US Physical Characteristics

Regions

West

From the Rocky Mountains to the Western edges of the nation (including Hawaii and Alaska)

Region with varied climate (arctic to tropical).

Economy goes from agriculture to technology development to tourism and everything in between.

Includes: Pacific Ocean, Rocky Mountains, and San Francisco.

Midwest

Between the Appalachian and Rocky Mountains

Has moderate climate with four distinct seasons.

Economically focused on agriculture (livestock, corn, wheat, soy beans, etc.).

Includes: Mississippi River, Missouri River, Ohio River, Chicago, Great Lakes

Northeast

Located east of the Appalachian Mountains and North of the Mason-Dixon Line.

Climate tends to have cooler summers and cold winters.

Economic activity relies heavily on industry.

Includes: Atlantic Ocean, New York, Boston, Appalachian Mountains.

Southeast

South of the Ohio River and East of the Mississippi/Missouri.

Hot summers with mild winters.

Economy is largely focused on agriculture (livestock, cotton, fruit, tobacco, etc.) and service industry.

Includes: Atlantic, Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio Rivers, Appalachian Mountains, Miami, New Orleans.

Southwest

Located between the Colorado and Mississippi Rivers in the Southern US.

Climate tends to be hot and dry.

Economic activities include agriculture (livestock) and mining.

Includes: Rio Grande, Colorado Rivers, Gulf of Mexico, Houston.