Landforms Much of the region is made of flat, fertile lowlands, plains, and rolling hills. Lowlands are areas where the land is lower and flatter than the area around it. The St. Lawrence River is surrounded by plains. The Moneregain Hills are the only free standing mountains, so the area is not mountainous. The area is fertile which means it is perfect for farming! The Oak Ridge Mouraine are a line of rolling hills. A ridge of sand, dirt, and rocks carried by glaciers is known as a moraine. Haudenosaunee (how-den-o-show-nee) or Iroquois The Haudenosaunee, also known as the Iroquois, farmed much of the region. They view natural resources as gifts from the Creator. The Iroquois pray to the Creator for renewal and that resources are prolonged. The three main crops grown include beans, corn, and squash. Due to the Iroquois farming, they did not have to move for long period of time. After years they would leave their farms and clear new land which would allow the old farm land to replenish itself. The Iroquois lived in longhouses. Picture Climate This region has milder winter compared to most of Canada's regions. This is due to it being slightly closer to the equator (Latitude). The summers in this region are warmer due to the Great Lakes providing a vast amount of humidity. The Great Lakes also moderates the temperature in the winter the lake effect, causing much milder winters. The lake effect is when a large body of water influences the surrounding area's temperatures. This climate offers perfect growing conditions when combined with fertile soil. Water Picture The Great Lakes drain into the St. Lawrence River which then flow into the Ocean. These waterways are key in transporting much of the manufactured goods in Canada. Tributaries are important for people and goods to travel out to the Atlantic Ocean. The St. Lawrence Seaway allows ships to travel up and down now that canals have been dug. Locks have also been built due to the altitude difference between Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. A lock is a water elevator for boats. The seaway offers jobs at the many ports built along it.