Book 25, Question 93 · Video
Why does Toronto have so many hidden forest valleys?
Toronto sits on soft soil left behind by glaciers. Rivers such as the Don and the Humber have carved deep valleys called ravines into this soil over thousands of years. Because the steep slopes were hard to build on, many were left wild and became forests. Today the ravines cover about a sixth of the city and are home to foxes, owls, and wildflowers.
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What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why does Toronto have so many hidden forest valleys?
The Big Idea
Toronto hides forests in deep valleys! They are called ravines. How did they form?
Glacier Soil
Step one: Glacier Soil. Toronto sits on soft soil left behind by glaciers. That soil is easy for water to carve.
Carving Rivers
Step two: Carving Rivers. Rivers such as the Don and the Humber have carved deep valleys called ravines over thousands of years. The valleys are long and winding.
Wild Forests
Step three: Wild Forests. The steep slopes were hard to build on, so many were left wild and became forests. Today ravines cover about a sixth of the city and are home to foxes, owls, and wildflowers.
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look! Rivers carve valleys. Slopes are steep. Forests grow wild. Trails let people explore.
Quick Facts
Quick facts! People can walk or bike through Toronto's ravines without leaving the city. Owls live in ravines. Stay on trails. Thousands of years of carving.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! Look at a map of a city near you. Find any rivers or creeks. Look for valleys that stay green. Trace them with your finger. Could animals travel along them?
Outro
Toronto has hidden forest valleys because rivers carved deep ravines into soft glacier soil, and the steep slopes were left wild. They now cover about a sixth of the city. Science is amazing! Remember, every big discovery starts with a small question. Keep looking, keep learning, and keep asking why! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!