Geographic Regions of the United States

Coastal Plains

Key Characteristics

- Stretches along the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico

- Lowland regions from Massachusetts to Louisiana

- Features:

  - Numerous bays and harbors

  - Sandy beaches

  - Fertile soil

  - Extensive wetlands and marshlands

Notable Locations

- Boston, Massachusetts

- New York City

- Philadelphia

- Baltimore

- Outer Banks, Carolinas

- New Orleans

Appalachian Highlands

Key Characteristics

- Oldest mountain range in North America

- Rounded peaks

- Dense forest coverage

- Runs from Maine to Georgia

Regional Mountain Subranges

- Green Mountains (Vermont)

- Adirondack Mountains (New York)

- Blue Ridge Mountains (Maryland/Virginia)

- Great Smokies (North Carolina/Tennessee)

Canadian Shield

Key Characteristics

- Ancient rock formation

- Minimal soil coverage

- Numerous glacial lakes

- Located in northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan

Notable Features

- Lake Superior

- Thousands of glacial lakes

- Frigid winters

- Limited agricultural potential

Interior Lowlands

Key Characteristics

- Rolling flatlands

- Extensive river valleys

- Significant agricultural region

- Part of "Tornado Alley"

Notable Features

- Mississippi River and tributaries

- Extensive cornfields

- Major cities like Chicago

- Significant agricultural production

Great Plains

Key Characteristics

- Extremely flat terrain

- Prairie grasslands

- Limited tree coverage

- Known as "America's Breadbasket"

Notable Features

- Wheat production

- Historical bison grazing lands

- Mount Rushmore (South Dakota)

- Significant Native American historical regions

Rocky Mountains

Key Characteristics

- Rugged mountain range

- Stretches from Alaska to Mexico

- Snow-capped peaks

- Continental Divide location

Wildlife and Activities

- Habitat for bighorn sheep

- Grizzly bear population

- Winter sports

- Mountain climbing

Basin and Range

Key Characteristics

- Low valleys and desert regions

- Minimal rainfall

- Diverse desert wildlife

Notable Locations

- Great Basin

- Death Valley

- Las Vegas, Nevada

- Arches National Park

Coastal Range

Key Characteristics

- Pacific Coast mountain ranges

- Active volcanic regions

- Dramatic coastal landscapes

Notable Features

- Mount St. Helens

- Mount Rainier

- Redwood forests

- Vineyards

- Citrus fruit production