Regions of the The Northeast The most densely

Regions of the

The Northeast § The most densely populated part of the U. S. § Home to the BOSNYWASH megalopolis § Diverse region of major cities: New York, Boston, Philadelphia. § Large ethnic groups of Irish, Italians, Jews, Hispanics, Slavs.

The Northeast § Rocky coastline, good harbors, thin soil, low mountains, & deciduous forests. § Humid continental climate/beautiful fall colors but cold winters. § Great vacation spots - historical sites of Boston & Philadelphia, hustle & bustle of Manhattan, & summer resorts of Cape Cod & Martha’s Vineyard

Times Square

Catskills in the Fall

Industry and the Future § Traditionally an industrial region: textiles because of abundant rivers & hydroelectric power. § Today the country’s economic center. § Home of major universities such as Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Dartmouth, NYU & Columbia. § Challenges: – Diversifying the economy, recovering the manufacturing base, costs of living issues, problems of urbanization.

The Midwest § The agricultural heartland of America. § Rolling farmland, Great Plains, deciduous forests, abundant lakes & rivers. § Humid continental climate/with bitterly cold winters in the upper Midwest.

Kansas wheat field

Human Geography of the Midwest § An ethnicity dominated by Germans, Scotch -Irish, English, Dutch, Scandinavians, Irish, Poles, Serbs, & African-Americans. § Famous and large cities such as Chicago (3 rd largest), Detroit, Cleveland, St. Louis, Indianapolis, & Minneapolis/St. Paul.

Economy of the Midwest § § § Corn belt: Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio Wheat belt: Kansas, Nebraska, the Dakotas Dairy region: Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio Beef cattle: Iowa specifically Automobile Industry – Detroit, Indianapolis Iron ore: Minnesota’s Mesabi Range

World’s largest 1 day sporting event. Over 500, 000 people watch it live!

Challenges to the Midwest § Re-vitalize the steel & automobile industries. § Develop new tertiary sector jobs. – Banking, Corporate headquarters, Hightech § Contend with climatic conditions such as tornadoes, drought, floods, & blizzards.

The South § The new South is now the most heavily populated region in the U. S. § Fast growing region with modern urban centers such as: Houston, DFW, Atlanta, Miami, Orlando, Charlotte, Memphis, & technically Washington D. C.

The South § 2 nd & 4 th most populated states in Texas and Florida. § Ethnically diverse region of British, African-American, Mexican, Cuban, French immigrants. § Some of these communities are still regionally centered.

The South § A landscape of coastal plains, sandy & clay filled soil, pine, magnolia, oak, & cypress trees, & tropical zones. § A humid subtropical climate of long hot humid summers and mild winters. § Vacation spots such as Disney World, world famous beaches, French Quarter, historical battle sites from the Civil War, and the nation’s capital.

The South’s Economy § A traditional agricultural base of cotton, tobacco, rice, sugar, peanuts, & raising of chickens. § Now a diversified economy of manufacturing & growing service industries. § Home of major corporations as diverse as Wal-Mart, Coca-Cola and Exxon Mobil.

Why the Growth? § The South overall as a region has 4 distinct advantages: – Cheaper land – Cheaper & abundant labor force – Less Unionized labor – Mild climate

Economic Boom! § Tourism § Oil industry § Space industry § Newly re-located manufacturing

The South’s challenges § Immigration issues – Particularly Texas & Florida § Rural poverty – Poorest states i. e. Mississippi § Tropical storms – Hurricanes & tornadoes § Education levels

The West § The most arid & sparsely populated region of the country. § Despite large expanses of arid conditions, it also has very wet & tropical zones. § Mountainous terrain & large protected areas such as reserves & national parks. § Most diverse climatic region: Arid, Tropical, Mediterranean, Maritime, Subarctic.

Demographics of the West § A diverse region of people, many as original adventurous settlers from the East. § Native Americans (still numerous), Hispanic, Asian, British stock. § Largest U. S. state in population: California at 36 million! § Fastest growing states: Arizona & Nevada

Major Urban Centers § Los Angeles (2 nd largest), San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Denver, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Portland

A Diversified Economy § A region that saw traditional growth due to mining, ranching, & timber. § Farming of fruits, vegetables, & vineyards has led to a profitable agricultural industry. § Home to the U. S. computer hearth. (From Silicon Valley to Seattle. ) § Home of Hollywood & the entertainment industry. § Tourism is big business!

Amazing Alaska! § Sea otters § Surfacing orca

Aliens?

Challenges and Concerns § Human issues include: – Immigration, population growth in specific areas, urbanization § Natural issues include: – water scarcity, earthquakes, volcanoes, el Niño, grass & forest fires, mudslides