SES4U
Grade 12 Earth & Space - University
Unit: Earth History
Geological History of Southern Ontario - An Introduction
PART A: Open the “reader app” and then open M2544-SouthernSheet.pdf
There are several coloured themes/patterns that are immediately evident when looking at the
whole of southern Ontario. Complete the chart below:
Zone
Example
Cities
A
Windsor,
London,
Woodstock
B
Niagara Falls,
Kitchener,
Bruce
Peninsula,
Manitoulin
Island
C
Mississauga,
Toronto,
Orillia,
Belleville,
Ottawa
D
Muskoka
North Bay
Time of rock
formation (list
time period)
Example
minerals (ask
Mr. Scott if
you need
help)
Rock type
(igneous,
sedimentary,
or
metamorphic
(ask Mr. Scott
if you need
help).
Order from
younger to
older
Analysis:
1) The artist Sarah Harmer sang in the song “Escarpment Blues” she wrote that:
“If they blow a hole in the backbone
The one that runs cross the muscles of the land
We might get a load of stone for the road
But I don't know how much longer we can stand”
Why could it be argued that backbone of Southern Ontario is the Niagara Escarpment?
SES4U
Grade 12 Earth & Space - University
Unit: Earth History
2) How is limestone formed? What does this indicate about the conditions of much of southern
Ontario at the time that these layers of rock were formed?
PART B: Now go to “M5504.pdf” This is a zoomed in view of the Muskoka region.
Define:
a) glaciofluvial (landform):
b) glaciolacustrine (landform):
c) morainal (landform):
1) There is a green area directly north of the town of Hunstville ( tsMG/R ) explain what this
Lu-D
code means.
2) Locate the Big East River, it is a blue colour. What does this mean that this area once was?
3) There are 9 mines located in the blue feature that surrounds much of the area. What material
is mostly found in this area? What major industry/company exists in Muskoka that likely
operates some of these mines?
4) Having performed this activity, what major natural phenomena is responsible for much of the
geologic features of the region?
SES4U
Grade 12 Earth & Space - University
Unit: Earth History
PART C: After performing this activity you have had the opportunity to observe macro~ and
micro~ detailed views of selected areas of Ontario. Write one paragraph to explain how the rock
types and topography of regions in Ontario have changed over time and are not static.
After performing this activity, what are you wanting to investigate more or would want to visit to
enrich your understanding/comprehension.