1. The WEST
The Geography

2. A vast region Largest region in the U.S 11 States
This region also includes Hawaii and Alaska-our largest state

4. Vast Region Vast-meaning different landforms
Snow capped mountains to fiery volcanoes
Deserts to thick forests

5. Plants and animals
Because of the vast region-many types of plants and animals
Bears, eagles, blue columbine, frangipani

6. Mountains
The rocky mountains-young mountains that stretch more than 3, 000 miles
Formed from huge plates, that floated and bumped into each other and slid upward
The Rockies get lots of snow!

7. Rivers
As the snow from the Rockies melts, it flows into the Rio Grande, the Missouri River and the Colorado River

8. The Great Salt Lake Rivers and stream flow into this lake
Brings freshwater and salt
This lake is getting smaller because of evaporation
Saltier than the ocean-too salty for fish

10. A region in motion Earthquakes-ground trembles
During an earthquake-the plates bump each other and push together-common on the west coast because plates are close together!

12. Volcanoes Magma-melted rock pushes through the earth’s plates
When the magma reaches the surface-its called lava

14. Hot Spots
Some volcanoes form from hot spots or places where magma reaches the earths surface but doesn’t break through

15. Geyser
Pressure from the steam under the water builds up and shoots hot water or steam into the air-OLD FAITHFUL

16. Climate in the west
The elevation affects the climate-higher up you go the colder it gets
Timberlines-tree lines

17. Alaska and Hawaii climate
It is far away from the equator
Has cool summers and very cold winters
Hawaii is closer to the equator
Warm, tropical climate

18. Precipitation
Very wet area around Washington -160 inches of rain every year