Natural Resources & Climate of Texas Does all of Texas experience the same weather? How do crops get watered in the ‘Panhandle’ of Texas if there are very few rivers up there? What season is the most dangerous on the Coastal Plains? What is the 2 nd largest industry or money maker for the state of Texas? How many large natural lakes are in Texas? Why is are natural resources and climate important to Texas?

Natural Resources- Lakes Texas has many man-made lakes and reservoirs. Texas has many man-made lakes and reservoirs. Only 1 natural lake- Caddo Lake. All others are created by damming up rivers. Only 1 natural lake- Caddo Lake. All others are created by damming up rivers. Example ‘Lake Houston’ wasn’t created until 1953 when the city of Houston built a dam to supply the needs of a growing city.

Natural Resources- Rivers Texas rivers are called ‘wrong way’ rivers because they carry water from the west (driest) to the east (wettest) parts of Texas. Most flow into the Gulf of Mexico.

Natural Resources- Aquifers 2 major Aquifers: Edward’s & Ogallala

Natural Resources- Soil Texas has a long growing season. Agriculture is the 2 nd largest industry in the state < 80 billion for the Texas economy. Texas #1 in the nation in- -Cattle -Cotton -Sheep & goats -Hay production

Major water source- Gulf of Mexico What kind of industries does it bring to the state?

Gulf of Mexico- Positive Climatic Effects Ocean breezesOcean breezes Precipitation (Rain)Precipitation (Rain)

Gulf of Mexico- Negative Climatic Effects Too much rain & destructive storms

Tracking Hurricanes Using Longitude & Latitude

Tropical Storm – wind speed < 39 mph. Tropical Storm – wind speed < 39 mph. Hurricane- wind speed < 74 mph Hurricane- wind speed < 74 mph – Category mph. – Category mph. – Category mph. – Category mph. – Category

Ike was the third costliest hurricane ever to make landfall in the United States. Damages from Ike in U.S. coastal and inland areas are estimated at $ 29.6 billion

Ike was blamed for at least 195 deaths.

Largest evacuation of Texans in Texas history. Largest search-and-rescue operation in U.S. history. Largest search-and-rescue operation in U.S. history.

L O N G I T U D E LATITUDE 31 N and 65 W

28 N and 68 W

30 N and 70 W

32 N and 73 W

31 N and 76 W

32 N and 78 W

33 N and 80 W Liz

Hurricane of 1900 Liz