1. Texas’ Natural Resources

2. Texas contains a number of different landforms and an abundance of natural resources.

3. Water Resources Gulf of Mexico provides fishing and water sports Bays are also important fishing areas Pollution is becoming a problem making some seafood unsafe to eat in some areas.

4. Rivers Rio Grande, Red and Sabine are border rivers “Wrong Way” rivers running from dry places to wet places Most rivers are dammed forming lakes

5. Lakes Nearly two hundred major lakes Caddo Lake is the only natural lake Used for irrigation Supplies cities with drinking water

6. Aquifers Underground water used for irrigation of cities and farms Edwards Aquifer-supplies San Antonio Rainfall refills the aquifer Ogallala Aquifer- conservation programs trying to help

7. Rich Soil One of the most valuable resources Used for farming and ranching Farming and ranching produce $40 Billion in income

8. Three Vegetation Regions Forests (East Texas)- timber is a top cash crop Savanna (West and South Texas)-desert shrub area with limited use Grassland (Central Texas)-good farming, most cities located on it

9. Energy Production Minerals-petroleum, natural gas, coal, sand, salt Oil and gas produced $17 Billion per year ¼ of U.S. has been produced in Texas

10. Energy Production (cont.) Oil / Natural Gas (petroleum )-most important Coal ENERGY SALT Mined in Grand Saline-Located outside of Dallas BUILDING STONE Granite Limestone Gypsum

11. Who Am I? Create a Who Am I statement for each to Texas’ natural resources… ie: I live below the ground. I aid in irrigation and the survival of citizens. I am not easily refilled and will soon be dry.

12. Level 2 In which natural vegetation region would you most like to live? Why? What would that area look like?

13. Level 1 How do Texas’ natural resources affect your life and the economy of the state?

14. Horizons Analyze how the availability of natural resources affect an area or region’s economy.