North American Physical Geography

Highlands, Plains and Plateaus Highlands – North American Elevation rises to the west – Appalachian Mts. and Laurentain Highlands – Rocky Mts. –Mexico to Alaska – Coast Mts. – British Columbia to California Plains – Low flatland – Appear by coasts – Great plains- center of North America Plateaus – Flat land, high elevation, may be between mountains – Western United States and Mexico(mesas)

Rivers and Lakes Rivers – Major cities developed along rivers – St. Lawrence – major waterway from Great Lakes to Atlantic Ocean – Rio Grande- natural border between Mexico and United States Lakes – Great Lakes- largest body of fresh water in the world – Form the boundary between U.S. and Canada

Great Plains Key Ideas Major agricultural area- grains, corn, soybeans, and much more Feeds U.S. and Canada- “breadbasket” and exports surpluses Rich supply of Energy- oil and natural gas

The Great Plains Stretches from Missouri River to the Rocky Mts. Rich soil Climate – temperate Abundant rainfall, irrigate dry areas Transport goods on rivers- Mississippi, Missouri Railroads move goods in U.S. and Canada Major agricultural region- many different crops Major oil and natural gas deposits

Western Mountains and Deserts Landforms and Climate – Cordillera- Rocky Mts. and Sierra Nevada Mts. – Between the mountains is the Great Basin Dry, little rainfall Sparse plant life Sandy soil Desert climate – Grand Canyon Dry Some desert Deep steep gorges Soft rock

Resources and Conservation Resources – Mountains provide many mineral resources – Natural gas, especially in southwestern Canada – Electricity- dams Conservation- – Water in short supply - huge population growth - drought Hoover dam supplies- electricity, drinking water and irrigation for Arizona, Southern California and Nevada

Mexico’s Mountains and Plateaus Landforms and Climate – Peninsulas Baja- western Mexico near California Yucatan- southeastern Mexico – Mountains Sierra Madres – Occidental in the west – Oriental in the east – Del Sur in the south – Plateau- Mexican Plateau lies between the mountains Southern part- Mesa Central Mexico City 20% of population lives here’ Rich volcanic soil- Pico de Orizaba Northern- Mesa del Norte