THE WEST REGION Mrs. Elko 5 th Grade Social Studies

The Rocky Mountains Largest mountain system in North America Extends more than 3,000 miles from New Mexico through Canada and into Alaska Provides a home for many animals Tourism is important to the Rocky Mountain economy

Yellowstone National Park Oldest national park in the world – Covers more than 2.2 million acres of land – Located in parts of Wyoming, Idaho and Montana Points of Interest – Geysers – Wildlife In 1988, a wildfire burned many acres of the park The forests’ recovery gave scientists a chance to study the effects of wildfire

Frigid Climates Alaska Tundra is located here – Average Temps. Northern part: -11 degrees Southern part: Ranges between 28-55° Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and Washington – Wintry temperatures and heavy snowfalls

Warmer Climates California – Temperatures rarely drop below freezing, even in the dead of winter – Death Valley is a desert area in Southern California Hawaii – Tropical climate – Warm and wet all year round – Tropical rainforests

Highest & Lowest Points Death Valley – Lowest point in North America – Southern California – Desert climate Mount McKinley – Highest point in North America at 20,320 feet – Alaska

Natural Resources Alaska – Harsh climates cannot support plant growth – Greenhouses are necessary for Alaska to grow crops Hawaii – Tropical climate is great for growing crops – Sugarcane, pineapples, macadamia nuts, and coffee Other sources of income – Livestock, fishing industry, mineral resources, wood products

Reason Behind Geysers There are so many hot springs at Yellowstone because it is located over a “hot spot” where magma lies close to the Earth’s surface. Magma heats underground water that rises to the surface.