Chapter 11 United States Regions (7th Grade)

The Great Plains is a large feature that covers a significant portion of Kansas and Nebraska. This region is characterized by its vast grasslands, rolling hills, and wide open spaces. It is known for its agricultural productivity, with extensive farming and ranching activities taking place in this area. The Great Plains is an important part of the geography and history of both Kansas and Nebraska, making it the correct answer to the question.

The correct answer is Northeast because it is home to the largest megalopolis in the United States, which is the BosWash corridor. This region encompasses major cities such as Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. The concentration of population, urbanization, and economic activity in this area makes it the biggest megalopolis in the country.

Chicago is the largest and most important city in the Midwest because it is a major hub for business, finance, culture, and transportation. It is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, world-renowned universities, and cultural institutions. With its central location and extensive transportation infrastructure, Chicago serves as a major economic and cultural center for the region.

The St. Lawrence River allows ships to move between the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean. This river connects the Great Lakes to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, which ultimately leads to the Atlantic Ocean. It serves as a vital transportation route for ships, allowing them to access both the inland waterways of the Great Lakes and the international shipping lanes of the Atlantic Ocean.

Florida is known for its grapefruits and oranges because of its warm and subtropical climate, which is ideal for growing citrus fruits. The state's sandy soil and abundant sunshine provide the perfect conditions for the cultivation of these fruits. Florida is one of the largest producers of citrus fruits in the United States, with its citrus industry contributing significantly to the state's economy. Additionally, the state's long history of citrus farming and its reputation for high-quality citrus products further solidify Florida's association with grapefruits and oranges.

The Pacific region is known for having the most earthquakes and volcanoes. This is because it is located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is a major area in the basin of the Pacific Ocean where a large number of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. The tectonic plates in this region are highly active, leading to frequent seismic and volcanic activity. The Pacific region includes countries such as Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, and New Zealand, which are all prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

The correct answer is Rio Grande River. The Rio Grande River serves as a natural border between Texas and Mexico. It is the fifth-longest river in North America and flows from the Rocky Mountains in Colorado through New Mexico, forming a border between Texas and Mexico, and eventually emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. The river is significant for its cultural, ecological, and economic importance to both the United States and Mexico.

Alaska and Hawaii are the two states that are not contiguous. Contiguous refers to states that are connected or share a border with other states. Alaska is separated from the rest of the United States by Canada, and Hawaii is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Therefore, these two states are not physically connected to the other states and are considered non-contiguous.

The correct answer is Appalachian Mountains. The Appalachian Mountains are a mountain range that runs along the eastern coast of the United States. They stretch from Alabama in the south to Newfoundland and Labrador in the north. These mountains are known for their scenic beauty, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural history. They are a popular destination for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.

The Everglades swamp is located in the South region.

The South region is the correct answer because it has all three characteristics mentioned in the question. The South is known for its abundant seafood due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. It also has a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot and humid summers and mild winters. Additionally, the South is rich in oil resources, with states like Texas and Louisiana being major oil producers.

The correct answer is Interior west because the Grand Canyon National Park and Yellowstone National Park are both located in the western part of the United States. The Northeast region is located on the opposite side of the country, while the Pacific region is located along the western coast. Therefore, the Interior west region is the only one that contains both of these national parks.

The Midwest region contains both the Dairy Belt and Corn Belt. This region is known for its fertile soil and favorable climate, making it ideal for agriculture. The Dairy Belt is an area where dairy farming is prominent, while the Corn Belt is known for its extensive corn production. Both belts are located within the Midwest region, making it the correct answer.

Chesapeake Bay is the correct answer because it is the largest estuary found along the Atlantic Coast. It is located between Maryland and Virginia and is known for its vast size and ecological significance. The bay is fed by numerous rivers, including the Susquehanna River, and provides important habitat for a variety of plant and animal species.

The correct answer is Northeast because this region includes the Appalachian Mountains and a sub-region called the Middle Atlantic. The Appalachian Mountains are a prominent feature in the Northeast region, stretching from Alabama all the way up to Canada. The Middle Atlantic sub-region, which includes states like New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, is located within the Northeast region. Therefore, the Northeast is the correct answer.

Barrier islands are long, narrow islands that are parallel to the mainland and are separated from it by a lagoon or a sound. They are formed by the action of waves and currents, and are typically found along low-lying, sandy coastlines. The Coastal Plain is a landform characterized by low-lying, flat or gently rolling terrain, which makes it an ideal location for the formation of barrier islands. The other options, Ozark Plateau and Central Valley, do not typically have the geographical features necessary for the formation of barrier islands.

The correct answer is Interior West. The Wheat Belt, which utilizes the center-pivot irrigation system, is located in the Interior West region. This region is known for its agricultural productivity and is characterized by vast plains and fertile soil, making it ideal for wheat cultivation. The center-pivot irrigation system is commonly used in this region to efficiently water crops, including wheat, by rotating a sprinkler system around a central pivot point.

The correct answer is Interior West. The Rocky Mountains are located in the Interior West region of the United States. This region includes states such as Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, where the Rocky Mountains stretch across. The term "Interior West" refers to the area that lies between the West Coast and the Great Plains.

Chesapeake Bay, being fed by the Susquehanna River, is a large body of water that is directly connected to the Atlantic Ocean. An estuary is a partially enclosed coastal body of water where freshwater from rivers and streams mixes with saltwater from the ocean. Therefore, the correct answer is estuary.

In the past, the primary source of water for irrigation in the Interior West region was underground aquifers. These aquifers are large underground reservoirs of water that can be accessed through wells. This method of obtaining water for irrigation was common because it provided a reliable and consistent water supply. Ponds and rivers may have also been used to some extent, but underground aquifers were likely the main source due to their accessibility and ability to sustain agricultural needs.

Chinooks are the dry winds that blow from the Rocky Mountains onto the great plains. These winds are warm and can cause a rapid increase in temperature, melting snow and ice. They are often associated with a sudden change in weather conditions, bringing warmer temperatures and sometimes causing rapid snowmelt and flooding.

The statement is true because the Great Basin in the Interior West is a region with numerous rivers and streams, but none of them reach the sea. Instead, the rivers in this basin are endorheic, meaning they flow into closed basins or evaporate before reaching the ocean. The lack of an outlet to the sea is a defining characteristic of the Great Basin's hydrology.

The Northeast region is the most heavily populated despite being the smallest region in the United States. This is due to several factors, including its proximity to major cities such as New York and Boston, as well as its historical significance and economic opportunities. The Northeast is home to a dense network of urban areas and has a high population density overall, making it the most heavily populated region in the country.

The badlands are located in the Interior West region. This region is known for its rugged and barren landscapes, characterized by eroded rock formations and steep slopes. The badlands are typically found in areas with little vegetation and are often associated with arid or semi-arid climates. Examples of famous badlands in the Interior West include the Badlands National Park in South Dakota and the Hell's Half Acre in Wyoming.

The region that contains both the Motor City (referring to Detroit, known for its automobile industry) and the Windy City (referring to Chicago, known for its strong winds) is the Midwest. The Midwest is located in the central part of the United States and is often referred to as the "heartland" of the country. It is known for its industrial cities, agricultural landscapes, and significant contributions to the automotive and manufacturing industries.

Cape Cod and the islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard are examples of glacier moraine because they were formed by the deposition of sediment and rocks carried by glaciers. As the glaciers moved and melted, they left behind piles of debris, creating the unique landforms found in these areas. The presence of moraine is evident in the hilly terrain and the composition of the soil, which is rich in glacial till.

New England is the correct answer because it is stated that nearly all of what states' forests are second-growth forests. Since New England is a region consisting of six states (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont), it can be inferred that the majority of forests in these states are second-growth forests.

The Hoover Dam is found in Nevada. It is a concrete arch-gravity dam located on the border between Nevada and Arizona. It was constructed in the 1930s and is a major tourist attraction, as well as an important source of hydroelectric power and water supply for the surrounding areas.

The Potomac, Susquehanna, and Hudson Rivers are located in the Middle Atlantic region. This region includes states such as New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. These rivers are significant waterways in this region and have played a crucial role in the development and history of the Middle Atlantic states.

Crater Lake is the correct answer because it is the deepest lake in the United States. Located in Oregon, Crater Lake is known for its stunning blue color and its depth of 1,949 feet. It was formed by the collapse of a volcano, and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region. Great Salt Lake, Lake Michigan, and Puget Sound are all notable bodies of water in the United States, but they are not as deep as Crater Lake.

Strip mining is a significant issue in the Interior West region. This region, which includes states like Wyoming, Colorado, and Montana, is known for its abundant natural resources, particularly coal. Strip mining, also known as surface mining, involves the removal of layers of soil and rock to access coal deposits. This method of mining has detrimental effects on the environment, including deforestation, habitat destruction, and water pollution. The Interior West region's reliance on coal mining makes strip mining a major problem in this area.

The Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains are both landforms that are located in the Interior West region. However, the Sierra Nevada is not located in the Interior West. The Sierra Nevada mountain range is actually located in the western part of the United States, specifically in California. It is known for its stunning peaks and beautiful landscapes, but it is not a part of the Interior West region.

Alaska is the correct answer because it is known for having more than 3 million lakes. Its vast size and abundance of water sources contribute to this large number of lakes. The state's climate and geography also play a role in the formation and preservation of these lakes.

The given statement is false because center-pivot irrigation is not the primary irrigation system used in the southern states. While center-pivot irrigation is commonly used in many agricultural regions, it is not the primary system in the southern states. Other irrigation methods, such as surface irrigation or drip irrigation, may be more prevalent in the southern states due to factors like soil type, crop type, and water availability.

The Great Lakes that are shared by the United States and Canada are Huron, Superior, Erie, and Ontario. These lakes form part of the border between the two countries and are jointly managed by both nations. They are important for transportation, recreation, and provide a source of freshwater for millions of people.