Southwest region Geography

From coast to coast 4 states in this region-but the Land is huge!!!

only 1 state has a coastline-which one? TEXAS! Borders the gulf of Mexico

Other landforms Broad, rolling plains Dry-but grass still grows well-grasslands Swamps Deserts mountains

Plants and animals of SW region Prickly pear cactus Roadrunner Joshua tree Kangaroo rat Saguaro cactus jackrabbit

Strange landforms Eroded rock-made by erosion Some of the strangest land formations are in Arizona and Utah called Monument Valley

Plateaus, mesa, and buttes All landforms caused by EROSION!!!

Rivers Grand Canyon-deep valley with steep rocky walls Formed by the Colorado River

Colorado River Starts in the Rocky Mountains and flows through 5 states and empties into the Gulf of Mexico This river carried dirt and pebbles-forming the Grand Canyon This Canyon is more than 22 football fields deep!!!!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezpqDi42pRM

Rio Grande Another big river in SW region Rio Grande-means “big river” Flows from Rocky mountains and borders TEXAS

The Problem of water Driest Region in the U.S Some places rain only 3 inches a year Having water is always a concern

droughts A drought is a long period of time without water Crops die and soil is very dry In 1930 there was a HUGE drought along with high winds-they called this “the DUST BOWL” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrPhFO-00VQ

Underground water Much water for drinking and watering crops now comes for Ogallala Aquifer An Aquifer is an underground area of rock, sand, or gravel that contains water http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUt43dSOsZQ

What should I remember? Do any states in this region have a coastline? How was the Grand Canyon formed? What are two rivers that run through this region? What is a drought?