Final answer:
Tectonic forces have shaped Canada's physical geography by forming diverse landforms such as Lake Superior's geology, the Manhattan schist, Utah's sand dunes, and the San Andreas fault. These features provide evidence of historical tectonic activity and the ongoing dynamic shaping of the continent.
Step-by-step explanation:
Tectonic forces have played a significant role in shaping Canada's physical geography by creating various landforms and influencing geological activity. The story of the North American continental craton, known as Laurentia, illustrates how tectonic activity over billions of years has formed the continent's ancient bedrock. The underlying geology of Lake Superior, for example, reveals clues about Laurentia's geologic history and the tectonic forces that shaped it.
The Manhattan schist is a geological formation in New York City that provides evidence about the region's geologic history, indicating intense pressure and heat from tectonic forces that metamorphosed sedimentary rock into schist during the formation of the Appalachian Mountains.
Across the United States, geological evidence such as the sand dunes in Utah, the near vertical sandstone slabs in Colorado, and fossil evidence in northwestern North America illustrate the effects of tectonic collisions. The San Andreas fault is one of the most famous examples of tectonic activity, marking the boundary between the Pacific and North American plates and responsible for significant seismic activity.
In essence, tectonic plate movement has resulted in mountain building and the shaping of distinct physiographic provinces across both Canada and the United States, showcasing a diverse range of landscapes formed by the dynamic forces of the Earth.