Selina Concise Solutions for ICSE Class 6 Geography Chapter 8 North America Location Area Political and Physical Features

POINTS TO REMEMBER

1. North America has been named after Amerigo Vespucci, an Italian explorer. However, Christopher Columbus is credited with the discovery of this continent.
2. The continent lies in the northern and the western hemispheres surrounded by the Arctic, the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans. The Isthmus of Panama joins North America to South America.
3. The United States of America and Canada occupy three fourths of North America.
4. North America can be divided into four major physical divisions- the Canadian or Laurentian Shield, the Western Mountain System or Western Cordilleras, the Eastern Highlands or Appalachian Mountains and the Central Lowlands or Great Central Plains.
5. The Canadian Shield is composed of some of the oldest known hard rocks of the world. The surface of the Shield consists of many deep depressions formed by scraping and scouring out by moving ice. These depressions have been filled up with meltwater to form many freshwater lakes such as the five Great Lakes.
6. The Western Cordilleras are a series of young fold mountain ranges which have many active and extinct volcanoes, earthquake-prone regions and hot springs. The Cordilleras consist of several parallel ranges such as the Alaska Range and the Brooks Range. The highest point in North America, Mt McKinley, lies here.
7. The Appalachians are lower than the Western Cordilleras. The eastern slopes of these highlands are very steep.
8. The edge of the Piedmont Plateau (located at the foot of the Appalachians or the Eastern Highlands) has many waterfalls along its length. It is referred to as the Fall Line.
9. The Great Central Plains have the largest river system in North America-the Mississippi-Missouri river system.
10. North America has several large rivers such as the Mississippi, Missouri, Mackenzie, Nelson, St Lawrence, Hudson, Yukon, Columbia and Rio Grande.
11. Lumbering is an important activity in the coniferous or taiga forests of Canada, carried out by lumbermen or lumberjacks.
12. Lumbering involves several stages of work such as cutting, skidding and hauling.

IMPORTANT TERMS

• Gorge : A deep narrow valley with near vertical sides. Intermontane plateau: a plateau surrounded by mountains on all sides.
• Lumbering : The cutting down of trees and the processes leading to the manufacture of products like paper, newsprint, synthetic fibres, etc.
• Lumberjacks : Workers engaged in lumbering.
• Meltwater : Water derived from the melting of glacier ice and/or snow.

VALUES AND LIFE SKILLS

Question : All occupations are important. Every job has dignity and deserves our respect. How do you treat the people who work in your home and help you in your daily life?
Answer:
We treat them with respect and dignity.
Every individual who contributes to our daily life plays an essential role in keeping our society running smoothly. Showing kindness and appreciation to helpers at home creates a harmonious environment for everyone.
Teacher's Tip: Treat every person you meet with the same kindness you expect for yourself.
Exam Tip: For value-based questions, always focus on empathy and respect for others to score full marks.

EXERCISES

A. Fill in the blanks
1. A narrow stretch of land that joins North America to South America and separates the Atlantic Ocean from the Pacific Ocean : The Isthmus of Panama.
2. The tropical islands, called the West Indies, are located in this sea : Caribbean Sea.
3. Aphysical division of North America around the Hudson Bay which has the oldest known hard rocks of the world : The Canadian Shield.
4. A river that flows northwards and drains into the Hudson Bay : River Meckenzie and River Nelson.
Answer:
1. The Isthmus of Panama
2. Caribbean Sea
3. The Canadian Shield
4. River Meckenzie and River Nelson
The Isthmus of Panama is a critical geographical link between two giant continents. The Canadian Shield is unique because it contains some of the planet's very first rock formations.
Teacher's Tip: Remember "I-P" for Isthmus of Panama connecting the Americas.
Exam Tip: Ensure correct spelling of proper nouns like "Meckenzie" as it appears in your textbook.

B. Identify who I am.
1. I am a city in North America which is a symbol of unity, history, and democracy : Washington DG.
2. I am an island at the entrance of river Hudson where the famous Statue of Liberty is situated : Liberty Island.
3. I am the city which is world famous for its film industry : Los Angeles.
4. I am the city which has the Ridean Canal : Ottawa
5. I am the city of Canada which was once the world’s leading grain port : Montreal
Answer:
1. Washington DG
2. Liberty Island
3. Los Angeles
4. Ottawa
5. Montreal
These cities are famous for their unique contributions to culture, politics, and trade. Washington is the political heart of the USA, while Los Angeles is known globally for Hollywood entertainment.
Teacher's Tip: Think of Ottawa when you think of canals and Montreal when you think of historical trade ports.
Exam Tip: Be precise with city names; for example, write "Washington DG" exactly as it is in your study material.

C. Give geographical reasons why

Question 1: The $49^{\circ} N$ latitude and the $100^{\circ}W$ longitude are important for North America.
Answer:
The $49^{\circ} N$ latitude marks the boundary between Canada and United States whereas $100^{\circ}W$ longitude passes through the centre of North America. So both are important.
The 49th parallel is one of the world's most famous international borders. The 100th meridian serves as a central reference point for the entire continent's geography.
Teacher's Tip: Visualize $49^{\circ} N$ as the "cap" of the USA separating it from Canada.
Exam Tip: Mention both the border function and the central location in your answer.

Question 2: The Western Cordilleras form part of the ‘Pacific Ring of Fire’.
Answer:
The Western Cordilleras i.e. the western part of North America from Alaska to the Isthmus of Panama consists of young fold mountain ranges which contain very active volcanoes and lie close to the pacific ocean thus forming a part of the ‘ Pacific Ring of Fire’.
Being part of this ring means the region is prone to high tectonic activity such as earthquakes. The mountains are considered "young" because they were formed relatively recently in geological time.
Teacher's Tip: Ring of Fire = Pacific Ocean + Volcanoes + Earthquakes.
Exam Tip: Always include the terms "active volcanoes" and "young fold mountains" for this explanation.

Question 3: The Appalachians appear as low hills today.
Answer:
The Appalachians are old fold mountains and the glaciers and rivers have eroded them over millions of years. So they appear as low hills today.
Over time, natural forces like ice and running water have rounded off the once-sharp peaks. This process proves how powerful natural erosion can be over geological ages.
Teacher's Tip: Think of the Appalachians as "smooth and old" compared to the "sharp and young" Rockies.
Exam Tip: Mention "erosion" and "millions of years" to explain why mountains become low hills.

Question 4: Lumbering is traditionally done in the winter season.
Answer:
In winters the sap in trees is frozen, making it easier to cut and drag the logs on frozen river grounds. The winter air is clean, refreshing and free from perts.
The hard, icy ground acts like a natural sliding surface for moving heavy timber. Additionally, the lack of pests in winter makes it a more comfortable working environment for the lumberjacks.
Teacher's Tip: Winter provides a "frozen slide" for heavy logs, saving energy for the workers.
Exam Tip: Explain the condition of the "sap" to show you understand the biological reason for winter lumbering.

D. Answer the following questions in brief

Question 1: Name the Italian explorer who reached North America in 1507 CE.
Answer:
Amerigo Vespucci.
He was an Italian explorer whose name became the origin of the continent's name, "America". His voyages helped mapmakers realize that the land was a separate continent from Asia.
Teacher's Tip: Amerigo Vespucci = America.
Exam Tip: Ensure you include the full name to show accurate historical knowledge.

Question 2: Name some of the islands that are collectively called the West Indies.
Answer:
The tropical islands of the Caribbean sea are collectively called the West Indies. They include Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Haiti, etc. form West Indies.
These islands are famous for their tropical climate and beautiful geography. They are located between the North and South American continents in the Caribbean Sea.
Teacher's Tip: Think of the West Indies as a "necklace" of islands in the Caribbean Sea.
Exam Tip: List at least three specific islands to provide a complete answer.

Question 3: Why is New York an important city in the USA?
Answer:
Hudson River is the famous Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island.
The city is a global hub for finance, culture, and history, with the Statue of Liberty serving as a worldwide symbol of freedom. Its location on the Hudson River made it a vital port for trade throughout history.
Teacher's Tip: Remember the Hudson River as the waterway that defines New York's layout.
Exam Tip: Mention the Statue of Liberty as it is the most iconic symbol of the city.

Question 4: Where are the Great Lakes situated? Which river drains these lakes into the Atlantic Ocean?
Answer:
The Great Rivers are located in the Canadian or Laurentian shield. The St. Lawrence River connects and drains the Great Lakes.
These five giant freshwater lakes are located between Canada and the United States. The St. Lawrence River acts as a natural exit for their water into the ocean.
Teacher's Tip: St. Lawrence is the "exit gate" for the Great Lakes' water.
Exam Tip: Name the specific river (St. Lawrence) to get full credit for this question.

Question 5: Write about the largest river system of North America.
Answer:
The largest river system of America includes River Mackenzie falling into the Arctic Ocean. St. Lawrence, Hudson connecting all the Great Lakes draining into the North Atlantic Ocean, Yukon, Columbia falling into Pacific Ocean and Mississippi and Missouri rivers falling into Gulf of Mexico.
The Mississippi-Missouri system is the most significant, covering a vast area of the central plains. These rivers are vital for transportation and agricultural irrigation across the continent.
Teacher's Tip: Think of the Mississippi-Missouri as the "main highway" of water in the middle of the continent.
Exam Tip: Mention where each river system drains (e.g., Gulf of Mexico) for a complete geographical answer.

Question 6: Where is the Grand Canyon situated? Why is it so famous?
Answer:
The Grand Canyon of the Colorado River is 2000 m deep and 400 km long and so it is famous for its majesty and beauty.
It is located in Arizona, USA, and was carved out by the river over millions of years. It is a world-famous natural wonder known for its colorful and intricate rock formations.
Teacher's Tip: Remember: Colorado River + 2000 m depth = Grand Canyon.
Exam Tip: Include the depth (2000 m) and length (400 km) to support your answer with facts.

D. Answer the following questions in one or two paragraphs

Question 1: List the four major physical divisions of North America. Describe any one of them briefly.
Answer:
The four major physical divisions of North America are the Canadian or Laurentian shield, the Western Mountain System or Western Cordilleras, the eastern highlands or Appalachians Mountains and the central lowlands or Great Central Plains. The Central lowlands extend from Hindsom Bay in the north to the Gulf of Mexico in the South covering distance of more than 6000 km and about 2000 km in width. They are also called the Great Central Plains. The plains are higher in West and slope northward in Canada. The main rivers which flow in these plains include Mackenzie, Mississippi-Missouri.
The Great Central Plains are highly fertile and serve as the agricultural "breadbasket" of the continent. Their vast, flat terrain makes them perfect for large-scale farming and transportation.
Teacher's Tip: Remember the four divisions as Shield, Cordilleras, Appalachians, and Plains.
Exam Tip: When describing a division, include its boundaries and major river systems.

Question 2: Why is the Canadian Shield region full of lakes? Name any three lakes other than the five Great Lakes.
Answer:
The Canadian Shield is composed of oldest known hard rocks and the surface of land consists of many deep hollows of depression. When Ice Age ended, these depressions were filled by meltwater from glaciers and ice-sheets. Apart from the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg, Great Bear Lake, Great Slave Lake and Lake Athabasca are important lakes present in this region.
The heavy weight of moving ice during the Ice Age scoured out the ground, creating natural bowls. These bowls became lakes when the planet warmed up and the ice turned into water.
Teacher's Tip: Think of the lakes as "puddles" left behind by melting giant ice-sheets.
Exam Tip: Mention "meltwater" and "depressions" to correctly explain the origin of these lakes.

Question 3: What are the various categories of lumberjacks? What kind of work do they do?
Answer:
The various categories of Lumberjacks include the high riggers, sawers or buckers. Skidders and haulers or transporters. The high riggers are people who climb the tall coniferous trees to cut off its branches first and then trunk. The sawers use saw and axes to cut the trunk into lengths measuring 1 to 5 m. The skidders mainly collect the logs and stack them along a frozen river bank, road or railway line. The haulers ensure the transfer of logs down a river till they reach, a sawnill or factory. This include clearing ‘ log-jams’ with long poles or use sticks of dynamites to move logs which cause jams.
Each category of lumberjack has a specific specialized skill required to move wood from the forest to the factory. This organized teamwork is what makes the timber industry in Canada so efficient.
Teacher's Tip: Think of it as a relay race: Riggers start it, Sawers cut it, Skidders stack it, and Haulers move it.
Exam Tip: Define each role (Rigger, Sawer, Skidder, Hauler) separately for a high-scoring answer.

Question 4: Describe how the lives and work of lumberjacks have changed in modern times.
Answer:
Lumberjacks used to have a very hard life in earlier days as their work of falling trees begins early followed by cutting off branches of fallen trees, skidding and hauling. They had to live in camps and start their days quiet early. But now settled communities of forest workers have developed. The forests are more accessible and they use power driven saws, powered cranes and automobiles.
Technology has made the job much faster and safer compared to the old manual methods. Workers no longer need to live in isolated temporary camps, allowing them to have a more stable family life.
Teacher's Tip: Modern lumbering is about "machines and motors" instead of just "axes and muscles."
Exam Tip: Contrast the "camps" of the past with the "settled communities" of today.

E. Read books and encyclopaedias to find more information about Christopher Columbus, Amerigo Vespucci and other great explorers. Record your findings and stick some pictures alongside, if possible. Then share this information with other classmates and have a classroom discussion.
Answer:
Do it yourself.
Exploring the lives of these travelers helps us understand how the world map was slowly pieced together. Discussions with friends can reveal interesting facts about the challenges these explorers faced on the high seas.
Teacher's Tip: Look for maps that show the different routes taken by Columbus and Vespucci.
Exam Tip: Activity based tasks are meant to build curiosity; always keep a small journal of your findings.

F. Picture study
This is a photograph of the Grand Canyon in Arizona.

Question 1: Why do you think this canyon is called ‘Grand’?
Answer:
This Canyon is about 2000 m deep and 400 km long because it is world famous for its majesty and beauty, so it is called the Grand Canyon.
The word "Grand" refers to its immense size and the spectacular view of rock layers representing millions of years of history. Standing at its edge makes everything else look tiny in comparison.
Teacher's Tip: "Grand" means something so big and beautiful that it fills you with wonder.
Exam Tip: Use the specific measurements (2000 m and 400 km) to justify why the name 'Grand' fits.

Question 2: Name the river that has carved out the Grand Canyon.
Answer:
Its carved out of Colorado River.
The river's water acted like a giant knife, cutting through the rock layers for over six million years. This process of erosion is a perfect example of how water shapes the Earth's surface.
Teacher's Tip: Colorado River = Creator of the Grand Canyon.
Exam Tip: Capitalize the name of the river correctly as it is a proper geographical name.