Chapter 1 Lesson 2 The American Landscape

P. 18

What to know:What are the major

landforms in the United States?

The American Landscapes

P. 19 In the EastSea level-land that is level with the sea

Coastal Plain-area of low land that lies along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean

Appalachian Mountains-Just east of the Coast Plains. These are the highest mountains in the eastern part of the United States. They are also the oldest.

Do you know the highest mountains in the western part of the USA?

P. 20 In the Middle Interior Plains-All the plains from Canada to Mexico that run through the middle of the United States.

The Interior Plains are divided up into the Great Plains and the Central Plains.

Great Lakes-largest freshwater lakes in the United States.

H-HuronO-OntarioM-MichiganE-ErieS-Superior

Plateau-high flat area of land

P. 21 The Mighty RiverMississippi River-longest river in the United States

Source-Start of the river- Minnesota

Tributary-river or stream that flows into a larger river

Mouth-where the river ends- Gulf of Mexico

P. 22 The West Rocky Mountains-Longest mountain range in North America. They are young mountains so they are rugged and tall.

Intermountain range-area between the mountains.

Basin-low bowl shaped area of land. It is very dry.

Canyon-deep narrow area with steep sides.

P. 23 Pacific Mountains and Valleys

The western region is filled with mountain ranges.

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