Produce a module summary on Interior Plains region. The summary should highlight the major processes and landforms found in each region, and can be used as a review tool for the final exam. Summaries

Page%|%1%%%MODULE'3:'INTERIOR'PLAINS'UNIT'3:'SOILS,'FLORA'AND'FAUNA'Slide%1:%Welcome%to%the%third%unit%in%the%module%on%the%Interior%Plains%physiographic%region.%%In%this%module%we%will%be%examining%the%soils,%flora%and%fauna%found%in%this%region,%and%how%these%three%characteristics%are%related%to%the%climate%and%topography.%%As%we%work%through%this%unit,%I%would%like%you%to%remember%that%all%of%these%factors%are%interrelated,%and%they%may%not%be%completely%unique%to%the%interior%Plains%physiographic%region%in%Canada.%%Let’s%start%discussing%the%soils,%flora%and%fauna%of%this%physiographic%region.%%Slide%2:%In%the%Western%Cordillera%module,%we%introduced%the%concept%of%ecozones,%and%discussed%the%4%main%ecozones%located%in%that%region.%%We%are%going%to%use%the%same%basic%structure%and%use%the%generalized%ecological%units%to%define%the%soils,%flora%and%fauna%within%this%physiographic%region.%%The%Interior%Plains%region%can%be%divided%into%three%different%ecozones:%the%Prairies,%Boreal%Plains%and%Taiga%Plains%ecozones.%%%%Slide%3:%The%Prairie%ecozone%is%located%in%the%southern%portion%of%the%Interior%Plains%region%–%as%shown%on%the%figure%on%this%slide%(the%arrow%points%to%the%location%of%this%ecozone).%%It%covers%the%southern%areas%of%Alberta,%Saskatchewan%and%Manitoba.%%This%ecozone,%because%of%its%productive%soils%and%agricultural%ability%(as%discussed%in%the%final%unit%of%this%module)%is%known%as%the%breadbasket%of%Canada.%%It%is%over%520,000%square%kilometres%in%area%and%is%highly%influenced%by%human%activity.%%%%%% Page%|%2%%%Slide%4:%The%topography%of%this%ecozones%consists%of%lowSlying%valleys%with%flat%to%rolling%plains.%%These%plains%typically%slope%eastward.%%During%periods%of%high%precipitation,%temporary%wetlands%can%form%in%the%valleys.%%The%wetlands%can%provide%a%critical%habitat%for%a%significant%percentage%of%North%America’s%waterfowl.%%%This%ecozone%has%been%significantly%impacted%by%glaciation.%%Previous%glacial%advances%have%flattened%the%topography%and%have%left%behind%deposits%from%the%inland%seas.%%These%deposits%have%created%the%fertile%plains%located%in%this%region,%for%instance%the%heavy%clay%soils%found%in%southern%Manitoba%were%deposited%from%Lake%Agassiz.%%%Below%these%sediments%and%surface%landforms%discussed%in%the%previous%unit%are%horizontal%layers%of%sedimentary%bedrock.%%These%sediments%were%deposited%during%the%Cretaceous%and%Tertiary%periods%–%between%145%and%2%million%years%ago.%%Within%these%horizontal%layers%can%be%found%significant%deposits%of%fossil%fuels%(such%as%oil%and%gas%reserves)%as%well%as%fossils%(for%more%information%see%description%of%Dinosaur%Provincial%Park%in%the%Supplementary%information).%%%%Slide%5:%The%most%common%type%of%soil%found%in%this%ecozones%is%a%chernozemic%soil,%as%shown%on%the%map%of%soil%types%in%Canada%found%on%this%slide.%%This%soil%is%a%blackScoloured%soil%containing%high%percentages%of%humus%or%organic%matter%(ranging%from%7%%to%15%),%as%well%as%phosphorus%and%ammonia%in%the%upper%horizons.%%The%organic%matter%and%minerals%found%in%this%soil%type%is%a%result%of%the%roots%of%grasses%and%the%limited%decomposition%of%organic%matter%due%to%dry%soil%conditions.%(This%ecozones%typically%experiences%a%water%deficit%in%the%growing%season.)%%The%slow%decomposition%of%organic%material%is%also%a%result%of%the%soil%freezing%during%the%winter%due%to%cold%temperatures.%%The%soil%also%has%a%typical%granular%structure%(similar%composition%to%sugar).%%This%structure%favors%the%movement%of%air%and%water%in%the%soil.%%These%properties%make%this%soil%type%very%fertile%and%can%produce%a%very%high%agricultural%yield.%%Therefore%this%ecozones%is%ideal%for%agriculture%and%over%90%%of%the%land%is%farmland.%%Below%the%surface%horizon%rich%in%organic%matter%can%be%found%a%B%horizon%that%has%undergone%minor%alterations%due%to%chemical%weathering.%%%Some%of%the%ecozones%is%underlaid%by%solonetzic%soils.%%As%with%chernozemic%soils,%this%soil%type%is%formed%by%parent%material%that%is%derived%from%the%glacial%reworking%of%sedimentary%rocks.%%The%main%difference%between%the%two%soils%types%is%the%ratio%of%calcium%to%sodium%ions.%%Solonetzic%soils%have%a%lower%ratio,%compared%to%chernozemic%soils,%which%may%be%due%to%differences%in%the%parent%material%itself%or%due%to%deposition%of%sodium%from%the%groundwater.%%The%higher%sodium%results%in%a%lower%amount%of%clay%particles%within%the%soil%and%changes%the%structure%of%the%soil%itself.%%Overtime,%solonetzic%soils%can%be%susceptible%to%erosion%of%the%upper%layers%and%difficult%to%till,%resulting%in%a%significant%reduction%in%root%development.%%%% Page%|%3%%%Slide%6:%As%with%all%ecozones,%the%soil,%topography%and%climate%influences%the%type%of%vegetation%found%in%the%Prairie%ecozone.%%In%the%eastern%section%of%the%ecozone,%trees%and%shrubs%are%commonly%found.%%These%include%trembling%aspen,%white%spruce,%black%spruce,%tamarak,%balsam%poplar%and%various%species%of%willow,%cottonwood%and%birch.%%Species%of%shrubs%include%chokecherry,%prickly%bear,%buckbrush,%silverberry%and%dryland%sedge.%%Grasses%are%also%common%including%spear%grass,%wheat,%yellow%bean%and%June%grass.%%%The%TallSGrass%Prairie%region%is%located%in%Manitoba.%%The%natural%vegetation%in%this%region%consists%of%spear%grass,%wheat%grass%and%blue%grama%grass,%along%with%sagebush.%%In%the%drier%areas%in%the%southwest,%yellow%prickly%pear%cactus%are%common.%%The%TallSGrass%Prairie%region%has%been%almost%entirely%cultivated%and%with%more%than%90%%of%the%area%converted%to%crops%or%grazing%and%haying,%contributing%to%a%significant%loss%in%natural%vegetation.%In%the%driest%southerly%regions,%ShortSGrass%Prairie%dominates.%%Due%to%windy%and%dry%conditions,%as%well%as%extreme%temperatures,%the%common%plants%in%this%area%include%the%prickly%pear%cactus,%blue%grama%grass,%buffalo%grass%and%sagewort.%%%%%Slide%7:%This%limited%flora%supports%a%different%faunal%composition,%compared%to%the%other%ecozones.%%The%only%large%carnivore%that%exists%in%the%Prairies%is%the%black%bear.%%A%number%of%large%herbivores%(including%species%of%deer,%elk%and%moose)%as%well%as%small%carnivores%(such%as%the%coyote,%red%fox,%ferret%and%skunk)%and%herbivores%(such%as%the%whiteStailed%jack%rabbit,%ground%squirrel,%chipmunk%and%northern%pocket%gopher)%exist%in%this%ecozones.%%%A%number%of%types%of%birds%can%be%found%in%the%Prairie%ecozone.%%Birds%of%prey%include%species%of%hawk,%owls%and%the%turkey%vulture.%%Songbirds%include%the%blackSbilled%magpie,%species%of%sparrows,%lark%bunting%and%blackSbilled%cuckoo.%%Due%to%the%presence%of%the%forest%in%the%eastern%part,%various%species%of%grouse%(including%the%ruffed,%sharpStailed%and%sage%grouse)%and%woodpeckers%(such%as%the%downy%and%redSheaded%woodpecker)%can%be%found%in%the%ecozones.%%As%previously%mentioned,%wetlands%and%home%to%a%number%of%waterfowl%in%the%ecozone,%such%as%the%great%blue%heron,%snow%goose,%Canada%goose,%mallard,%ringSnecked%duck%and%piping%plover.%%%The%ecozones%has%several%species%of%snakes%(the%plains%garter%snake,%gopher%snake%and%western%rattle%snake)%and%lizards%(including%the%shortShorned%lizard%and%prairie%skink).%%Frogs%(including%the%northern%leopard%frog%and%the%striped%chorus%frog)%and%the%tiger%salamander%can%also%be%found%in%this%ecozones.%Various%species%of%grasshoppers%(migratory%and%pallidSwinged%grasshopper),%butterflies%(monarch%butterfly,%mourning%clock)%and%the%German%cockroach%have%adapted%to%conditions%within%this%ecozones.%Finally%a%number%of%predatory%fish%are%found%in%the%numerous%lakes%that%are%located%in%this%ecozones.%%These%fish%include%the%northern%pike,%carp%and%sauger.%%The%prey%of%these%fish%includes%the%lake%whitefish,%goldeye,%emerald%shiner%and%yellow%perch.%% Page%|%4%%%Slide%8:%The%second%ecozone%found%in%the%Interior%Plains%physiographic%region%is%the%Boreal%Plains.%%This%ecozone%is%located%north%of%the%Prairie%ecozone.%%%It%covers%large%sections%of%central%Alberta,%Saskatchewan%and%Manitoba%and%covers%an%area%of%approximately%650,000%square%kilometers.%%%%%Slide%9:%The%topography%of%the%Boreal%Plains%ecozone%consists%of%lowSlying%valleys%and%plains%that%are%covered%by%thick%soil%deposits.%%As%with%the%previously%discussed%ecozone,%glaciation%has%had%a%major%role%in%shaping%the%topography%of%this%ecozone.%%Large%continental%scale%glaciers%have%flattened%the%topography%and%deposited%significant%glacial%material.%%This%has%resulted%in%undulating%and%level%to%gently%rolling%plains,%with%small%lakes,%extensive%deltas%and%dunes.%%%Underlying%these%deposits%lies%Cretaceous%shale%bedrock%formed%between%145%and%66%million%years%ago.%%It%is%believe%that%this%ecozone%is%the%next%untapped%resource%frontier%with%potentially%significant%oil%and%gas%reserves,%as%well%as%mineral%deposits.%%Slide%10:%As%the%map%on%this%slide%suggests,%most%of%the%Boreal%Plains%ecozone%has%luvisolic%soils.%%This%soil%type%is%typically%found%in%the%forested%areas%of%Canada%(in%which%this%ecozone%is%one%of%such%areas).%%The%glacial%action%on%the%sedimentary%rocks%and%the%deposition%of%the%material%after%the%retreat%of%the%glaciers%has%resulted%in%a%loamy%till%or%clayey%lacustrine%deposit.%%There%is%significant%eluviation%(leaching)%and%illuviation%(deposition)%of%clay%content%within%the%soil%profile.%%The%eluviation%layer%typically%has%a%platy%structure%that%facilitates%the%transfer%of%water%and%clay%material%to%lower%horizons%or%layers.%%This%type%of%soil%is%therefore%not%as%fertile%as%the%chernozemic%soils%that%dominate%the%Prairie%ecozone.%%This%will%influence%the%type%of%flora%and%fauna%present%in%the%ecozone.%Organic%and%brunisolic%soils%can%also%be%found%in%this%ecozone,%however%in%a%much%lower%percentage.%%Organic%soils%are%dominant%in%the%wetlands%found%within%this%ecozone.%%With%the%accumulation%of%water%at%and%above%the%surface,%the%soils%become%anaerobic%and%decomposition%of%organic%material%slows%down.%%The%thickness%of%the%organic%layer%will%increase%over%time.%%Brunisolic%soils%were%also%found%in%the%previous%physiographic%region%and%are%considered%immature%forest%soils.%%They%are%typically%found%in%regions%where%annual%precipitation%is%less%than%700%mm,%resulting%in%slower%development%of%mature%forest%soils%(such%as%podzolic%soils).%%The%parent%material%is%typically%igneous%rock.%%%% Page%|%5%%%Slide%11:%Most%of%the%flora%in%this%ecozone%is%dominated%by%timber.%%More%than%80%%of%the%area%is%covered%with%forests.%%Coniferous%species%are%more%prevalent%in%the%north,%including%white%and%black%spruce,%balsam%fir,%jack%pine%and%tamarack.%%In%the%southern%part%of%this%ecozone,%deciduous%species%such%as%balsam%poplar,%trembling%aspen,%Bebb%willow,%pussy%willow,%Manitoba%maple,%and%water%and%white%birch%are%common.%%Other%plant%species%found%in%the%ecozone%includes%the%Saskatoon%berry%bush.%%Forest%fires%exert%a%significant%influence%on%the%forest.%%In%a%typical%year,%more%than%one%million%hectares%burn%within%this%ecozone.%%This%major%disturbance%will%determine%the%distribution%of%species%and%growth%rates.%%For%instance,%tamarack%species%will%quickly%invade%an%area%that%has%recently%undergone%a%forest%fire.%%Pests%and%disease%have%also%affected%the%forests.%%For%instance,%an%outbreak%of%spruce%budworm%has%killed%extensive%tracts%of%spruce%and%fir%forests.%%%%Slide%12:%Both%large%and%small%carnivores%and%herbivores%can%be%found%in%the%Boreal%Forest%ecozone.%%The%large%carnivores%present%include%the%black%bear,%wolf%and%lynx,%while%the%coyote,%river%otter,%badger,%striped%skunk%and%muskrat%are%common%smaller%carnivores%found%in%this%ecozone.%The%mule%deer,%whiteStailed%deer,%moose,%caribou%and%bison%are%the%most%common%large%herbivores,%while%the%beaver,%woodchuck,%porcupine%and%various%species%of%squirrel%are%common%small%herbivores.%%Characteristic%birds%of%prey%found%in%this%ecozone%include%species%of%owl%(boreal,%great%horned,%and%shortSeared%owl),%hawks%(redStailed%and%broadSwinged%hawk)%and%turkey%vulture.%%Some%of%the%songbirds%are%the%blue%jay,%roseSbreasted%grosbeak,%rubySthroated%hummingbird,%purple%finch%and%common%crow.%%Other%birds%of%the%forest%include%the%downy%woodpecker,%ruffed%grouse,%spruce%grouse%and%northern%flicker.%%Waterfowl%include%the%sandhill%crane,%common%loon,%American%white%pelican,%wood%duck,%mallard,%Canada%goose,%and%whooping%cranes.%%%A%number%of%reptiles%and%amphibians%are%located%in%this%ecozone,%including%the%wood%frog,%American%toad%and%common%garter.%Predatory%fish%species%include%the%lake%sturgeon,%brown%and%lake%trout,%northern%pike%and%walleye.%%The%prey%species%include%lake%herring,%lake%whitefish,%goldeye%and%yellow%perch,%to%name%a%few.%%%Some%of%the%insect%species%include%the%boreal%spittlebug,%spring%azure,%monarch%butterfly%and%American%cockroach.%%%%%% Page%|%6%%%Slide%13:%The%third%ecozone%found%in%the%Interior%Plains%physiographic%region%is%the%Taiga%Plains.%%This%ecozone%is%centered%around%the%Mackenzie%River%drainage%basin%in%the%western%Northwest%Territories%–%as%shown%on%the%map%on%this%slide.%%It%is%bordered%by%the%mountains%of%the%Taiga%Cordillera%to%the%west,%the%Southern%Arctic%ecozone%to%the%east,%and%the%Boreal%Plains%to%the%south.%%It%is%approximately%550,000%square%kilometers%making%it%Canada’s%sixth%largest%ecozone.%%Over%the%past%300%years,%the%area%has%played%a%major%role%in%the%northern%fur%trade,%and%the%development%of%oil%and%gas%reserves.%%Slide%14:%The%topography%of%the%Taiga%Plains%ecozone%is%similar%to%that%of%the%other%two%ecozones%in%the%physiographic%region%–%dominated%by%lowSlying%or%slightly%rolling%hills.%%This%region%is%the%northern%extension%of%the%flat%interior%plains%that%dominate%the%Prairie%Provinces.%Large%river%valleys%occasionally%interrupt%the%subdued%relief,%which%can%be%hundreds%of%metres%deep.%%Also%found%are%remnants%of%glacial%activity%that%add%some%relief%to%the%surface.%%As%with%the%previous%two%ecozones,%several%glacial%advances%have%occurred%over%the%ecozone,%resulting%in%deposits%of%glacial%till%and%glaciofluvial%features.%%%Underlying%the%surface%features%are%horizontal%beds%of%sedimentary%rocks%composed%of%limestone,%shale,%sandstone%and%conglomerates.%%Fossils%of%marine%creatures,%as%well%as%rich%natural%reservoirs%of%oil%and%gas%can%be%found%within%and%between%the%sedimentary%layers.%The%two%“great”%lakes%of%the%Northwest%Territories%are%found%within%the%Taiga%Plains%ecozone.%%%Glaciers%along%the%western%margin%of%the%Canadian%Shield%carved%Great%Slave%and%Great%Bear%lakes.%%Numerous%smaller%lakes%can%be%found%along%the%floodplain%of%the%rivers%that%flow%in%this%region.%%%Large%wetlands%and%muskeg%dominate%the%lowest%areas%within%this%ecozone.%%%%Slide%15:%Due%to%its%northern%location%and%colder%temperatures,%cryosolic%soils%dominate%the%northern%portion%of%this%ecozone%–%as%indicated%on%the%map%found%on%this%slide.%%The%cold%soil%temperatures%(mean%annual%temperature%is%at%or%below%0%degrees%Celsius)%results%in%permafrost%(or%permanently%frozen)%soil%conditions.%%The%presence%of%permafrost%detracts%from%the%soils%productivity%by%chilling%it%and%creating%waterlogged%conditions%in%the%upper%active%layer.%%In%addition,%the%continual%freezeSthaw%cycles%within%a%given%year%results%in%cryoturbation.%%This%will%result%in%slower%soil%forming%processes,%as%well%as%features%such%as%cracking%at%the%surface%and%the%formation%of%ice%wedges.%%In%the%southern%areas%of%this%ecozone%(where%it%shares%a%boundary%with%the%boreal%plains%ecozone),%brunisolic%soils%are%found.%%These%soils%share%similar%characteristics%to%those%described%in%the%Boreal%Plains%ecozone%a%few%slides%ago.%%%%%%% Page%|%7%%%Slide%16:%The%flora%in%the%Taiga%Plains%ecozone%is%relatively%simple,%and%have%adapted%to%the%poor%soil%conditions%and%harsh%subarctic%climate.%%Low%shrubs%are%common%and%abundant%throughout%the%ecozone.%%These%shrubs%include%species%of%heathers%(such%as%Labrador%Tea%and%Leatherleaf),%as%well%as%a%wide%array%of%berry%producing%species%(including%currents%and%blueberries).%%Lichens%and%mosses%dominate%the%ground%cover.%%Sedges%and%mosses%can%be%found%in%the%wetlands%Trees%present%in%the%ecozone%include%black%spruce,%white%spruce,%jack%pine,%tamarack,%trembling%aspen%and%balsam%poplar%–%species%common%in%the%other%ecozones%within%the%Interior%Plains.%%The%density,%as%well%as%properties%such%as%height,%will%be%significantly%lower%in%this%ecozone%however%due%to%the%cold%temperatures%and%poor%soil%conditions.%%White%spruce%and%balsam%poplar%are%typically%larger%in%areas%with%nutrient%rich%soils,%such%as%in%the%alluvial%flats%bordering%the%rivers.%%Fires%are%fairly%common%and%many%tree%species%have%adapted%to%it.%%This%disturbance%has%resulted%in%a%patchwork%of%forest%types,%where%each%species%is%at%a%different%stage%of%recovery%from%the%fire.%%This%increases%the%diversity%of%habitats%that%is%available%for%wildlife.%%%%Slide%17:%The%only%large%carnivores%found%in%the%Taiga%Plains%ecozone%are%the%black%bear,%lynx%and%wolf.%%Smaller%carnivores%include%the%red%fox%and%marten.%%Large%herbivores%include%woodland%caribou,%wood%bison,%moose%and%barrenSground%caribou.%%The%southern%portion%of%this%ecozone%is%home%to%the%world’s%largest%wood%bison%herd.%%BarrenSground%caribou%overwinter%in%the%northwest%corner%of%this%ecozone,%while%the%woodland%caribou%are%found%throughout%the%area%during%all%seasons.%%The%snowshoe%hare,%red%squirrel%and%arctic%ground%squirrel%are%some%of%the%smaller%herbivores%found%in%this%ecozone.%Some%of%the%most%common%birds%of%prey%include%the%bald%eagle,%peregrine%falcon%and%hawk%owl.%%Some%groundSdwelling%birds%are%the%sharpStailed%grouse%and%willow%ptarmigan.%%The%common%birds%of%the%forest%that%make%this%ecozone%their%home%include%the%raven,%gray%jay,%boreal%chickadee%and%common%raven.%%Waterfowl%typically%migrate%to%the%Taiga%Plains%ecozone%in%the%spring%and%summer%seasons.%%These%birds%include%the%redSthroated%loon,%ringSnecked%duck%and%canvasback.%%Hundreds%of%thousands%of%ducks,%geese%and%swans%use%the%region’s%many%lakes%and%wetlands%as%staging%or%nesting%areas.%%The%Mackenzie%Valley%forms%one%of%North%America’s%migratory%corridor%for%waterfowl%breeding.%%%Due%to%its%northern%location,%reptiles%are%not%found%in%this%ecozone.%%The%only%amphibians%found%include%the%western%toad,%striped%chorus%frog%and%wood%frog.%Fish%are%found%in%the%many%cold%and%nutrientSpoor%lakes%and%rivers%within%this%ecozone.%%Species%include%the%arctic%lamprey,%lake%trout,%lake%whitefish,%longnose%sucker%and%northern%pike.%%%%% Page%|%8%%%Slide%18:%This%concludes%the%unit%on%soils,%flora%and%fauna%for%the%Interior%Plains%region.%%You%should%again%contemplate%the%similarities%and%differences%in%the%soil,%flora%and%fauna%in%the%ecozones%within%this%region,%as%well%as%compared%to%the%Western%Cordillera%physiographic%region.%%%You%should%review%the%supplementary%information%that%corresponds%to%this%unit%and%read%the%readings%listed.%%In%the%next%section%we%will%discuss%the%human%aspects%related%to%the%natural%environment%of%this%physiographic%region,%by%exploring%the%natural%resources%and%national%parks.%%