Proactive disclosure Print version ![Print version Print version](/web/20061103011748im_/http://www.gsc.nrcan.gc.ca/esst_images/_printversion2.gif) ![ÿ](/web/20061103011748im_/http://www.gsc.nrcan.gc.ca/esst_images/_spacer.gif) | ![ÿ](/web/20061103011748im_/http://www.gsc.nrcan.gc.ca/esst_images/_spacer.gif) | ![Geological Survey of Canada Geological Survey of Canada](/web/20061103011748im_/http://www.gsc.nrcan.gc.ca/esst_images/gsc_e.jpeg) Natural Resources Canada > Earth Sciences Sector > Priorities > Geological Survey of Canada > Urban Geology
Geomap Vancouver Physiography of geomap
![Legend unit 1](/web/20061103011748im_/http://www.gsc.nrcan.gc.ca/urbgeo/geomapvan/images/physio_leg_1.gif) | Lowland (modern sediments) |
![Legend unit 2](/web/20061103011748im_/http://www.gsc.nrcan.gc.ca/urbgeo/geomapvan/images/physio_leg_2.gif) | Uplands (Ice age sediments) |
![Legend unit 3](/web/20061103011748im_/http://www.gsc.nrcan.gc.ca/urbgeo/geomapvan/images/physio_leg_3.gif) | Mountains (bedrock) |
Physiography is the surface form of the Earth. The Vancouver region includes three main physiographic areas. Mountain areas (Coast and Cascade Mountains) comprise rugged bedrock ridges and peaks and intervening steep-walled valleys. The larger valleys contain thick modern and Ice Age sediments and also host large lakes and streams. The other two physiographic areas are within the Fraser Valley. Higher parts of the Fraser Valley are gently rolling uplands, ranging from about 15 m to 250 m above sea level. Uplands are underlain by thick Ice Age sediments, largely of glacial origin. Flat lowlands occur along the Fraser River and its tributaries and are underlain by modern sediments.
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