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Geography The United States is the fourth largest country in the world and includes a wide range of terrain and climates. It is made up of fifty states, including Alaska, which lies to the north of Canada, and Hawaii, an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. The forty eight states in North America occupy an area of 3,787,300 square miles (9,809,107 square kilometers) bound by the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Canadian border, and Mexico. Forested coastal plains border the eastern seaboard, ending at the lower slopes of the Appalachian Mountains, which extend from Alabama to Maine. To the west of the Appalachians are the great central plains. Originally vast prairies filled with herds of wild buffalo, the plains are now the country's farm belt, where wheat and corn are grown. The central plains end at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, which stretch from New Mexico to Canada and Alaska. The soaring peaks of the Rockies are snowcapped all year round, even in the southern ranges. West of the mountain range are the western plateaus and the Grand Canyon, one of the world's natural wonders. The Pacific ranges run along the west coast and into Alaska, where Mt. McKinley, the nation's highest peak, is found. The west coast is subject to earthquakes. Located near the San Andreas Fault, a major fracture in Earth's crust, San Francisco experienced major earthquakes in 1906 and 1989. There are six great rivers in the United States: the Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Columbia, Colorado, and the Rio Grande. The Mississippi is the longest river in North America and an important artery of trade. It travels 2,350 miles (3,781 km) from Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, near New Orleans. The Colorado, a rapid, dangerous river, races through the southwest before slowing down at the Grand Canyon. Dams on the Colorado have helped turn the surrounding area into fertile farmland. The Rio Grande forms the border between Texas and Mexico and is also used for irrigation. The Columbia, which runs along the Washington and Oregon border, is one of the world's greatest sources of hydroelectric power. In the past, it was noted for its abundance of salmon, but pollution and the construction of modern dams have greatly reduced its marine life in recent years. USA Climate Climate varies widely in the United States, from the wet Pacific Northwest to the deserts of Arizona and Nevada, from the bitter winters of North Dakota and Minnesota to balmy, tropical Florida. In fact, visitors from almost anywhere in the world would be able to find somewhere in the country that would remind them of home. Four Seasons Except for Alaska, which experiences severe cold throughout the year, most of the country falls in the temperate climate zone, with four seasons in a year. Autumn begins in late September and ends in December. The northern Midwest is hit hardest by winter cold. Hurricanes are a problem in the coastal areas of the eastern and southern United States, while tornadoes plague the Midwest. Along the western coast, warm Pacific Ocean currents keep the climate mild all year round. Temperatures in the deserts of the Southwest are high during the day but drop in the evening. Plants and Animals Due to the variation in climate and topography, the United States has a tremendous variety of flora and fauna. Although many large cities dot the country, there are also vast, scarcely inhabited areas. New England is famous for the striking colors of its trees in autumn, when leaves turn from green to brilliant hues of red and gold. The southeastern regions are known for their beautiful fruit trees. Florida has mangrove swamps filled with alligators. Southwestern areas are characterized by desert type vegetation. Forests cover the northwestern coastal regions. Perhaps most stunning are the forests of giant redwood trees along the northwestern coast. The United States is home to many thriving species of animals. Deer live in forested areas, and bears roam the national parks. The bald eagle, however, is a threatened species, and the condor is endangered. Conservation groups have organized to protect them. The indigenous buffalo, which once roamed the Great Plains in large herds, has been hunted close to extinction. Extract from "Countries Of The World - USA". Written by Elizabeth Berg. Times Editions Pty Ltd 1999. |
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