Characteristics of the Mountains
Location:
The Appalachians Mountains, often called the Appalachians are a system of mountains that are located in southern Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland. In this map of Canada's landform regions it is highlighted in pink.
Age:
The mountains away from the Canadian Shield were formed various times in geological history including the Appalachians. In the East, the Appalachian Mountains were formed about 375 million years ago.
Physical features of the landscape:
These mountains were worn down by ice and water to produce a landscape of rolling hills and broad valleys. A typical height for mountains in this chain in about 1000 meters. These mountains were once much taller than they currently are however over the course of the years the process of erosions the mountains height decreased. The average width of this mountain range varies between 100 to 300 miles, while the average height for the mountains in this range is around 3,000 ft.
Climate:
In the higher elevations the climate is quite harsh. However it is warm enough for trees to survive. The climate in the Appalachians varies throughout the year. It can be normally defined as cool and wet for most of the year. This makes the weather in these mountains quite pleasant, and attracts lots of tourists here each year.
Vegetation:
The forest vegetation of the region is mixed coniferous and deciduous trees. There is a greater concentration of coniferous trees in cooler northern locations. Deposits in many of the valleys have led to the development of deep, fertile soils.