Regions of the United Regions of the United StatesStatesThe The

Rocky MountainsRocky Mountains

Mountain and Basin Mountain and Basin StatesStates

States included: Colorado, Wyoming, States included: Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Montana, Idaho, Utah, Nevada,

Physical Geography Physical Geography

Characterized by the steep and Characterized by the steep and jagged Rocky Mountain Range, jagged Rocky Mountain Range, foothills of the Rockies, High Deserts foothills of the Rockies, High Deserts and Intermountain Basins.and Intermountain Basins.

Diverse physical region, including Diverse physical region, including landforms and climates.landforms and climates.

ClimatesClimates

Highland climate is found Highland climate is found throughout the Rockiesthroughout the Rockies

Desert and Steppe are found in the Desert and Steppe are found in the Southwest and Basin area.Southwest and Basin area.

In general, the area is arid or dry. In general, the area is arid or dry. Farming is done with irrigation.Farming is done with irrigation.

Historical Geography Historical Geography

Mining townsMining towns Outlaws (Wild West)Outlaws (Wild West) Cattle/Sheep GrazingCattle/Sheep Grazing Reservation LandsReservation Lands Las Vegas and Reno- Gambling Las Vegas and Reno- Gambling

townstowns National Park ServiceNational Park Service

Population GeographyPopulation Geography

Not densely populated. Not densely populated. Major urban centers Major urban centers

include: Denver, Las include: Denver, Las Vegas, and Salt Lake Vegas, and Salt Lake City.City.

Economic ActivityEconomic Activity GrazingGrazing MiningMining TourismTourism LumberLumber

Cultural Heritage of the Cultural Heritage of the WestWest

Old Mining ghost town exemplify the Old Mining ghost town exemplify the culture of the mountain states. When culture of the mountain states. When mining diminished, tourism took over.mining diminished, tourism took over.

Mountain towns are known for their Mountain towns are known for their transient population, seasonal transient population, seasonal employment, and influx of tourists.employment, and influx of tourists.

Likewise, the Basin states are home to the Likewise, the Basin states are home to the largest number of National Parks.largest number of National Parks.

Regions of the United StatesRegions of the United States

The SouthwestThe Southwest

Southwestern StatesSouthwestern States States included: Texas, New Mexico, States included: Texas, New Mexico,

Arizona.Arizona.

Physical Geography Physical Geography

Characterized by the foothills of the Rockies, Characterized by the foothills of the Rockies, Deserts and Coastal plains along the Gulf Deserts and Coastal plains along the Gulf Coast.Coast.

Diverse physical region, including landforms Diverse physical region, including landforms and climates. High elevations and low.and climates. High elevations and low.

ClimatesClimates Desert and Steppe are found in most of the Desert and Steppe are found in most of the

Southwest. Humid Subtropical is found in Southwest. Humid Subtropical is found in Eastern Texas.Eastern Texas.

In general, the area is arid. Farming is done In general, the area is arid. Farming is done with irrigation.with irrigation.

Cultural Heritage of the Cultural Heritage of the SouthwestSouthwest Strong Spanish and Native American Strong Spanish and Native American

influences in the Southwest.influences in the Southwest. Unique foods, art, architecture, and music.Unique foods, art, architecture, and music.

Population GeographyPopulation Geography Population density varies greatly. Population density varies greatly. Major urban centers include: Dallas, Houston, Major urban centers include: Dallas, Houston,

San Antonio, and Phoenix.San Antonio, and Phoenix.

Economic ActivityEconomic Activity

Grazing and RanchingGrazing and Ranching MiningMining Oil/PetroleumOil/Petroleum TourismTourism Fishing along the Gulf coastFishing along the Gulf coast