Chapter 3 Regions of Texas

Regions Remember: a region is an area that has many uniform (the same) physical and human characteristics.

Regions There are 10 natural regions in the U.S., and parts of 4 of them are found in Texas.

Regions

Mountains and Basins

Mountains and Basins Landscape This region is also called the Trans-Pecos because it lies west of the Pecos River. This area dominates the far West Texas landscape. Basins cover the area, and the Rocky Mountains extend through providing Texas with seven mountains standing over one mile high. The highest point in Texas (Guadalupe Peak) is located here. The lowest point: Canyon along Rio Grande that sits at 1700 feet above sea level. The Davis Mountains are located towards the center of the region. There are seven mountain peaks in the region that stand over one mile high. The Chihuahuan Desert covers much of the region.

Mountains and Basins Climate There are hot summers and cold winters. Rainfall is scarce. Some parts receive 14-18 inches annually while others receive much less. Higher elevations receive more rainfall and have slightly lower temperatures. Temperatures in the summer range from mid-90s°F in the desert and basin areas to 80s°F in the mountains. The lack of rain causes an insufficient amount of water to support many communities. Therefore, population is sparse in many areas.

Mountains and Basins

Mountains and Basins

Mountains and Basins

Mountains and Basins Plants and Animals Flowering cactus plants, yucca, creosote bush cover the area. Cougars, mule, deer, black bears Ranches must be large because the desert landscape offers few food resources for livestock. Important crops include cotton, pecan trees, and cantaloupes

Mountains and Basins

Mountains and Basins

Mountains and Basins Natural Landmarks Flanked by two rivers: Rio Grande and Pecos River The Rio Grande carries water used for raising crops and livestock into its valleys. Water is able to support the population. Big Bend National Park is the state’s first national park and covers over 1,250 square miles.

Mountains and Basins

Mountains and Basins

Mountains and Basins

Mountains and Basins

Mountains and Basins

Mountains and Basins Cities and Places The region is generally sparsely settled. However, El Paso is one of the state’s largest cities. El Paso sits on the Rio Grande and has strong business ties with Mexico and New Mexico. Because of this, El Paso has strong features of Hispanic culture and traditions. El Paso is the commercial center of the upper Rio Grande Valley, and the economy is boosted by tourism (business of attracting visitors to a region or place. Loving County is a sparsely populated county near the border of New Mexico that does not provide enough water for its population.

Mountains and Basins NAFTA One major factor contributing to the trade in El Paso is the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The purpose of NAFTA was to lessen barriers to trade between the United States and Mexico and Canada. The agreement took place in 1994. Maquiladoras, or factories, along the Mexican border provide low-cost labor for items that can then be exported .

Mountains and Basins Resources The area doesn’t have much water, but it does have petroleum and natural gas. Oil and gas production are the main industry for the Mountains and Basins region. Other mineral resources include limestone, shale rock, clay, talc, copper, sulfur, and salt.