By Brianna Collins | Updated Aug 30, 2022
The Appalachian range is the longest mountain system in North America, extending roughly 2,000 miles from Newfoundland, Canada, to Alabama, USA. This ancient chain includes renowned sub‑ranges such as the Catskills, the Great Smoky Mountains, and the Cumberland Plateau. The iconic Appalachian Trail winds along the crest, drawing hikers from around the world.
Stretching across the western United States, the Rockies also touch the southern edge of Alaska. Known for dramatic peaks, dense pine forests, and large wildlife populations, the range offers some of the continent’s most breathtaking vistas.
Between the Appalachians and the Rockies lies the Great Plains, a vast expanse of flat prairie that crosses the U.S. Midwest and parts of Canada. Characterized by wide-open horizons, sparse tree cover, and abundant grasses, the region supports extensive grazing livestock and is a frequent site of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes.
Often called the Borderlands, the Interior Plains occupy much of eastern North America, including a significant portion of Canada. This region displays a climatic gradient: southern zones are dry prairies, central areas are temperate forests, and the northern reaches transition into arctic tundra.
Covering roughly half of Canada, the Canadian Shield is one of Earth’s oldest geological formations. Dominated by exposed granite and gneiss bedrock, it features a thin layer of soil and thousands of lakes. The Shield’s ancient rocks, some dating back 4 billion years, are studied by geologists worldwide to understand the planet’s early history.
Sources: US Geological Survey, National Park Service
