Washington StateWashington State

Chapter 1Geography

Geography and History

• Geography: study of where and how people live on the earth.

• Geography influences what people do for work (jobs) and play (recreation)

Physical Features

• Physical features make each location unique• Physical features are natural to the

environment and include: mountains, rivers, soil, animal life, natural plants, islands, oceans and climate (weather)

How do physical features impact a society?

Human Characteristics

• People often change the landscape• Human characteristics are features made by

people and include: cities, freeways, dams, bridges, railroads, irrigation and orchards

How do human characteristics impact a society?

Physical Map

What physical feature forms the boundary between WA and OR?

Political Map

Hinterland• During pioneer times, Washington

was considered to be a hinterland.

• Hinterland: a region far from other settled areas

Why was WA considered a hinterland during pioneer pioneer times?

Pacific Ocean coastline

• West coast of WA is bordered by the Pacific Ocean

• 157 miles of ocean coastline

3,000 miles of Shoreline

• Bays, inlets, and islands included

Rain Shadow

Effect

Rain Shadow Effect

• Coastal / west side of the Cascade Mountains is rainy.

• Western Washington receives up to 100 inches of rain per year.

Rain Shadow Effect

• East side of the mountains is dry because the moisture has already fallen on the west side.

• Parts of Eastern Washington receive less than six inches of rain per year.

Pacific Rim Region

• A huge trading region which includes countries that border the Pacific Ocean

Pacific Northwest Region

• Pacific Northwest

Washington State Regions