US Physical Geography and Mountain Ranges

Practice flashcards covering the major physical features, mountain systems, elevations, and tectonic boundaries of the United States.

What are the geographic boundaries and terrain characteristics of the Atlantic plain?

It is very flat, begins in New England, and runs down the coast to the middle of the border between Mexico and The State of Texas.

What is the geographical extent of the Appalachians and how did they historically affect travel?

The Appalachians form a belt of mountains starting in Canada and running down along the Atlantic coast to Alabama, separating the Atlantic plain from the rest of the country; it was the first obstacle and for many years people did not know how to cross it.

What is the highest point of the Appalachians, and what are its recorded elevations?

Mount Mitchell (Mount Michel), which is the highest peak east of the Mississippi River, with an elevation of $2045\,\text{m}$ ($6684\,\text{ft}$).

How does the lecture describe the geography and terrain change of the Great Plains (midwest)?

Covering a large part of the US from Canada down to Mexico, it appears flat but actually gradually rises toward the Rocky mountains, and it was and still is cowboy country.

Where do the Rocky mountains span, and what percentage of the US map do they cover?

They start in Alaska and run down to Mexico, covering $45\%$ of the US on the map.

What is the highest point in the Rocky mountains, and where is it located?

Mountain Elbert in Colorado, with an elevation of $4000\,\text{m}$.

What major geological features, landforms, and regions are found in the Rockies?

A complex mixture of freezing mountains and valleys, basins, platos such as the Colorado plato, the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and desert areas in the southwest part.

What is listed as the highest point of the Sierra Nevada, and what is its elevation?

Mount Whitney, at an elevation of $4418\,\text{m}$.

What is the highest point of the Cascade mountains, and what is its height?

Rainier, at an elevation of $4400\,\text{m}$.

What features are located to the west of the Sierra?

Valleys such as the valleys of California or Oregon, as well as the Pacific coast ranges.

What major fault exists along the Pacific coast ranges, and what disaster did it cause?

The San Andrea's fault, which caused an earthquake in $1906$ that lasted $55\,\text{s}$ and completely distorted San Fransisco.