Geographic Regions of North America Coastal Plain v

Geographic Regions of North America

Coastal Plain v. Located along the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. v. Broad lowlands providing many excellent harbors.

Appalachian Highlands v. Located west of the Coastal Plains, extending from eastern Canada to western Alabama; includes the Piedmont. v. Old, eroded mountains (oldest mountain range in North America.

Canadian Shield v. Wrapped around the Hudson Bay in a horseshoe shape. v. Hills worn by erosion and hundreds of lakes carved by glaciers.

Interior Lowlands v. Located west of Appalachian Mountains and east of Great Plains. v. Rolling flatlands with many rivers, broad river valleys, and grassy hills.

Great Plains v. Located west of Interior Lowlands and east of Rocky Mountains v. Flat grasslands that gradually increase in elevation westward.

Rocky Mountains v. Located west of Great Plains and east of Basin and Range v. Rugged mountains stretching from Alaska to almost Mexico v. Due to its high elevations, it contains the Continental Divide, which determines the directional flow of rivers.

Basin and Range v. Located east of Rocky Mountains and west of Coastal Range. v. Varying elevations containing isolated mountain ranges and Death Valley, the lowest point in North America.

Coastal Range v. Located along the Pacific Coast, stretching from California to Canada. v. Rugged mountains and fertile valleys. v. Includes the Sierra Nevadas and Cascades (Mountain ranges)

Using this map, please complete the map on the back of your notes. Please also color each region a different color. Using a colored pencil or a crayon will work better than a marker because the marker will show through on the other side and may mess up your notes.