Transcript Regions of the USA

Regions of the United States
Scavenger Hunt
Northeast
Land area:
Only 5% of the land
area
Population:
20% of the population
Most densely
populated
What type of traditional industries are found?
Iron and steel, petroleum and lumber
Why is this region known as America’s
“gateway”?
Entry for millions of immigrants along the
Atlantic coast
Another Nickname…
• Rust Belt… Why?
What type of manufacturing and service
industries?
Electronics, communications, chemicals, medical
research, finance and tourism
What is a megalopolis?
Region surrounded by
large cities growing together
What is the name of
the largest megalopolis?
“Boswash” –from Boston
to Washington D.C.
Midwest
Land area:
20% of land area
Population:
25% of the people
What type of climate is found in the Midwest?
Humid continental
–fertile soil and favorable climate
Wisconsin
Michigan
Missouri
Wisconsin
Known as America’s “heartland” and “bread
basket”…why?
What do they produce?
Produce: corn, wheat, soybeans, meat, dairy goods
What type of industries are found in the Midwest?
steel, auto making, meat packing, food
processing, farm equipment, grain milling
How is the Midwest changing?
-# of farms is declining
People are employed in providing services than in
traditional industries…what economic level are
they shifting to?
Primary and secondary shifting to tertiary level
Why?
People and businesses are moving to the suburbs
and metropolitan areas (urban).
South
Land area:
25% of land area
Very large coastal plain
–Gulf and Atlantic
Population:
More than 33% of U.S.
population
Why is the south called the “Sunbelt”?
Climate: Humid-subtropical
South Carolina
Florida
How has the use of air conditioning affected this
region?
Gave a boost to the oil, coal, natural gas, and
water industry
Industries-petroleum, steel, chemicals, foodprocessing, textiles and electronics
“Old South”
Early settlement
11 out of 16 states joined the confederacy
Culturally diverse settlers
“New South”
First Economy: agriculture –cotton, tobacco,
fruits, peanuts, rice
Livestock production
West
Location:
Stretches the Great
Plains to the Pacific
Ocean, includes
Alaska and Hawaii.
Land area :
Covers 50%
Population:
Only 20% of
population, but most
rapidly growing
region.
Contains California, the country’s most populous
state….why do so many people live there???
(almost 40 million is the population)
Because of excellent farmland, good harbors, and
mild climate!
Contains county’s second larges city, Los
Angeles.
Why is it the largest city???
Because it is the West’s cultural and commercial
center.
Economic activities:
Farming, ranching, food processing, logging,
fishing, mining, oil refining, tourism,
filmmaking, and production of computers.
Good harbors are excellent to trade with what
continent???
Asia!
Muy importante!!!
What are the 2 main reasons people are
migrating to the Southwest???
Air-conditioning and irrigation!!!
Main Ideas
1. What changes have taken place in the
industrial base of the Northeast?
2. What role did water play in the Midwest?
(relate this to yesterday’s presentation!!!)
3. What industries are found in the South today?
4. How did California become the nation’s most
populous state?