Shield regions are large areas of exposed bedrock that have remained relatively unchanged for billions of years. These regions are typically found in the interior of continents and are characterized by their ancient geological formations, which include igneous and metamorphic rocks. The term "shield" comes from the way these areas appear on geological maps, resembling a shield or armor. One of the most well-known examples of a shield region is the Canadian Shield, which covers parts of Canada and the northern United States. Shield regions are important for understanding Earth's geological history and are often rich in minerals, making them significant for mining and natural resource extraction.