34. Does That Mean They’re Canadian?

The Adirondack Mountains in New York are just a small part of the expansive Canadian Shield, a vast geological formation covering much of northern North America. But why is the Canadian Shield frozen? Its northern reaches, known as the Arctic tundra ecozone, are characterized by extreme cold and permafrost, making it challenging for trees to thrive.

Permafrost refers to land that remains permanently frozen, creating a harsh environment unsuitable for most vegetation. Encompassing a staggering 8 million square kilometers, the Canadian Shield comprises some of the oldest rocks on Earth, mostly consisting of Precambrian rock formations.