Texas History

Chapter 2.2

The Physical Landscape of Texas

Why are we studying this?

Texas varying climates influence nature and how people work and

live.

Weather & Climate

•Climate—an area’s pattern of weather over a

long period of time

Weather & Climate

•Factors affecting Texas climate:

–Location

–Winds•Western Winds•Panhandle Winds

Weather & Climate

•Factors affecting Texas climate:

–Gulf of Mexico

•Humidity—the amount of moisture in the air

–Elevation

Rainfall in Texas

• The amount of precipitation increases from East West

• West Texas: 8-14 in/yrEast Texas: 39-56 in/yr

• East Texas receives more rain because it is closer to the Gulf Coast.

• Panhandle receives snow

Rainfall in Texas

•Drought—long period without rain

Severe Weather

Tornadoes

Hurricanes

Blizzards

Texas Vegetation

Texas Vegetation

• Wife of President Lyndon B. Johnson

• Led efforts to plant wildflowers along TX highways

Lady Bird Johnson

Texas Vegetation

Established the National Wildlife Research Center in

Austin

Texas Vegetation

•Center provides research info on native plants.

•Planting flowers prevents erosion

•Erosion—soil loss

Texas Wildlife

•Vegetation of Texas provides a habitat to a variety of animals

•Habitat—environmental home of an animal

Texas Wildlife

•As the state’s environment has changed, the habitat of some animals can be destroyed

•Extinct—to die out completely or disappear