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REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES
The United States consist of 50 states and a federal district. 48 states form the contiguous United States.
Alaska is located in the northwestern part of the North American continent. The state of Hawaii is located in
the Pacific Ocean, approximately 2,100 miles southwest of mainland United States.
A region is an area of land that has certain features in common. The United States can be divided into different
regions. These regions are often used to describe a larger area with similar characteristics, such as
geography, population, and climate.
There are dozens of ways to divide this unique country into specific regions. However, most people divide and
refer to the United States into five main regions. These include the Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, Southwest,
and West.
• The Southwestern states used
to be inhabited by a large
number of Native American
tribes.
• Texas is bigger than the entire
Northeast region.
• Parts of the Southwest once
belonged to Mexico. The US
obtained this land following the
Mexican-American War in 1848.
• The Southwest has many
natural resources, such as
silver, uranium, and oil.
Size: 574,076 sq. miles
Population: 39.7 million
Number of states: 4
Major cities: Houston, Phoenix & Dallas
The Southwest is a dry region with a lot of sagebrush, cacti,
and dry, dusty land patches. The region has a low population
density, but does include several populous cities. Four of the
top ten most populous cities in the US are located in the
Southwest. The population of the Southwest has strong
Spanish-American and Native American components.
Some of the most dramatic
landscapes of the US can be found in
the Southwest, the Grand Canyon
being one of the most famous
examples. This large rift in the
Earth’s crust is 277 miles long, and
attracts more than 5 million visitors
every year.
The major industries of the
Southwest are mining, technology,
oil, and space travel.
Native American headdress
Saguaro
The Colorado Plateau is a major plateau in the
Southwest region. The area is famous for its
canyons with deep
and narrow valleys.
The deepest canyon
is called the Grand
Canyon.
The Sonoran Desert and the Chihuahuan Desert
make up a large part of the Southwest region. The
arid area gets less than 10 inches of precipitation
each year. The Sonoran Desert is located in the
southern part of Arizona and New Mexico. The
Chihuahuan Desert is located in parts of Arizona,
New Mexico, and Texas, and is the largest desert
within the Southwest region.
The eastern part of the Southwest region is made
up of plains. The Central Plains are the lowest area
of the Southwest, and consist of fertile soil. These
plains spread from the coast of Texas into
Oklahoma, and are home to many farms and
ranches.
The Rocky Mountains run from the West to the
Southwest region of the US. The southern part of
the mountains is located in New Mexico.
The Rio Grande is a major river in the Southwest
region. It stretches from its origin in Colorado to
the Gulf of Mexico, and forms the border between
the United States and Mexico.
The Colorado River flows out of the Rocky
Mountains, and runs through the Grand Canyon. This
river is responsible for carving the canyon for
millions of years. This process is called erosion.
The Southwest is the hottest region of the United States, and has very little rainfall. The winters are short
with occasional freezing rains. The spring and fall seasons are quite long, and have mild temperatures. The
summers are very hot and dry. Temperatures in the summer can reach 100 degrees, or even higher.
Droughts and heatwaves are among the
most common in the Southwest region.
Droughts can cause the loss of farmlands.
The vegetation that dies out during
droughts become fuel for wildfires. Only a
little spark can turn areas into raging
wildfires.
Even though the Southwest has the driest
climate, some areas of the region are still
prone to floods. Floods occur as a result
of tropical storms or overflowing rivers.
The eastern part of the Southwest receives just enough
rainfall for crops to grow. However, the western part
consists of deserts, and is a very hot and dry area. The
rainfall i n this area is so scarce, that often months pass with
very little or no rainfall.
The two most important resources of the Southwest region are found under the
ground, minerals and oil.
The Southwest has minerals such as copper, gold, silver and uranium. Most copper
is found in Arizona. More than 60% of the country’s copper comes from this area.
Copper is used to make coins, water pipes, electrical wires and many other things.
Oil is another important resource of this region. It is so valuable that it is
also called “black gold”. Oil was discovered in 1901, and because of its
importance and uses it helped to start a new industry. It is a fossil fuel, which
basically means that it is nonrenewable. The states of Texas and Oklahoma
are two of the largest oil producers in the United States. Oil is also used to
make gasoline, paint and many other things.
There are many farms in the Southwest region that mostly produce chili peppers, peanuts, beans and corn.
They also raise horses and cows on farms and ranches.
Copper
Ranch
Monument Valley is an area of the Navajo Tribal
Park. It is located on the border of Utah and
Arizona. The arid region is characterized by a
series of steep sandstone hills.
The Antelope Canyon is another spectacular feature
of the Navajo Tribal Park. It is a slot canyon that has
been created over many thousands of years by the
forces of water and wind that slowly carved the
sandstone into different forms and shapes. The
views of the
canyon constantly
change, as the sun
moves across the
sky, filtering lights
across its walls.
The Grand Canyon
was formed over
a period of 6
million years, due
to erosion caused
by the Colorado River. It is located in the north of
Arizona. The canyon is 277 miles long, ranges
between 4 and 18 miles in width and is nearly a mile
deep. The Grand Canyon covers an area of over 1,900
square miles. Native Americans have been living in
and around the area for a very long time.
Taos Pueblo is an ancient settlement of a Native
American Tribe. They are referred to as the Pueblo
Indians. This settlement is located in the state of
New Mexico and is one of the oldest continuously
inhabited communities in the country.
The Southwest region has a dry and spectacular landscape. The region is home to several national parks, such
as the Grand Canyon and Navajo Tribal Park. The Southwest is the perfect place for tourists who enjoy a warm
climate.
Size: 566,452 sq. miles
Population: 81.4 million
Number of states: 12
Major cities: Miami, Atlanta &
New Orleans
• The nickname of the Southeast
region is Dixie.
• The Southeast region is also
called the “Bible Belt” because
of its religious population.
• Miami, a city in the south of
Florida, is the most popular
cruise-ship port in the world.
• There were many coal mines
and steel mills in Virginia, West
Virginia, and North Carolina.
Today, most of the mines and
factories have closed and many
people have a hard time finding
work. This area is among the
poorest in the United States.
The Southeast region stretches
from the Atlantic Ocean all the way
to the Gulf of Mexico. The region is famous for its sandy coastal
beaches and its mild and humid climate. Many tourists visit the
Southeast because of its pleasant climate and nice beaches.
The Southeast was known for its plantations, which were built in
the 1600s. Crops such as tobacco and cotton were grown on
these large farms. The economy of the region has changed over
the years. Today, the Southeast has a strong service economy
and high-tech industries.
Smoky Mountains, North Carolina
Miami Beach, Florida
The eastern part of the Southeast region consists
of a flat plain, called the Atlantic Coastal Plain. The
plain is nearly 100 miles wide and stretches all along
the Atlantic coast. The plain along the Gulf of
Mexico is called the Gulf Coastal Plain. This plain is
around 200 miles wide. Most of the flat plains are
cut by rivers. The plains are covered with forests,
swamps and farmlands. The wetlands, or swamps,
are located within the coastal plains and have an
important function. They help to control floods by
soaking up water and also provide a habitat for a
wide variety of plants and animals.
The Piedmont is a
125 – mile - wide
plateau and is
hillier than the
coastal plains. The
word Piedmont
means “at the foot of the mountain.” The Piedmont
Plateau is a very good farming area. Much of the
plateau is covered with cotton and tobacco fields.
Many rivers cut through the Piedmont and find their
way to the coastal plains, which are at a lower
elevation, and they create waterfalls. The area
between the Piedmont and the coastal plains is
called the “fall line” because of the many waterfalls.
The Bluegrass Region
is another plain in the
Southeast region. It is
located in parts of
Kentucky, Tennessee,
and Alabama. The soil in this area is very fertile and
suitable for tobacco and dairy farming.
The Appalachian Mountains run through much of
the Southeast region. The central part of the
mountain range is covered with dense forests.
There are thousands
of deep gorges
carved out by the
rushing rivers. Most
of the area is not
suited to farming.
The Southeast region is home to many rivers,
including the Mississippi River. These rivers flow
through the coastal plain into the Gulf of Mexico or
the Atlantic Ocean. At the mouth of these rivers is
a mix of fresh water and sea water. Such a unique
combination makes it an ideal habitat for a diverse
set of plant and animal species.
The Mississippi River carries fertile soil to the
Delta at the Gulf of Mexico. A delta is a landform
that is formed at the river’s mouth when the river
flows into an ocean or lake. The delta at the Gulf of
Mexico is very fertile and is considered to be a good
area for farming.
The Southeast region has a warm and wet climate. The
Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico keep temperatures
in the coastal areas warm. The winters are mild and humid.
The temperatures rarely drop below 40 degrees. The winters
in the mountains and on the Piedmont Plateau last longer and are
colder because they are farther away from the ocean.
The states of the Southeast region that are located near the Atlantic Ocean of the Gulf of Mexico are
prone to tropical storms and hurricanes. Most hurricanes occur between June and November. Hurricanes
bring strong winds, heavy rains, and high waves that can cause a lot of destruction in coastal areas. The
heavy rains can cause floods, even in areas that are located inland.
Tornadoes are another natural disaster that occur in the Southeast region. They are one of nature’s most
violent storms and may develop suddenly.
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Many different kinds of resources can be found in the Southeast, such as cotton, fruits, sugar, peanuts, pine and
coal.
Coal is a mineral that is found under the ground in the mountainous areas
of this region. People burn coal in order to produce heat or electricity. Oil
is another resource in the Southeast that produces energy. There are
many oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico.
Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, and
North Carolina are important centers
for the production of furniture, lumber and paper. The trees that grow in
these areas, such as pine trees, are very suitable for making these
products.
The soil in this region is highly fertile, and is another important resource of
the region. Farmers use this soil to grow crops and raise animals. The warm
climate and heavy rainfall provide excellent conditions for crops to grow. It is for this reason that the Southeast
is an important producer of food for the United States. Cotton is also harvested
in the Southeast, and is very important for the textile industry. There are many
cotton mills and textile manufacturers.
The warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico are important for
fishermen in the Southeast. They catch fish and seafood such as tuna and shrimp. Oil rig
Coal
Cotton
Walt Disney World is
located near the city
of Orlando in Florida.
It is the world’s
largest, most visited
and one of the most
famous theme parks.
The resort is made up
of four theme parks
with all different kinds of rides, restaurants and
numerous other fun-filled attractions.
The Everglades are an area in Southern Florida.
The 1.5-million-acre region consists of swamps,
saw-grass prairies, and sub-tropical jungles. The
national park is
home to 14 rare
species and is
the only place in
the world where
crocodiles and
alligators live
together.
South Beach is a popular neighborhood in the city of
Miami Beach in Florida. The beach is also known as
SoBe. The area has a unique collection of
restaurants, festivals, and buildings with a unique
architectural style and is referred to as the Art
Deco District.
The Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the
world. It is home to more than 100,000 animals, which
all swim in nearly 10 million gallons of marine and
fresh water. Visitors can see 500 different species,
such as whale
sharks, beluga
whales, manta
rays, piranhas,
and alligators.
The Southeast region has a warm climate. Due to the climate, this area is the destination of a lot of tourists who
come to enjoy the beaches, national parks and the large variety of outdoor sports.
Size: 195.343 sq. miles
Population: 63 million
Number of states: 11
Major cities: New York, Boston,
Washington DC & Philadelphia
• Washington D.C. is a part of
the Northeast Region, but it
is not a state.
• All eleven states of the
Northeast were part of the
original British colonies
before the US gained its
independence.
• New York City is the biggest
city in the US. Its population
exceeds that of most states.
The Northeast is the smallest region of the United States. Six
states of the region are collectively called New England
(Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode
Island, and Vermont). The other states in the region are also
known as the Mid-Atlantic States.
The area is known for its history, culture and natural beauty.
Despite its small size, the region is densely populated and is
home to many big cities.
The Northeast is the most economically developed and
culturally diverse region. Around 85% of its population lives
within urban areas.
New York City, New York
George Washington Statue Boston, Massachusetts
There are many watersheds in the Northeast. A
watershed is an area of land that separates waters
flowing into different rivers or lakes. Most
waterways flow into the Great Lakes, the Ohio River
and into the Atlantic Ocean.
The main rivers of the Northeast are the Hudson,
Susquehanna, Delaware, Connecticut, and Ohio. The
two largest lakes of the region are Lake Ontario and
Lake Erie.
The Appalachian Mountains run throughout the
Northeast region. The mountain range is 2,000
miles long and forms the spine of the eastern side
of North America. It extends from Canada all the
way through to Alabama in the south of the US. The
Appalachian is one of the oldest mountain ranges in
the world. It is characterized by forests and low and
rounded summits.
The Atlantic Coastal Plain stretches from Florida
all the way to the northeastern part of Maine. The
plain slowly slopes upward from the ocean inland
until it reaches the Appalachian Mountains. Parts of
the plain are covered with pine tree forests. The
coastal plain is a narrow and flat area with
numerous rivers and bays. The southern part of the
plain has fertile soil
and is very suited
for farming. The
northern part of
the plain is very
rocky.
Hudson River
The climate of the Northeast region varies greatly with each changing season. There are four distinct seasons.
The winters can be extremely cold, with a lot of snowfall, especially in the northern part of the region. The
summers are warm and humid.
The Atlantic Ocean, the Great Lakes,
and the Appalachian Mountains have a
great influence on the climate in the
Northeast. The ocean has a
moderating effect on the
temperature, and the Appalachian
Mountains shield certain areas from
very cold or warm air masses.
The Northeast region is prone to blizzards and ice storms.
Some of these storms are very severe in nature, and are
capable of cutting of roads and causing electricity outages,
which can last for days or even weeks. Nor’easters are strong
storms that occur in the Northeast. These storms occur when
storms in the Gulf of Mexico move up the East Coast.
The Northeast is extremely rich in natural resources. It is home to large forests
and the many trees in these forests are used for making products such as paper
and furniture. Some trees are also used to make maple syrup. Most of the maple
syrup produced in the United States comes from Vermont.
In terms of farming, not only is the Northeast a good region to grow cranberries,
blueberries and potatoes, but it is also suitable for cattle, and the production of
milk and cheese. Fish and seafood, such as lobsters and clams are other important resources of the region,
and are found in the Atlantic Ocean. Aquaculture, which is the process of raising
fish on farms instead of catching them in the sea, is also famous in this region.
Granite can be found in many states in the Northeast. It is a rock which is distributed
all over the world, and considered to be an important building material which is used
to make tiles, monuments, countertops, and many other things.
Maple sugar production
Iron or e is another valuable resource in this region. It is a mineral from which iron
and oth er metals can be made. Pennsylvania used to be home to hundreds of steel
manufacturing plants.
Aquaculture
Granite
Steel factory
New York is the biggest city in the United States,
with a population of more than 22 million people. It
is an important center for business, art, media and
entertainment. There are more than 800
languages spoken in New York, making it a truly
diverse and a multicultural city. Many of its
landmarks are famous all over the world, such as
Times Square, Statue of Liberty, Wall Street, and
the Empire State Building.
Acadia National Park is located along the rugged
coastline of Maine. At the park, you can see all
kinds of natural features, such as ocean shoreline,
mountains, forests,
and remote islands.
The coastal area is
marked by traditional
lighthouses.
The Freedom Trail
is one of the main
attractions in
Massachusetts. It
is a 2.5-mile-long
path through the
center of Boston,
and passes 16 locations that were important during
the country’s struggle for freedom.
The Niagara Waterfalls are part of the Niagara
River, and are located on the border of the United
States and Canada. The waterfalls are not very high,
but they are very wide. Around 6 million cubic feet
of water drops over the cliff each minute.
The Northeast region of the United States is the birthplace of the country. It has a rich history, cultural
attractions, prominent cities, and lots of outdoor activities.
Size: 821,037 sq. miles
Population: 67.7 million
Number of states: 12
Major cities: Chicago, Detroit &
Minneapolis
• The area around Nebraska,
Oklahoma, Missouri and
Kansas is known as the
Tornado Alley as the area
has more tornadoes than
anywhere else in the US.
• The Midwest is the largest
producer of corn in the US.
• The Midwest has the most
fertile farmland in the world.
• Michigan has more than 150
lighthouses.
The Midwest region is also known as “America’s Heartland.” The
name refers to the region’s manufacturing and farming sectors.
The manufacturing industries of the Midwest are very important
for the economy of the United States. The most important
examples include airplane, automobile, and steel production.
Many states of the Midwest were once home to millions of
buffaloes who grazed on the prairielands of the region.
The prairielands have become fertile farmlands where farmers
mostly grow corn and wheat.
The Great Plains stretch from Kansas and Missouri
to North Dakota. It is an area with dry land which
does not experience a lot of rainfall. The northern
part is hillier. The area is dry and is not suited for
farming. Hence,
this part of the
Great Plains is
also referred to
as the Badlands.
The Central Lowlands are located to the east of the
Great Plains and is a flat and wet area. The land of
the lowlands is extremely fertile, making it an ideal
place for farming. The farmers in this region mainly
grow corn and wheat.
The Midwest has
two plateaus; the
Appalachian Plateau
in eastern Ohio and
the Ozark Plateau in
southern Missouri, Kansas and Illinois. Plateaus are
a landform similar to a plain, but they are located at
higher elevations and are usually surrounded by
steep slopes.
There are three main valleys in the Midwest. These
are the Ohio, Missouri and Mississippi valleys. A
valley is a low area of land between mountains. They
are formed over a long period of time from water
or ice erosion. Most valleys slope down toward a
river.
The Ozark Mountains are a highland area with
forests. The mountains cover parts of Missouri,
southern Illinois, and southeastern Kansas.
The Great Lakes are an
important feature of
the Midwest region.
They consist of lakes
Erie, Superior, Huron,
Michigan, and Ontario. These lakes border Ohio,
Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin. Lake
Superior is the biggest freshwater lake in the world.
The Great Lakes are very important for the
Midwest region. They are used as a transportation
hub and also serve as a tourist attraction. Many
tourists visit these lakes to swim, fish, boat, and
enjoy the scenic surroundings.
The Mississippi, the Ohio, and the Missouri are the
main rivers of the Midwest. The Mississippi River
runs from Minnesota all the way to the Gulf of
Mexico. The Ohio River forms the southern borders
of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. The Missouri River is
the longest river in the US. It stretches across the
Midwest into the West region.
The Mi dwest region has a relatively dry climate. There are
four sea sons, ranging from mild and pleasant summers to
very cold winters. The winters usually have lots of snowfall
and h eavy chilly winds. Much of the rainfall occurs in late
spring and early summer. The climate of the Midwest is
affected by its location and the Great Lakes. Oceans have a
moderating effect on a climate. Due to the far location of the
Midwest from oceans, the region experiences large seasonal
swings i n temperature.
The Midwest region and the Great
Plains are often referred to as “the
Tornado Alley”. This area stretches
from Iowa and North Dakota, all the
way down to Texas and Louisiana.
Tornadoes are extremely violent
storms with a spinning tube of air that
touches the ground. Some tornadoes
can reach wind speeds as high as 300
mph and are strong enough to wipe out
an entire village in a matter of a few
minutes.
Floods are another natural disaster
occurring in the Midwest region. Most
floods are a result of heavy rains that
occur during the spring and summer
seasons.
The Midwest has lots of natural resources such as water, fertile
soil, lumber and minerals. These resources along with its climate
make the Midwest an excellent location for farming and
manufacturing.
The water from nearby lakes, rivers or wells is used by farmers
to grow crops and these rivers and lakes are also important for
transportation. Corn, wheat and soybeans are the main crops that are grown in this region.
Most of the corn in the Midwest is grown along its eastern part, mainly in Iowa and Illinois. Once the corn is
harvested, it is sold for consumption, but also to manufacture other products such as corn syrup, glue and
soaps.
Wheat is mainly produced in Kansas and North Dakota. These are suitable areas to grow these crops as there
is not much rainfall and the environment is perfect for growing these crops. The wheat is used to make flour,
which in turn is used to produce bread, pasta and cakes.
Minnesota, Kansas and North
Dakota are famous for their dairy
products such as milk, cheese
and butter. Grass easily grows in
this area, which makes it a
perfect place to feed cattle.
The most important minerals
that can be found in the Midwest
include lead, iron, copper, coal
and limestone. These resources
are used to make batteries,
computers, cars, planes and
many other things.
Corn field, Iowa
Iron ore
Mount Rushmore is a sculpture that is carved into the
side of Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. The
carvings started in 1927, and finished in 1941. The
memorial honors
four US presidents:
George Washington,
Thomas Jefferson,
Theodore Roosevelt,
and Abraham Lincoln.
The Gateway Arch is located on the banks of the
Mississippi River in St. Louis, Missouri. The
construction of the Arch started in 1963, and was
completed in 1965. Visitors can enter the arch and
travel to the
observation deck
on the top. The
monument is 630
feet high and 630
feet wide.
The Indianapolis
Motor Speedway is
located in Indiana.
The original circuit
was constructed in
1909 and is a true
landmark in the racing industry. The racetrack is
home to the Indianapolis 500, one of the best-known
auto races in the world.
Chicago is the most populous city in the Midwest
region and the 3rd biggest in the country. It is a center
of national and global business and finance. The city
was founded in 1837 and served as a transportation
hub between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi
River. Chicago is the city where the first skyscraper
in the world was built, the Home Insurance Building.
The Midwest region has a lot of lakes, beaches, city attractions and beautiful green areas. It is the perfect place
for visitors who like outdoor activities. Due to its varied landscape, there are lots of national parks throughout
the region.
• The West region is home to
the least populous state in
the US, which is Wyoming,
and the most populous state,
California.
• Most Native American tribes
live in California.
• The West is the largest
region, it covers half the
land area of the US.
The West region is a massive area with different
kinds of landforms, climates, and people. There are
beautiful beaches, deserts, large forests, and huge mountains.
The Rocky Mountains are the most spectacular feature of the
West, stretching from Canada to New Mexico. The Mountain range
is often called the “Backbone of
America”.
Alaska and Hawaii are also included
in the Western region. Nonetheless,
they are located in different
geographical locations, and
therefore have different climate
and landscapes.
Many people in the West work in the
timber industry, because of the
many forests in the region.
Technology is another major
industry of the West.
Size: 1,637,671 sq. miles
Population: 66.4 million
Number of states: 11
Major cities: Los Angeles,
San Francisco, Seattle
Space Needle Seattle, Washington
The Great Basin is the largest desert in the United
States. A basin is a landform which is shaped like a
bowl. The land of the basin is lower than the land
around it. It covers parts of Nevada, California,
Oregon, Idaho, and Utah. The desert is bordered by
the Sierra Nevada Range on the west, the Rocky
Mountains on the east, The Columbia Plateau to the
north, and the Mojave and Sonoran Desert to the
south. The Great Basin is a cold desert because of
its high elevation (at least 3,000 feet).
Death Valley is a part of the Mojave Desert. It is
located in California. This valley is a very hot region,
with temperatures in the day often exceeding 100
°F.
The Rocky Mountains are the most significant
geographic feature of the West region. These
mountains stretch from Canada to New Mexico in the
Southwest region. They are over 3,000 miles long,
and are the largest mountain range in the United
States.
The Coastal Ranges is a mountain range that
stretches from Alaska to Mexico, along the Pacific
coast. Most of this mountain range consists of low
hills, but some parts rise as high as 8,000 feet.
The Sierra Nevada Mountains run along the eastern
part of California and are covered with mountains. It
lies between the Central Valley and the Great Basin.
The Sierra Nevada is home to forests, river valleys
and canyons.
The Intermountain region is located between the
Rocky Mountains and the Coastal Ranges. It is an arid
area with plateaus and basins. The Columbia Plateau
is located in the north of the West region, and was
formed by volcanic lava and drained by the Columbia
River. The Colorado Plateau is located in the
southern part of the West region, and was formed by
the Colorado River.
Alaska and Hawaii are remotely located, and have
different geographical features than the other
states.
Alaska is a very cold place, and has numerous
mountain ranges that crisscross the area. The
Brooks Range is the northernmost mountain range.
The Alaska Range is a mountainous area in the
south of the state, and is home to the highest point
in North America, Mt. McKinley (20,320 feet).
The northern part of Alaska is a flat area without
many trees, and is referred to as tundra. Hawaii
consists of eight main islands. These were formed
by volcanic eruptions many years ago. The islands
still have two active volcanoes.
The Great Salt Lake is located in Utah, and is one of
the largest lakes in the United States. The lake is 75
miles long, and 35 miles wide. The Great Salt Lake is
salty because it does not have any outlets. This can
be attributed to the rivers which constantly bring
small amounts of salt in their fresh water flow. Once
this water reaches the Great Salt Lake, most of it
evaporates, leaving only the salt behind.
The West region of the United States includes areas with diverse
climates. The northern area of the region experiences a lot of rainfall,
especially along the Pacific Coast. The summers are mild, and it never gets
too hot. The western part of the region has excellent weather throughout the
year. The summers are warm and dry, while the winters are quite chilly. The Pacific
Ocean has a moderate effect on the climate of this area. The states that are located
along the Rocky Mountains can become very cold during the winters, with lots of snow. The
summers are dry and pleasant.
Alaska has very short and hot summers. The winters are very long and extremely cold. Hawaii has a warm and
stable climate, with only slight changes in temperature.
The West region is often hit by natural
disasters. Wildfires and earthquakes are
among the most common, with frequent
heavy winter storms. These violent storms
could lead to flooding near creeks or rivers.
Wildfires are most common in the West
region. Lightning strikes can cause wildfires,
but unfortunately most of the wildfires are
a result of careless human behavior.
Wildfires are very dangerous since they can
spread quickly, and can suddenly change
directions.
Earthquakes occur along the San Andreas
Fault, an area of fractures in the Earth’s
crust extending from San Francisco to the
south of California. This major fault is the
source of serious earthquakes.
Santa Monica Beach, California
Agriculture is an important industry in the West region. Many kinds of
crops grow in this area, such as lettuce, potatoes, and apples. Most of
the country’s potatoes are grown in Idaho. The state of Washington
grows many different kinds of apples, and Southern California grows
produce such as lettuce, avocados and artichokes. Hawaii is an important
producer of pineapples and coffee beans.
Livestock, including sheep, cows, and pigs, are raised on farms and ranches. Many products are produced from
livestock, such as wool, pork, and beef.
The Pacific Ocean is important for the West because it supports the fishing industry. Tuna
and swordfish are mostly caught in Hawaii, while Salmon, cod, and crabs are caught in Alaska.
Many different kinds of minerals are found in the West region, such as gold, silver, zinc, and
copper. These minerals are mostly found in the Rocky Mountains. There are many mines
throughout the West region. Lead zinc ore
Las Vegas is a city in
the state of Nevada
and it is famous for
gambling, shopping
and basically any form
of entertainment. The
resort city has many luxury casinos and show palaces
and is often referred to as the Entertainment Capital
of the World. Las Vegas is one of the world’s top
tourist destinations.
Yosemite National Park is located in California.
There are many waterfalls in the park. The most
famous of these is the Yosemite Falls, which is one
of the tallest waterfalls in the word with a drop of
2,425 feet. The
scenic mountain
range is also
famous for its
massive granite
cliffs and giant
sequoia trees.
Yellowstone National Park is the oldest and one of
the most famous national parks in the United States.
It is located in the Rocky Mountains in the west of
the US and was
established in 1872.
The park has around
250 active geysers,
which is way more than
any other park in the
world. It is also famous
for its 1200 feet deep
canyon.
The Golden Gate Bridge crosses the San Francisco
Bay from the city of San Francisco to Marin County.
The bridge was opened in 1937 and is more than
9,000 feet long. After the construction of the bridge,
a special red colored paint was applied to it to
protect it from water and humidity.
The West region is very large and has beautiful scenic areas. Most of the region is sparsely populated. There is
a lot of undeveloped land that is put to good use by Americans for various purposes, such as fishing, camping,
hiking, and boating.