Geography of Saskatchewan - Physical Geography

Physical Geography

Saskatchewan is an approximate trapezoid. Its western border runs concurrent with the 4th meridian or the 110°W longitude, separating Saskatchewan from the province of Alberta. This border extends in 1,225 kilometers (761 mi) length and was established in 1905 when both provinces were formed. The eastern border is not the 102nd line of longitude, but rather is west of that meridian and is also an irregular line (rather than a straight one). Manitoba became a province in 1870, enlarging in 1882. The western boundary of Manitoba then was the road allowance between ranges 29 and 30 west of the prime meridian which was surveyed by 1930. When Saskatchewan was formed in 1905, Manitoba and the District of Keewatin were the neighboring areas to the east. Manitoba was enlarged again in 1912 north to the 60th parallel north becoming Saskatchewan's only eastern neighbor. This remaining section of the border was determined by surveyed between 1961 and 1972. The southern border is the Canada – United States border or the 49th parallel determined by the Convention of 1818. This boundary was not formally established until the 1867 survey. This border extends 627 kilometers (390 mi) across southern Saskatchewan. The Northwest Territories is north of the 60th parallel which forms the northern border of the province. This border extends 445 kilometers (277 mi) across northern Saskatchewan.