Chapter 2 – A Land Called Texas Section 1 – The Physical Landscape of Texas

The Borders of Texas Gulf of Mexico – Southeast Mexico – South New Mexico – West Oklahoma – North Arkansas – Northeast Louisiana - East

Landscape of Texas Four major types of landforms Hills – spread throughout the plains, mostly in Central Texas and the Hill Country to the west of Central Texas Mountains – mostly located in West Texas, several ranges in Texas, highest peak is the Guadalupe Peak in the Guadalupe Mountains Ranges – groups of mountains

Landscape of Texas Four major types of landforms Plains – areas of flat or gently rolling land without a sharp rise or fall in elevation Covers most of the Gulf Coast, Panhandle, North Texas, South Texas, and West Texas Plateaus – areas of flat elevated land that drop sharply on one or more sides Largest Plateau is Edwards Plateau located west of Hill Country and rises in elevation from east to west.

Texas River Systems All rivers and streams eventually flow into the Gulf of Mexico First System: All the rivers and streams in North Texas that flow into the Mississippi River Includes Red River and Canadian River Second System: Flows parallel to one another directly into the Gulf of Mexico Includes the Brazos, Colorado, Neches, Nueces, Sabine, and Trinity Rivers

Texas River Systems Third System: Rio Grande and its tributaries Includes the Pecos River Tributaries – any smaller streams or rivers that flow into a larger stream or river The Rio Grande is the boundary between Texas and Mexico

Texas Lakes and Aquifers Most of the lakes in Texas are man-made via dams to create reservoirs for drinking water, recreation, and irrigation Reservoirs – artificial lakes Irrigation – watering of crops

Texas Lakes and Aquifers Water is also found in aquifers, which are filled by rainwater Aquifer – formation of natural gravel, rock, and sand that trap and hold rainwater underground

Texas Lakes and Aquifers Ogallala Aquifer – largest underground water source in the state. Stretches from West Texas to South Dakota. Edwards Aquifer – provides water for San Antonio, Austin, and the rest of Central Texas