian Shield is bedrock: billions of years old, mostly hard igneous and metamorphic rock, incredible for hiking and terrible for deep roots. Glacial and water role Glaciers stripped soil off the Shield, leaving roc...
Case Study 2: The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Lowlands — freshwater superstar What it is A low-lying, fertile region carved and deepened by ice, later filled by meltwater to form the Great Lakes. The St. Lawrence River connects them to the Atlantic. Glacial + water story Glacial scouring cr...
Case Study 3: The Prairies — where rivers write the story on soil What it is Flat to rolling grasslands underlain by glacial deposits (till and loess). Rich soil = agriculture central. Water + glacial legacy Glacial meltwater created river systems and left layers of fertile silt. Prairie p...
Case Study 4: Western Cordillera (Rocky Mountains) — glacial valleys and alpine life What it is Young, tall mountains shaped by tectonics and glaciers. Glacial impact Classic U-shaped valleys, cirques, and hanging valleys — great evidence of past glaciation. Glacial meltwater feeds rivers ...
Case Study 5: The North — Permafrost, tundra, and the thawing drama What it is Cold landscapes with permafrost, wetlands, and low vegetation. Hydrology + glacial past Permafrost acts like concrete, preventing deep drainage; surface water pools create marshes and unique wetland habitats. Pa...
A compact comparison (table) Landscape Glacial Signature Key Water Feature Main Human Impacts Life Science Concern Canadian Shield Scoured bedrock, many lakes Shallow lakes, lakeshores Mining, logging Aquatic food web sensitivity Great Lakes Lowlands Deep basins Great La...
11 study modes available based on your content