CHAPTER 5 LESSON 1PHYSICAL GEOGRPAHY OF THE UNITED STATES

WARM-UP

USING THE PICTURE, ANSWER THE FOLLWING THREE QUESTIONS:

1. How many landforms are shown in this picture? List as many examples as possible.

2. The Grand Canyon is a

A. gorge

B. basin

C. plateau

D. range

3. How are the Central Valley and Grand Canyon similar?

U.S.A. Physical Facts

At over 3.5 million square miles, the United States is the third-largest country in the world. (1. Russia, 2. Canada)

Glacial activity and tectonic plate movement created the many landforms of the United States.

The Pacific Ranges and the Rocky Mountains mark the western region, with some elevations over 14,000 feet.

The flat landscape of the Great Plains lies in the center.

Going east, the geologically older, but shorter Appalachian Mountains extend to the Piedmont’s fertile plateau, then the Atlantic Coastal Plain hems the shore. 

Formation of the U.S.

How does the term shifted connect to the tectonic plates underneath Earth’s surface?

When the tectonic plates shifted, or moved, they forced giant rock slabs upward, which formed mountains.

How does the term altered relate to volcanic lava and the formation of plateaus?

Lava flows seeped upward through cracks in Earth’s crust and altered, or changed, the land and formed plateaus.

Water Systems

Watch Video! In groups of 4, answer question: Should humans radically change their

lifestyles to make life in Las Vegas sustainable? What lifestyle changes are needed? (Consider reducing water use, finding new water source, etc… Give examples)

Water Systems

Headwaters?

-The source of a stream or river.

Tributary?

-A smaller river or stream that feeds into a larger river.

Divide?

A high point or ridge that determines the direction rivers flow.

Fall Line?

-A boundary in the eastern United States where the higher land of the Piedmont drops to the lower Atlantic Coastal Plain.

Divide and Fall Line Visual

U.S. Climate Facts The large size of the United States leads to many variations in climate

and vegetation.

The oceans moderate temperature in coastal regions, while the interior experiences more extreme conditions.

Turn to page 130 & 131 in the textbook to complete this chart. Which climate do you live in currently in Texas?

Regions of the United States Type of Climate

Southeast Humid Subtropical

Florida Everglades Wetland

Great Plains Continental Climate

West of Great Plains Semiarid

West CoastCentral and Southern CaliRockies and Pacific RangesAlaska

AridMediterraneanHigh Altitude ClimateSubarctic

Hurrican Facts

Hurricane: A severe tropical storm with sustained winds over 74mph. These storms form in 4 bodies of water only.

Atlantic Ocean

Carribean Sea

Gulf of Mexico

Eastern Pacific Ocean

Natural Resources

The U.S. are one of the world leaders in several natural resource production.

Water

Fossil Fuels (a resource formed in the Earth by plant and animal remains)

Coal

Petroleum

Natural gas

Timber

Fish

Gold

Silver