Geography of Newfoundland and Labrador (Canada)

Newfoundland and Labrador are one of the best places to see and appreciate nature in all its splendour because it lies near the edge of North America and one of the four corners of the globe. Dramatic coasts, expansive deserts, dense boreal forests, and prehistoric rock formations are all part of this place's natural, raw beauty, which is all around you. Seabirds, moose, caribou, and an abundance of marine life abound in the living landscape, which is in itself a wonder.

Newfoundland and Labrador are home to three national parks, one national park reserve, 18 wilderness and ecological areas, and magnificent botanical gardens.

Physical features

Three of Canada's seven physiographic areas make up Newfoundland and Labrador. The Appalachian and Eastern St. Lawrence Lowlands on the island of Newfoundland, as well as the Canadian Shield in Labrador, make up these three geographical areas.

Each side of Newfoundland is around 500 kilometers (310 miles) long, and the entire island is 108,860 square kilometers (42,030 sq mi) in size. The combined area of Newfoundland and the nearby minor islands is 111,390 square kilometers (43,010 square miles). Between latitudes 46°36'N and 51°38'N, Newfoundland is located. It shares latitudes with both the Russian Kamchatka Peninsula and Great Britain. The drainage divide for the Labrador Peninsula is located along the western portion of Labrador's border with Quebec, which has an uneven shape. Labrador owns the land that is drained by rivers that empty into the Atlantic Ocean; Quebec owns the remaining land. At 60°22'N, the northernmost point of Labrador shares a narrow border with Nunavut on Killiniq Island.

The total size of Labrador is 294,330 square kilometers (113,640 square miles), including nearby minor islands. Newfoundland and Labrador account for 4.06% of Canada's total land area. The Strait of Belle Isle, which is 125 kilometers (78 mi) long and 60 to 15 kilometers (37.3 to 9.3 mi) broad, divides the island of Newfoundland from Labrador. The province consists of the island of Newfoundland, 12 bigger islands, totaling 2,505 square kilometers (967 square miles), and 7,170 smaller islands, totaling 3,598 square kilometers (1,389 square miles).

Coastline

The northern coastline portion of Labrador is rugged, strongly fjorded, and only supports low-lying subarctic vegetation. A coastline that is rocky and desolate and a forested interior make up its southern coast. The core of Labrador is a dissected plateau that is densely wooded. The majority of Labrador's largest communities, such as Happy-Valley Goose Bay and Labrador City, are found there.

The Long-Range Mountains, which have a tabletop shape, dominate Newfoundland's west coast. From the Great Northern Peninsula to the Avalon Peninsula, the northeast coast fronts the Atlantic Ocean with its various bays, islands, and headlands. The southern coast of Newfoundland exhibits the deeply embayed features of a submerged shoreline. The island's interior is often steep and rough. Most of the terrain is covered with shallow bogs and heath plants. The majority of Newfoundland's towns and cities are found around the west and northeast shores of the island, in bays and coves.

Climate

The cold Labrador current, which sweeps along the east coast before swinging to the west along the south coast, significantly modifies the island's marine environment. This significantly lowers the winter temperatures while also keeping the summer cool. As a result, the average temperature of St. John's varies by 36 degrees Fahrenheit from 59 degrees in July to 23 degrees in January. For a marine station, Corner Brook's range of temperatures is high at 44 degrees. All of the island is below freezing in January, and even in the summer, snow still covers some of the highest plateau.

The majority of the island is above or close to 57°F in July, while the area near Corner Brook in the west is the warmest (61°F). From 30 inches in the north-west to 60 inches on the south coast, the rainfall is sufficient. Only the snowfall north of Quebec City can compare to the extremely severe snowfall (over 120 inches) recorded in the island's northeast. The southeast shores frequently see fog.

Vegetation

Despite the fact that there aren't many weather stations, the natural vegetation provides a good indicator of the climate. A little over half of the territory is covered in trees, while much of the higher land in the south and west is made up of "moss barrens" that are useless for pasture or timber. Ash and elm are only found in the warmer south-west valleys, whereas yellow birch and white pine are more prevalent in the west and center. Except for the northeast, where aspen and paper birch are more tolerant of the harsh climate, balsam fir and black spruce are commonplace across the lower lands.

Flora and Fauna

The majority of the province is covered with forests, with the exception of the tundra in northern Labrador, the arid portions of higher elevations, and some coastal areas. Conifers make up the majority of the species, with balsam fir and black spruce being the most prevalent. Conifers are combined with deciduous species including paper and yellow birches and a large range of hardwood shrubs in most of the province, but especially on the island.

The best forest stands can be found in locations with deep, well-drained soils, whereas much of the growth of the forest is stunted in unfavourable areas. Others have been left with barren areas that are home to a wide diversity of small woody plants as a result of frequent fires and subsequent erosion.

The introduction of moose to Newfoundland in the early 20th century led to their current dominance among the island's large wild mammals, outnumbering woodland caribou herds. Caribou outnumber moose in Labrador, which has a broader variety of fauna. Other species include the diverse group of small fur-bearing creatures typical of northern Labrador's coniferous woods and tundra, as well as black and polar bears, Arctic and red foxes, beavers, and lynx. Along the province's coastlines, huge herds of harp and hooded seal’s travel. Whales, which are now protected, are frequently spotted during the summer as they graze and relax in coastal waters.

Numerous seabird species, such as murres, Atlantic puffins, northern gannets, petrels, and eider ducks, have enormous colonies that can be found on the outlying islands and headlands. In addition to keeping huge breeding populations of black ducks and Canada geese as well as lesser populations of other duck species, it is also usual to see a variety of tern and gull species. Wading and migrating shorebirds frequent the coast on a seasonal basis. Upland game birds include ptarmigans, grouse, and snipes, and predatory raptors like osprey and bald eagle are frequently seen.

Conclusion

Beautiful coastlines, boreal forests, and historic rock formations may all be found in Canada's easternmost province, Newfoundland and Labrador. More than half of the region is covered by woods, which support a wide variety of plant and animal species. The province experiences cool summers and snowy winters as a result of the cold Labrador current's significant influence on the climate. With its three national parks and other wilderness areas, Newfoundland and Labrador offer wonderful opportunities for nature lovers to explore and savour the untouched beauty of this unique province.

Newfoundland & Labrador offers a unique opportunity to experience the wonders of nature because of its stunning scenery and abundance of species. The region's varied topography, which includes coastal regions, islands, mountains, and wooded areas, acts as a home for a vast variety of flora and wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Newfoundland and Labrador's two components?

The Strait of Belle Isle divides the province geographically into Labrador and the island of Newfoundland.

How big is Newfoundland's island?

The size of the island of Newfoundland, which ranks as the 14th largest island in the world, is roughly 108,860 square kilometers.

What are Newfoundland and Labrador's primary climatic influences?

The province's marine ecology is greatly influenced by the chilly Labrador current, which causes cool summers and icy winters.

What types of plants are present in the province?

Forests, mostly made up of conifers like balsam fir and black spruce as well as deciduous species like birches, cover more than half of the area.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, what kinds of wildlife can you find?

Numerous species of wildlife, such as moose, caribou, bears, foxes, beavers, and lynx, can be found throughout the province. In the region's coastal areas, seabirds, ducks, geese, and migratory shorebirds are also prevalent.