Mealy Mountains facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mealy Mountains |
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Highest point | |
Peak | Highest Point |
Elevation | 1,180 m (3,870 ft) |
Geography | |
Country | Canada |
Province | Newfoundland and Labrador |
Range coordinates | 53°23′N 59°28′W / 53.383°N 59.467°W |
Parent range | Laurentian Mountains |
The Mealy Mountains are a large mountain range. They are found in the southern part of Labrador. Labrador is a region in the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
These mountains are located south of Lake Melville. They cover a huge area, about 26,495 square kilometers (10,231 square miles). This makes them a very important natural area.
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Exploring the Mealy Mountains
The Mealy Mountains are home to many different types of natural landscapes. Scientists call these "ecoregions." There are five main ecoregions within the mountains.
Different Landscapes to Discover
You can find several unique environments here:
- Coastal Barrens: These are open, windswept areas near the coast. Not many trees grow here.
- High Subarctic Tundra: This is a cold, treeless area found at high elevations. Small plants and mosses grow here.
- High Boreal Forest: These are dense forests of evergreen trees. They grow in cooler parts of the mountains.
- Mid Boreal Forest: This forest type is found in slightly warmer areas. It has a mix of trees.
- String Bog: These are wetlands with long, narrow ridges. They look like strings from above.
The mountains themselves are quite tall. Some peaks reach over 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) high. The very highest peak is more than 1,180 meters (3,871 feet) tall.
Protecting the Mealy Mountains
A big part of the Mealy Mountains and the land around them is now protected. In 2015, this area was named a potential National Park Reserve. People had been working to protect this special place since the 1970s.
Why is it a National Park Reserve?
Both the Canadian government (through Parks Canada) and the government of Newfoundland and Labrador agreed to create this reserve. A National Park Reserve is managed like a national park. This means it is protected for nature and people to enjoy.
The goal is to eventually make it a full national park. This will happen after some land claims are settled. Once it becomes a full national park, it will cover about 20,000 square kilometers (7,722 square miles). This protection helps keep the unique landscapes and wildlife safe for the future.