Chapter 3 Lesson 1 Mountains and Basins

A Rugged Land El Capitan Guiding question: What characterizes the landscape and climate of the region? Imagine living in a place that is so hot and dry that few trees can grow there. The land is parched, and the air almost shimmers with an intense heat. El Capitan Mountains arise from a cactus-studded landscape . Wide depressions or dips in the land (basins) also cover the area. Click here for West Texas video

Located in West Texas and bordered by Mexico and New Mexico, most of the region lies to the west of the Pecos River. Aka Trans-Pecos (meaning across the Pecos River)

This part of Texas is known as the Mountains and Basin Region. El Paso, Texas

Mountain Ranges and Peaks The great eastern ranges of the Rocky Mountain system extend from Canada through Texas near the Pecos river, giving the Mountains and Basins region the high elevations in the state. Guadalupe Peak at 8,749 feet is the highest mountain in Texas. The next highest is El Capitan at 8,085. Texas has 7 mountains standing over 8,000 feet. That means they are well over 1 mile high!

Rainfall is not very common in this area Cactus, Yucca and other desert plants require little water. The Chisos range is where Big Bend National Park is located

Natural Landmarks Guiding Question: How can rivers and natural places affect life in a region? Although the Mountains and Basins region is hot and dry, it is nearly bounded by two sides by rivers. The Pecos and Rio Grande rivers. Rivers and other natural features serve as “landmarks” both to residents and visitors. The Rio Grande (The Big River) Rivers provide an important resource necessary for all living things: WATER

Cities and towns tend to develop along big rivers, where water is available to serve large populations. Industries along the Rio Grande provide work for many people of the Mountains and Basins region. West Texas has strong economic and cultural ties to Mexico. The Rio Grande is also important because it provides a natural border with Mexico.

Cities, Places, and Resources Guiding Question: How do location and available resources affect cities and places? The mountains and Basins region is generally sparsely settled. However, it is home to El Paso. One of the largest cities of the state. The most concentrated populations in the region are found in and around El Paso. El Paso sits on the Rio Grande at the far western end of the state. El Paso has strong business ties with Mexico and a strong Hispanic culture and traditions. Ciudad Juarez lies just across the river.

Border trade has grown ever since the agreement took affect in 1994. El Paso is the commercial center of the upper Rio Grande Valley. One factor contributing to trade here is the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Its purpose was to lessen barriers to trade between the United States and Mexico. Border trade has grown ever since the agreement took affect in 1994. One result has been the building of Maquiladoras (factories) along the Mexican border. The factories in Mexico provide low cost labor for items such as clothing, auto parts, electronics, and toys for businesses in the United States, Japan, and elsewhere.