Geography of the United States SPI Covered 7.3.10 I CAN identify the characteristics that define a region geographically.

Geography of the United States The United States is the 4th Largest country in the world. There are 50 states, 48 are contiguous, that means they touch another state. The U.S. has 5 physical regions. A coral reef is a low lying island formed from the skeletons of small sea animals.

Geography of the United States The 1st immigrants came from Asia across the Bearing Strait. The U.S. has a Republic form of government, that is where we elect our officials. A sudden political change is called a “Revolution”. An “ethnic group” is a group of people that share a common culture, language, and history.

Geographic Regions of the U.S. The Coastal Plains run along the Atlantic Coast and the Gulf of Mexico. They run from Maine to Texas are low in elevation.

Geographic Regions of the U.S. The Appalachian Mountains are the 2nd longest and the oldest mountains in the U.S. The Great Lakes are the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world. The Great Lakes and the Mississippi River are major waterways in the U.S.

Geographic Regions of the U.S. The Interior Plains have thick forests, broad river valleys and rolling farm land. The longest river in the U.S. is the Mississippi River.

Geographic Regions of the U.S. The Rocky Mountains are the largest mountain range in the U.S. and form the Continental Divide.

Geographic Regions of the U.S. Alaska and Hawaii are part of the Pacific Region. Alaska is the only state with a sub arctic climate.

Economic Regions of the U.S. The Northeast region of the U.S. is the oldest and earliest center of manufacturing. The Northeast has deep water ports for shipping manufactured goods. A “Megalopolis” is an urban area that makes a super city. New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington D.C.

Economic Regions of the U.S. The South has a very large tourist trade with places such as Sea World and Disney World. The south also relies on agriculture and it’s products. Atlanta and Dallas are major business centers. The south and southwest are the fastest growing regions in the U. S.

Economic Regions of the U.S. The Midwest is America’s farm belt with it’s flat land and rich fertile soil. The Great Lakes and the Mississippi River are major waterways in the Midwest.

Economic Regions of the U.S. The Interior West is famous for it’s ranching and it is rich in mineral and energy resources. One of the main economic activities in the Interior West is ranching.

Economic Regions of the U.S. The Pacific region produces fruit, vegetables, sugarcane, coffee and rice. The best farmland in the Pacific region is in Central California. Dry farming is farming land so that it holds water. Smog is pollution mixed with rain or snow.