Terrestrial ecosystems
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The “Terrestrial Ecodistricts of Canada” dataset provides representations of ecodistricts. An ecodistrict is a subdivision of an ecoregion and is characterized by distinctive assemblages of relief, landforms, geology, soil, vegetation, water bodies and fauna. For example, the Jeddore Lake ecodistrict (no. 473) is one of five ecodistricts within the Maritime Barrens ecoregion.
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The National Ecological Framework for Canada's "Soil Texture by Ecoregion” dataset contains tables that provide soil texture information within the ecoregion framework polygon. It provides soil texture codes and their English and French language descriptions as well as the percentage of the polygon that the component occupies. Soil texture indicates the relative proportions of the various soil separates (sand, silt, clay) as described by classes of texture. Soil separates are mineral particles, 2.0 mm in diameter and include: gravel 0.2 -7.5 cm and cobbles 7.5-25.0 cm. There are 12 texture group classes definitions and one class definition for Not Applicable (which indicates, for example, water, ice or urban areas).
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The National Ecological Framework for Canada's "Land Cover by Ecozone” dataset provides land cover information within the ecozone framework polygon. It provides landcover codes and their English and French language description as well as information about the percentage of the polygon that the component occupies.
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The National Ecological Framework for Canada's "Elevation by Ecodistrict” dataset provides elevation information for ecodistrict framework polygons, in meters. It includes codes and descriptions for minimum elevation, maximum elevation, mean elevation and the difference in elevation.
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The National Ecological Framework for Canada's "Surface Form by Ecoprovince" dataset contains tables that provide surface form information for components within the ecoprovince framework polygon. It provides surface form codes and their English and French-language descriptions as well as information about the percentage of the polygon that the component occupies. Surface form descriptions describe assemblages of slopes or recurring patterns of forms that occur at the earth's surface. When applied to consolidated materials (material that has been transformed to hard rock), it refers to the form produced after modification by geological processes. The mineral soil surface forms are: dissected; hummocky (irregular); inclined; level, rolling; ridged; steep; terraced; undulating. The wetland surface forms are: bog; fen; marsh; swamp.
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The “Terrestrial Ecozones of Canada” dataset provides representations of ecozones. An ecozone is the top level of the four levels of ecosystems that the National Ecological Framework for Canada defines. The framework divides Canada into 15 terrestrial ecozones that define its ecological mosaic on a sub-continental scale. Ecozones represent an area of the earth’s surface as large and very generalized ecological units. These units are characterized by interactive and adjusting abiotic and biotic factors.
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The National Ecological Framework for Canada (v2.2) provides a consistent, national spatial framework that allows various ecosystems to be described, monitored and reported on. It provides standard ecological units that allow different jurisdictions and disciplines to use common communication and reporting, and a common ground to report on the state of the environment and the sustainability of ecosystems in Canada. The framework was developed between 1991 and 1999 by the Ecosystems Science Directorate, Environment Canada and the Center for Land and Biological Resources Research, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Over 100 federal and provincial agencies, non-governmental organizations and private sector companies contributed to its development. For more information, visit: www.agr.gc.ca/atlas/metadata/3ef8e8a9-8d05-4fea-a8bf-7f5023d2b6e1
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The “Terrestrial Ecoprovinces of Canada” dataset provides representations of ecoprovinces. An ecoprovince is a subdivision of an ecozone and is characterized by major assemblages of structural or surface forms, faunal realms, and vegetation, hydrology, soil, and macro climate. For example, the Newfoundland ecoprovince (no. 6.4) is one of six ecoprovinces within the Boreal Shield Ecozone
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The National Ecological Framework for Canada's "Total Land and Water Area by Ecodistrict” dataset provides land and water area values for ecodistrict framework polygons, in hectares. It includes attributes for a polygon’s total area, land-only area and large water body area.
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The National Ecological Framework for Canada's "Elevation by Ecoregion” dataset provides elevation information for ecoregion framework polygons, in meters. It includes codes and descriptions for minimum elevation, maximum elevation, mean elevation and the difference in elevation.