Canada_Climate_Environment

While Canada is mostly associated with cold weather and snow, in reality, its climate is as diverse as its landscape. Generally, Canadians enjoy four very distinct seasons, particularly in the more populated regions along the US border. Daytime summer temperatures can rise to 35°C and higher, while lows of -25°C are not uncommon in winter. This is why it is considered a popular skiing destination. More moderate temperatures are the norm in spring and fall.
 * //__Climate and Environment- Eliza Barton__//**
 * __Climate__**

Summers can be hot and dry on the prairies, humid in central Canada, and milder on the coasts. During the summer months the southern provinces often experience high levels of humidity and temperatures that can surpass 30 degrees Celsius regularly.Spring is generally pleasant across the country. Autumns are often crisp and cool, but brightened by rich orange and red leaves on trees.

Winters are generally cold with periods of snow, although southern Alberta enjoys the occasional "Chinook", a warm dry wind from the Rocky Mountains that gusts through and melts the snow. Winters are mild and wet on the west coast, in cities such as Vancouver and Victoria.

When the temperature does drop, Canadians stay warm thanks to an infrastructure of heated houses, cars and public transportation systems. Some cities have also installed walkways to and from buildings in schools.

Finally, around the Great Lakes and alongside the St. Lawrence River as far downstream as the city of Québec, the climate is characterized by relatively warm summers and cool winters, moderated by surrounding water bodies. These conditions are suitable to the development of mixed wood and broadleaf forests. Canada's terrain is mostly plains with mountains in the west and lowlands in the southeast. The Canadian environment consists of: //Diverse Ecology// Canada is not only a large country but an ecologically diverse one as well. Canada borders on three oceans, contains vast areas of boreal and temperate forest ecosystems, mountainous ecosystems, arctic ecosystems and prairie grassland ecosystems to name a few. These ecosystems support numerous human activities such as agriculture and forestry upon which the country’s economy heavily depends. While some activities often leave no impact and others help restore ecosystems, generally the integrity of Canada’s ecosystems is threatened from the collective weight of many kinds of human activities originating from both within and beyond the ecosystem borders. The science of ecosystems is relatively young but is gradually improving. Despite this situation, society is attempting to implement various measures to conserve and protect entire ecosystems and their components so they will continue to sustain themselves and provide for future generations. //Forests// Canadian forests play a primary role in the ecology, culture and economy of Canadian country. Several types of forest ecosystems can be found, and these areas combined cover almost half of Canada. Canadian forests shelter a large variety of plants, animals and microorganisms, which depend on forested habitats. Forests also play an essential role in both the carbon cycle and water cycle. The Canadian identity and economy are strongly tied to the forests. Forests are a source of sustenance and a means of livelihood for Canadians and Aboriginal Peoples. They provide raw material for the industry as well, they provide opportunities for commercial activities such as hunting, fishing and tourism.
 * __Environment__**

//Natural Hazards// It is hard to think of a natural hazard that hasn’t occurred in Canada — earthquakes, floods and landslide. A natural hazard is a potentially damaging process or phenomenon that occurs, or has the potential to occur, in nature. A natural hazard, such as the earthquake (seismic) hazard on Vancouver Island, exists even when no earthquake has actually occurred. When an earthquake happens, it is termed an event. Canada has also experienced flooding, bush/forest fires, cyclones and hurricane situations.

//Land// As mentioned Canada has a diverse land structure. It is typical of plains and mountains in the western regions which are home to the famous Rocky Mountains, and this geography extends to the more southern regions. The east is characterized by lowlands and are consequently the more populaed area of Canada. On a whole the country is not bound to one land description but is rather diverse.