Canadian Rockies

High school (ages 12+)
Geography

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/canadian-rockies

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the geological formation?Primarily formed by thrust faulting and folding during the Laramide orogeny
2. What is the dominant rock types?Shale and limestone, indicative of ancient marine environments
3. How were the Canadian Rockies formed?They were built during the Laramide orogeny about 80 to 55 million years ago. The Earth's crust was squeezed and folded, pushing older rocks over newer ones.
4. Why do the Canadian Rockies have glaciers?The high peaks stay cold all year, so snow stays on top and turns into glaciers. These glaciers shape the mountains and supply water.

North American Cordillera: An extensive system of mountain ranges stretching from Alaska to Mexico.
Laramide Orogeny: A major mountain-building period in western North America, responsible for the Rockies' formation.
Thrust Faulting: A geological fault where older rocks are pushed over younger rocks due to compressional forces.
Altitudinal Zonation: The change in vegetation and climate with increasing elevation in mountainous regions.