Mr. BurtonMr. BurtonBell-Ringer: Identify three unique Bell-Ringer: Identify three unique

characteristics about the United States characteristics about the United States to everywhere else in the world.to everywhere else in the world.

Physical Features of the United Physical Features of the United StatesStates

Atlantic CoastAtlantic Coast

Appalachian MountainsAppalachian Mountains

Interior PlainsInterior Plains

Mississippi River RegionMississippi River Region

Great LakesGreat Lakes

Great PlainsGreat Plains

Rocky MountainsRocky Mountains

Continental DivideContinental Divide

Alaska and HawaiiAlaska and Hawaii

The climate of the United States is The climate of the United States is wetter in the East and South and drier wetter in the East and South and drier

in the West.in the West.

East and South

• Northeast: Humid continental climate with snowy winters and warm, humid summers

• South: Humid subtropical climate with milder winters and warm, humid summers

• Florida: Warm all year

Interior Plains

• Most of the region: A humid continental climate

• Great Plains: Hot and dry summers

West

• West: Mostly dry

• Pacific Northwest coast: A wet, mild coastal climate

• Alaska: Sub-arctic and tundra climates

• Hawaii: A warm, tropical climate

The United States is rich in natural resources such The United States is rich in natural resources such as farmland, oil, forests, and minerals.as farmland, oil, forests, and minerals.

Alaska, California, or Louisiana: oilAlaska, California, or Louisiana: oil The U.S. is a major oil producer but uses more oil than it The U.S. is a major oil producer but uses more oil than it

produces. produces.

Appalachians and Rockies: minerals including coal Appalachians and Rockies: minerals including coal Coal supplies the energy for more than half of the electricity Coal supplies the energy for more than half of the electricity

produced in the U.S.produced in the U.S.

The U.S. has about 25 percent of the world’s coal reserves.The U.S. has about 25 percent of the world’s coal reserves.

Forests: lumberForests: lumber

Farmlands: wheat, corn, soybeans, cotton, fruits, and Farmlands: wheat, corn, soybeans, cotton, fruits, and vegetablesvegetables