Regional geography of the United States
Answer: The United States of America is located on the North American continent, bordered by Canada to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Gulf of Mexico and Mexico to the south to the west by the Pacific Ocean ǀ
The geographical features of the United States are:
1) The United States belongs to a temperate climate ǀ
2) It covers an area of 9.6 million square kilometers, making it 6.37 percent of the world's land area. It is the fourth largest country in the world
3) The United States is divided into three parts according to its geographical structure and geographical features:
a) Topography of the Rocky Mountain Region
The Rocky Mountains are a region of mountains, hills, plateaus, valleys, lakes, etc. through the high plains to the east and the Pacific coast to the west ,The region is rich in minerals such as petroleum, gold, silver, copper etc. ǀ it is home to cities like Los Angeles, Seattle, Las-Vegas, San Francisco.
b) Central plain region
(The Central Plains is the plain region stretching north-south and east-west between the Appalachian Highlands and the Rocky Mountains. ǀ This region of the United States contains the valleys formed by the world famous Mississippi and Missouri rivers and their tributaries. Cities like Birmingham, St. Louis, Chicago are located in this region.
C. Topography of the Appalachian Highlands
(The Appalachian Highlands are the highlands of the eastern United States that run roughly parallel to the Atlantic coast. Most of the territory is surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains. The world-famous Niagara Falls are located in this region. Atlanta, New York and other cities are located)
2. Divide the United States into natural divisions ǀ give a brief overview of each division
Answer: The United States of America is divided into three natural divisions:
a) Topography of the Rocky Mountain region
The Rocky Mountains are the territory of the United States that runs through the high plains to the east and the Pacific coast to the west The notable mountain ranges of the region are the Sierra, Nevada, Cascade, Coast Range, and the Rocky Mountains are the eastern and western edges of the region. These include the Columbia Plateau, the Great Basin and the Colorado Plateau. The entire region, including the Great Basin, falls in the rain shadow of the Pacific Coastal Mountains ǀ these areas have become deserts due to lack of rainfall ǀ the region is home to the famous saltwater lake Great Salt Lake as well as the world famous Colorado River –Grand Canyon and Death Valley. The region is rich in minerals such as silver and copper ǀ it is home to cities such as Los Angeles, Seattle, Las Vegas and San Franciscoǀ)
B. Topography of the Appalachian Highlands
The Appalachian Highlands are the highlands of the eastern United States that extend roughly parallel to the Atlantic coast. Most of this territory is surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains. The Appalachian Highlands extend from the Hutch Valley and Lake Erie-Ontario in the north to Alabama in the south. The landscape is complex as it consists of mountains, plateaus, plains and valleys. These include the Allegheny Mountains to the west, the Cumberland Plateau to the south, the Appalachian Mountains and Valleys to the east, the Blue Ridge Mountains to the south, and the Coastal Plains to the east. This region receives the highest rainfall in the country. The mountains of this region formed much earlier than the Rocky Mountains in the western part of the United States. Its average elevation above sea level is currently not more than 2000 m. Numerous small and large rivers flow through the mountains and plateaus of this region. These include the Ohio, Tennessee, Hudson and Alabama rivers. The world famous Niagara Falls is located near Lake Erie on the northern border of the region. To the east and south of the Appalachian Mountains is the Atlantic Coastal Plain ǀ the northern part of this coastal plain is very steep and the southern part is slightly wider C.S. Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Atlanta are located. The region is also rich in mineral resources such as iron and petroleum
c) Rivers of the Central Plains
The Central Plains region is mainly part of the Mississippi-Missouri basin ǀ the major rivers Mississippi and Missouri and their tributaries flow through the region ǀ making the entire region a fertile alluvial plain ǀ making it very suitable for agriculture ǀ with an average elevation of 300 above sea level ǀ The plains are occasionally hilly ǀ Some of the famous glacial lakes in the region are Superior, Michigan, Hubon, Erie, etc. ǀ The coastal plain is the Mexico coastal plain in the southernmost part of the central plain ǀ Miami, Cities such as Birmingham, St. Louis and Chicago are located in the region
4. Discuss the population growth and distribution of the United States with the help of maps ǀ
Answer: When the United States gained independence in 1976, the total population of its 13 states was 3 million ǀ later its population began to grow rapidly as a result of immigration from European countries ǀ as of 2007, the country has a population of 302 million (third most populous country in the world) ǀ
Currently, the country's population growth rate is declining and immigration is declining significantly ǀ the world's natural growth rate is 1.20 percent compared to the US population growth rate of 0.60 percent Black people without religion ǀ
Overall, the country is densely populated in the Appalachian Highlands and Atlantic coastal regions in the east and sparsely populated in the central plains and Cardilleras in the west. However, the California coastline in the west is somewhat densely populated. . Michigan, which covers only a quarter of the country's land area in the southern and eastern parts of the state, is home to about two-thirds of the country's total population. The average population density in the United States is 32 people per square kilometre, while the region has a density of about 85 people per square kilometre. Massachusetts, New Jersey and Rhode Island have population densities of more than three hundred. The District of Columbia (D.C.), with Washington (D. C.) as its capital, has a population of approximately 3,800. The Central Plains and Cardilleras in the west have a population density of only 15 people. The states of Montana, Nevada, North Dakota and Wyoming have population densities of less than 5 people. The entire region is not suitable for population and economic development due to rugged mountainous terrain and lack of rainfall. However, some parts of the Cordillera region have been settled due to mineral resources. There is a significant gap between the ratio of urban to rural population in the United States ǀ three-quarters of the country's total population lives in cities
5. Write about the role of agriculture in the economy of the United States
Answer: The United States is the world's largest producer of maize, cotton and tobacco and the second largest producer of wheat and barley. Its maize and wheat production account for 46 percent and 18 percent of the world's total ǀ therefore the United States is able to export many commodities ǀ the United States has a higher per capita agricultural production than other countries
Agriculture provides only 2 per cent of the national income ǀ in terms of land use, one-fourth of the total land area of the country is under permanent agriculture ǀ however, only 5 per cent of the total population involved in the country's economy depends on agriculture
6. What is meant by agricultural zone? Show on a map how many and what agricultural zones have been identified in the United States and give a brief description of each zone ǀ
Answer: An agricultural zone is an agricultural zone in which certain agricultural activities are sometimes practiced in a region based on the topography, soil, climate, etc
The United States is divided into several zones or regions from east to west based on topography, soil, climate, etc. ǀ each of these zones focuses on a particular crop ǀ and is therefore widely mechanized on a commercial basis due to sparse population The United States has the highest per capita agricultural production compared to other countries. ǀ The main agricultural zones of the United States extend east-west from the Atlantic coast west to 100 ̊ west longitude Western Mixed Agricultural Zone, Mediterranean Agricultural Zone, Dry Agriculture and Livestock Zone, Spring Wheat Zone, Maize Zone, Winter Wheat Zone, Cotton Zone, Rice and Soybean Zone and Northeast Mixed Agricultural Zone ǀ
(1) Rice and maize rings
Florida, located on the coast of Mexico and the southern parts of the states of Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana, end in this agricultural zone and have a subtropical climate. It has tropical temperatures and high rainfall. The region is identified as the rice and maize belt as it consists of loamy fertile soil ǀ paddy and maize are the main crops of the region.
(2) Cotton rings
Cotton is grown in this vast east-west section of the United States, covering the southern part of the Mississippi Basin just north of the rice corn belt. 36 ̊ north latitude defines the northern boundary of the cotton belt. Texas, Mississippi and Arkansas produce more than 50 percent of the country's total cotton production.
(3) Winter wheat and tobacco circles
The cotton belt extends from the Atlantic coast in the north to Colorado in the west. Tobacco is produced in large quantities in the eastern part of the region, which includes North Carolina, Kentucky, Virginia and Maryland. Winter wheat is grown in the western states of Nebraska, Kansas, eastern Colorado, Oklahoma and Texas. It is from this winter wheat ring that Yukra exports the most wheat ǀ
4) Maize rings
The area north of the winter wheat belt from central Ohio to central Nebraska is called the maize belt ǀ the states of Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Nebraska produce most of the US maize ǀ
5. Spring wheat ring
The wheat belt is located in the northern part of the prairies ǀ wheat production is possible only in spring due to winter in the United States, mainly in the states of Montana and North Dakota, South Dakota and western Minnesota
6. North Eastern Marginal Mixed Agricultural Zone
The region consists of the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania and New England to the south and east of the Great Lakes
7. Dry Agriculture and Livestock Zone
This vast agricultural land consists of the western part of the Central Plains and the eastern part of the Cardillera region ǀ the region is grassy due to low rainfall ǀ the western part of Texas, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, Nevada, Bioming Tidal crops, barley, maize etc. through some irrigation and milk, meat and wool through animal husbandry ǀ
8. Mediterranean Agricultural Zone
California, on the Pacific coast of the United States, has a Mediterranean climate ǀ hence the name of the Mediterranean Agricultural Zone ǀ in addition to wheat and cotton, the region produces abundant fruits such as oranges, apples, and grapes
9. North West Marginal Mixed Agricultural Zone
The states of Washington, Oregon and Idaho in the northwestern part of the United States raise livestock for wheat and maize production as well as milk and meat ǀ hence the region is called the mixed farming zone ǀ
7. Name and map the major industrial regions of the United States ǀ give a detailed description of one of them ǀ
Answer: The major industrial regions in the United States are:
1) North East Industrial Zone
a) Pittsburgh Wheeling Cleveland Industry Center
b) New York Philadelphia Baltimore Industry Center
c) Southern New England Industry Center
d) Detroit Industry Center
and) Southern Michigan Industry Center
2) South Industrial Area
3) Pacific Coastal Industry Zone
Description of the Southern Industrial Area:
Through industrial decentralization, the Southern Industrial Zone extends from Texas to the state of North Carolina on the Atlantic coast east. About 20 percent of the country's total workforce is employed in the region's industries Region Many small and large industries based on forest resources and agricultural resources like cotton, tobacco and maize etc. have developed in this region ǀ Some of the major industrial areas in this region are-
a) South East Industrial Centre,
b) South West Industrial Center
8) Kiss typing-
a) Topography of the Rocky Mountain region
The Rocky Mountains are the territory of the United States that runs through the high plains to the east and the Pacific coast to the west More than meter ǀSierra, Nevada, Cascades, and Coastrange are notable mountain ranges in the region ǀ moreover, the eastern and western edges of the Rocky Mountain region are nearly parallel with several plateaus between two rows of mountains. These include the Columbia Plateau, the Great Basin and the Colorado Plateau. The entire region, including the Great Basin, falls in the rain shadow of the Pacific Coastal Mountains ǀ these areas have become deserts due to lack of rainfall ǀ the region is home to the famous saltwater lake Great Salt Lake as well as the world famous Colorado River –Grand Canyon and Death Valley. The region is rich in minerals such as silver and copper ǀ it is home to cities such as Los Angeles, Seattle, Las Vegas and San Franciscoǀ)
B. Topography of the Appalachian Highlands
The Appalachian Highlands are the highlands of the eastern United States that extend roughly parallel to the Atlantic coast. Most of this territory is surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains. The Appalachian Highlands extend from the Hutch Valley and Lake Erie-Ontario in the north to Alabama in the south. The landscape is complex as it consists of mountains, plateaus, plains and valleys. These include the Allegheny Mountains to the west, the Cumberland Plateau to the south, the Appalachian Mountains and Valleys to the east, the Blue Ridge Mountains to the south, and the Coastal Plains to the east. This region receives the highest rainfall in the country. The mountains of this region formed much earlier than the Rocky Mountains in the western part of the United States. Its average elevation above sea level is currently not more than 2000 m. Numerous small and large rivers flow through the mountains and plateaus of this region. These include the Ohio, Tennessee, Hudson and Alabama rivers. The world famous Niagara Falls is located near Lake Erie on the northern border of the region. To the east and south of the Appalachian Mountains is the Atlantic Coastal Plain ǀ the northern part of this coastal plain is very steep and the southern part is slightly wider C.S. Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Atlanta are located. The region is also rich in mineral resources such as iron and petroleum
c) Rivers of the Central Plains
The Central Plains region is mainly part of the Mississippi and Missouri basin ǀ the major rivers Mississippi and Missouri and their tributaries flow through the region making the entire region a fertile alluvial plain ǀ the region is famous for agriculture due to the fertile soil of the river valleys. Colorado, Arkansas,Yukon, St. Lawrence, etc. ǀ
D. Urbanization and major cities in the United States
The natural environment of the United States is less conducive to habitation ǀ geographically it is divided into three regions – the Rocky Mountains, the Appalachian Highlands, and the Central Plains The central plains and Cardillera are sparsely populated. Urbanization occurs in densely populated areas due to abundance of mineral resources, industrialization and transportation and commerce facilities. ǀThe major cities in the United States are Washington (capital), Atlanta, New York, Miami, Birmingham, St. Louis, Chicago, Los Angeles, Seattle, Las-Vegas, San Francisco, etc. ǀ
e) Economic characteristics of the United States
Answer: The characteristics of the United States economy are:
a) Trade, communications, transport and transport services contribute 68 percent of the national income, industry contributes 30 percent and agriculture contributes only 2 percent
b) 79 per cent of the total population aged 15-64 years is engaged in various economic activities ǀ Only 5 per cent of the people involved in economic activities depend on agriculture ǀ Agriculture, industry, trade, commerce, transport and various services
c) The United States is the world's leader in mineral exploration ǀ coal, copper, petroleum production accounts for 20 percent of the world's total production
d) The United States is the world's largest producer of maize, cotton and tobacco and the second largest producer of wheat and barley. Its maize and wheat production account for 46 percent and 18 percent of the world's total ǀ therefore the United States is able to export many commodities ǀ the United States has a higher per capita agricultural production than other countries
f) United States Agricultural Circle
The United States is divided into several zones or regions from east to west based on topography, soil, climate, etc. ǀ each of these zones focuses on a particular crop ǀ and is therefore widely mechanized on a commercial basis due to sparse population The United States has the highest per capita agricultural production compared to other countries. ǀ The main agricultural zones of the United States extend east-west from the Atlantic coast west to 100 ̊ west longitude Western Mixed Agricultural Zone, Mediterranean Agricultural Zone, Dry Agriculture and Livestock Zone, Spring Wheat Zone, Maize Zone, Winter Wheat Zone, Cotton Zone, Rice and Soybean Zone and Northeast Mixed Agricultural Zone ǀ
(g) Northeast Industrial Zone of the United States
Answer: The Northeast of the United States is home to 10 percent of the total land area of the United States, home to 50 percent of the country's population and 75 percent of the country's industry
(a) Pittsburgh Wheeling-Cleveland Industrial Center. The industry center is located in Pennsylvania and Ohio in the northern Appalachian coal mining region. The region is famous for its excellent coal, improved transportation and iron ore base in the Superior region. It is also famous for its glass, textile and rubber industries
(b) New York-Philadelphia-Baltimore Industrial Center-Iron Steel Industry,Textile, Tin, Petroleum and Oil Refineries in Baltimore; textile, electrical equipment,petroleum,sugar and rubber industries in Philadelphia;iron-steel,railroad locomotives in eastern Pennsylvania; The textile , electrical appliances,clothing industry is located in New Jersey ǀ
(c) Detroit Industrial Center-The area is rich in iron ore, coal and hardwood and has become an automotive manufacturing center
(d) Southern New England Industrial Center - Textiles, paper industry, textile equipment manufacturing and leather industry depend on hydropower ǀ The main places in this region are New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Orchester, etc
(e) Southern Michigan Industrial Center - Chicago is the center of iron and steel, railroad coach manufacturing, automobile manufacturing, etc. due to the easy availability of coal and iron
(h) United States Pacific Coast Industry
Answer: The industrial center is made up of the states of Washington, Oregon,California, on the Pacific coast ǀ it is the smallest and newest industrial region in the United States ǀ about 10 percent of the country's workers work in these industries Using the area has developed industries related to iron and steel making, aircraft manufacturing, paper production ,forest wine production ǀ the California film industry is world famous ǀ
i) Dry agricultural and pastoral zones
Answer: This vast agricultural land consists of the western part of the Central Plains and the eastern part of the Cardillera region ǀ the region is grassy due to low rainfall ǀ the western part of Texas, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, Nevada, Bioming Tidal crops, barley, maize etc. through some irrigation and milk, meat and wool through animal husbandry ǀ
(j) Mineral resources of the United States
Answer: The Rocky Mountains region of the United States is made up of mountains, hills, plateaus, valleys, lakes, etc. through the high plains to the east and the Pacific coast to the west The Appalachian Highlands are major industrial hubs due to the easy availability of minerals like iron ore, petroleum, hardwood. ǀ The Central Plains are formed by the basins of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers and their tributaries which create excellent fertile land for agriculture Not accessible ,so there is very little population and industry ǀ
Census year =
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1950
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2007
Population (in millions) =
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5
23
76
151
202
281
302
Editing By:- Lipi Medhi
