America’s Environmental Landscape What are the broad patterns of landforms, climate, hydrology, natural vegetation, and ecosystems of North America? How have these patterns helped shape human settlement?

Topography Very large topographic regions –Based on physical relief –Regions are generally oriented north-south Tectonics & Volcanism

Glaciation

Hydrology

Topography: Soils Mixture of weathered rock, OM, water, air Shaped & altered by the physical environment over time Described in terms of distinguishing properties… –color –texture –structure –ability to hold water and air –degree of acidity or alkalinity Where soils are well developed vertical zonation may occur producing distinct layers or soil horizons

Soils

Weather & Climate Geographic controls –Latitude –Land-water relationship –Relief (elevation) Air pressure & orographic precipitation –Air masses and wind systems

Latitude Temperature is a function of an area’s exposure to the direct rays of the sun Maximized exposure at equator; minimized at poles Yearly earth-sun relationship (seasonality)

Land and Water Relationship Land tends to heat faster and cool faster than water Annual temperature ranges Continentality Maritime influence

Relief Orographic Precipitation –Higher elevations are cooler than lower elevations –Adiabatic cooling rate of rising air: 5.5º per 1,000’ Temperature

Air Masses

North American Air Masses

Air Masses and Wind Systems North American wind patterns = distinct climatic patterns North American Pattern –Western US: topography is the key control –East: latitude is significant in determining variations in temperature and precipitation

Precipitation Regime: Winter

Precipitation Regime: Summer

Climate Zones Based on Köppen Classification –Most widely used climate classification system Vegetation types are a direct response to climate Regional boundaries show temperature and precipitation associations with vegetation limits

Permafrost Regions

Biogeography & Ecology

Bioregions

Ecosystems & Watersheds

Mineral Resources Metallic Minerals Fossil Fuels (oil, gas, and coal) –Oil and Gas Fields –Coal Major Fields –Appalachian –Eastern Interior –Western Interior –Western

FOSSIL FUELS

Quick Reading Ratzel, F., Wissler, C., & Sauer C. O. Culture Area Research & Mapping. –A brief overview of combining geotechniques and regional geography

Discussion Questions How could North American environmental patterns affect human settlement? Besides the ecoregion and biome concepts, can you think of any other technique to classify physical geography characteristics?

Related Books Diamond, Jared Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Society. New York: W.W. Norton and Company. – Pulitzer Prize winning book by a converted geographer. It discusses the human and environmental history of Earth in a lively manner. Marsh, William M Landscape Planning: Environmental Implications, 4th ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons. –A guidebook of sorts, focusing on how different environmental states affect land use planning in North America. Orme, Anthony R. ed The Physical Geography of North America. New York: Oxford University Press. –25 articles by well-respected authors detailing current information about regional environments of North American systems.

WebSources Physical Geography Introduction/Overview National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (US Department of Commerce) Hurricane Information U.S. Global Climate Change Research Program