Eighty-five per cent of the population of central Vancouver Island live on coastal lowlands underlain by sedimentary rocks. These lowlands have formed over geological time by the relatively rapid stream and glacier erosion of the weak sedimentary rocks. In contrast, more resistant volcanic and granitic rocks form rugged mountain landscapes that are generally unfavourable for settlements.

To learn more visit Courtenay Museum larger image [JPEG, 125.9 kb, 1113 X 581, notice]

Coal seam exposed in highway cut, Nanaimo larger image [JPEG, 58.3 kb, 493 X 330, notice]