Regions of Texas

Coastal Plains The largest natural region in Texas. The most populated region. A plentiful water supply, coupled with its flat land, make the Coastal Plains ideal for farming and ranching. Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin are some of the large cities.

Coastal Plains Natural Resources: Lumber Cotton Rice Vegetables Grains Grasses for cattle Oil (Spindletop)

North Central Plains The Balcones Escarpment and Caprock Escarpment separate this region from the rest of Texas. Many of the large cattle ranches are located here. Fort Worth is the largest city in the region.

Great Plains The Great Plains – often called “a sea of grass” – were once home to immense herds of buffalo and nomadic Native Americans. Today much of the land is used to grow cotton and wheat. Located far from the moist Gulf winds, the Great Plains region is a dry area. Droughts are often a problem; only irrigation from underground water sources and new techniques make farming possible. Amarillo is one of the largest cities.

Mountains and Basins Part of the Rocky Mountain system. West most natural region. Highest and driest of the regions. It is mostly a desert area, and so little rain falls here that trees will grow only along the few scattered streams. Natural vegetation includes desert plants such as cactus. All of Texas’s true mountains are found in the Mountains and Basins region. El Paso is one of the largest cities in the region.

Mountains and Basins Natural Resources: Cotton is the most important crop grown here. Petroleum and natural gas lie in this region along with many other natural minerals.