Washington State Chapter 1 Geography

Geography and History Geography: study of where and how people live on the earth. Geography influences what people do for work (jobs) and play (recreation)

Physical Features Physical features make each location unique Physical features are natural to the environment and include: mountains, rivers, soil, animal life, natural plants, islands, oceans and climate (weather) How do physical features impact a society?

Human Characteristics People often change the landscape Human characteristics are features made by people and include: cities, freeways, dams, bridges, railroads, irrigation and orchards How do human characteristics impact a society?

Physical Map What physical feature forms the boundary between WA and OR?

Political Map

Hinterland During pioneer times, Washington was considered to be a hinterland. Hinterland: a region far from other settled areas Why was WA considered a hinterland during pioneer pioneer times?

Pacific Ocean coastline West coast of WA is bordered by the Pacific Ocean 157 miles of ocean coastline

3,000 miles of Shoreline Bays, inlets, and islands included

Rain Shadow Effect

Coastal / west side of the Cascade Mountains is rainy. Western Washington receives up to 100 inches of rain per year.

Rain Shadow Effect East side of the mountains is dry because the moisture has already fallen on the west side. Parts of Eastern Washington receive less than six inches of rain per year.

Pacific Rim Region A huge trading region which includes countries that border the Pacific Ocean

Pacific Northwest Region Pacific Northwest

Washington State Regions