Spatsizi Plateau facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Spatsizi Plateau |
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 Location in British Columbia
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| Location | British Columbia, Canada |
| Coordinates | 57°50′00″N 128°29′00″W / 57.83333°N 128.48333°W |
| Part of | Stikine Plateau |
| Geology | Flood basalt |
The Spatsizi Plateau is a large, flat area of land high above sea level, located in north-central British Columbia, Canada. It's part of the bigger Stikine Plateau. Most of this special area is protected within two parks: Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park and Spatsizi Headwaters Provincial Park.
The plateau is surrounded by different mountain ranges. To the south and southwest are the Skeena Mountains. The Omineca Mountains are to the southeast. To the northeast, you'll find the Stikine Ranges of the Cassiar Mountains. Finally, the Klastline Plateau is to the west.
What's in a Name?
The name "Spatsizi" comes from a phrase in the Sekani language. It means "red goat." This name refers to the mountain goats in the area. These goats sometimes roll around on a certain red-coloured mountain. When they do, their white coats turn red! The Sekani words are tspah for goat and tsije for red.
Land and Rocks
The Spatsizi Plateau is a huge area made from old lava flows. Over time, rivers have cut deep valleys through this lava. You can also find several small mountain ranges scattered across the plateau. Both the Stikine River and the Spatsizi River start their journeys here.
Weather and Climate
The Spatsizi Plateau is very high up, so it has a cold, sub-arctic climate. It's also quite dry in many places. This is because tall mountains and other plateaus block moisture coming from the Pacific Ocean. This makes the area semi-arid, meaning it gets very little rain or snow.
Amazing Animals
The Spatsizi Plateau is home to many amazing animals. It has the largest group of woodland caribou left in British Columbia. These caribou are a type of deer that lives in forests. Other animals you might see here include mountain goats, moose, grizzly bears, and wolves.
See also
In Spanish: Spatsizi para niños
