THE SOUTHERN COASTLANDS: ON THE SUBTROPICAL MARGIN (CHAPTER 10)

INTRODUCTION One can divide the entire southern margin of the U.S. in half based on human geography. Rio Grande east to North Carolina U.S-Mexico border area. The southern coastlands are distinct Humid subtropical climate Location on the continental margin The Southern Coastlands may appear to be a region of the “Changing South,” but it does not "fit”, economically nor environmentally. The region is outlined on page 219.

SOUTHERN COASTLANDS

SUBTROPICAL ENVIRONMENT Humid subtropical climate warm, humid summers mild winters long growing seasons  Almost the entire region experiences 9 months or more of potential growing time - map on pg 220  Average growing season is greater than 10 months, with southern Florida having nearly 12 months.  Average rainfall is greater than 50 inches, and almost all of it occurs in the summer (April-October), which makes for ideal growing conditions.

AGRICULTURE Two key agricultural advantages Can host specialty crops which cannot be grown elsewhere Double cropping is possible in some areas Key specialty crops citrus sugarcane rice

AGRICULTURE  Citrus was introduced to Florida in the 16th Century.  Most of the industry is concentrated south of 29  North latitude.  Half the production occurs between Tampa and Orlando.  Since 1945 there has been a continuous increase in local processing rather than simple export.  Today, more than 80% of the total harvest is frozen into concentrate.  The industry is labor intensive and pays out 1/3 of its production costs to migrant workers.

AGRICULTURE (continued)  Sugarcane production is exclusive to the southern coastlands.  Cane is the tropical source of sugar and is the primary source of the world's supply.  In the U.S. and Canada, sugar beets provide a basic source of sugar.  Sugarcane is a perennial crop, requiring a full year to mature, while being very sensitive to frost.  The crop is grown in Louisiana using the natural water supply, and is made possible by irrigation in Florida.

AGRICULTURE (continued)  Rice is irrigated and grown in Louisiana and Texas (near Houston) along the coast.  An additional source area includes the area to the north (in Arkansas) along the Mississippi Valley.

AMENITIES Climate and coastal location Tremendous growth in the retired population. In Florida for example, 12% of the population was older than 60 in 1950; by 1980, however, people over 60 comprised 23% of the population. Tourism Traditional focus has been on Florida-beaches, Disneyland, baseball training camps, Cape Canaveral Recent boom-coastal area extending from New Orleans to Mobile, centered on coastal Mississippi (known locally as the "Mississippi Riviera")

NEW ORLEANS

HAZARDS  Frosts  Mid-winter frosts can be devastating since most agriculturalists expect the first frost not to occur before December 15th.  Too little frost enables insects to thrive throughout the year.  Hurricanes  Destructive and common throughout the entire region.  Hurricanes Camile, Hugo, Andrew, Floyd, etc.  Water Supply  Particularly a problem in central Florida  Groundwater overdraft>>subsidence and the creation of sinkholes (craters formed when the roof of a cavern collapses)

ON THE MARGINS OF THE CONTINENT Trade The coastal location includes several major ports that are located at the mouths of major rivers. Pensacola, Mobile, Galveston, and Corpus Christi all benefit from sheltered bays. Jacksonville, Brownsville, New Orleans, and Houston (made possible via construction back in 1873) are all significant port cities that enhance trade with Latin America and Europe. All of the ports have vast hinterlands that extend into the interior.

ON THE MARGINS OF THE CONTINENT Resources The continental shelf that is adjacent to the region, extends 750 miles out into the ocean in some areas and hosts a variety of resources. Texas and Louisiana are number one and two in U.S. oil production, with much of the supply coming from off shore drilling. Natural gas is also available in large quantities.

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT Petrochemical industry Natural gas and petroleum products Used as chemical components for a variety of everyday use items - plastics, paints, antifreeze, and fertilizer "Texas Triangle” Spatial arrangement of Houston, Dallas - Fort Worth, and San Antonio). The cities are linked together by transportation and communications networks and economic activity.

MAJOR CITIES Miami-tremendous growth recreation travel Latin American commercial connection New Orleans Industrial and recreational importance Constrained site restricts growth Houston-rapid growth Manufacturing and trade Tremendous reliance on the petrochemical industry- a blessing or vulnerability?

THE SOUTHERN COASTLANDS: ON THE SUBTROPICAL MARGIN (CHAPTER 10)