Regions of Alberta - The Foothills
The foothills region is characterized by forested hills, rolling grasslands and broad river valleys. These "hills" are not yet mountains, as the foothills regions is at the "foot" of the Rocky Mountains. As you have probably guessed, The elevation gets higher the closer you get to the Rocky Mountains. There are many rivers and dams in this regions, including the Brazeau Dam, which controls water flow and produces hydro electricity. Click on the picture above to watch a video of the Brazeau dam during the 2013 floods. Coniferous trees have pines and stay green all year round. They are seen around the upper foothills region.
Examples of coniferous trees found in the Foothills are Lodgepole pine (Alberta's Provincial tree), Spruce and Fir. The lower foothills have short grassy areas, bushes and deciduous trees. Deciduous is the opposite of coniferous, that is, they lose their leaves in Autumn. Examples of deciduous trees found in the Foothills region are Aspen, Birch, Willow and Poplar. Animals in this region, as true all over the world, have adaptations that help them survive in
their environment. These are special features that help them. Woodland caribou have several adaptations, such as long legs for walking in the snow, and wide, curved hooves for digging in the snow to find food. Other animals found in this region include moose, Grizzly bears, coyotes, cougars, Trumpeter swans, and muskrats. The Pacific Ocean and The Rocky Mountains affect the climate of the Foothills region. Warm, moist air moves in from the ocean and rises over the Rocky Mountains. It drops most of the moisture off in British Columbia or on the mountains in the form of rain or snow When this happens in the winter, it is called a chinook, and forms an "arch" in the sky. It is sometimes odd to think about animals as Oil, gas and coal are also found here, as well as Metals, rocks and sand.
natural resources , but that is exactly what you find in the foothills region. Fish, birds and animals are types of natural resources found in this area, and many people will hunt in this region.
There are many mills found in this region, including paper and lumber. Trees can be used to create paper products, as well as furniture and other wooden items. Sources: BlackGold School District Alberta Heritage Alberta Parks |