Question

What makes up about 50 percent of all land areas in the United States? A) plateaus C) mountains B) plains D) volcanoes

Short answer

Plains make up about 50 percent of all US land areas.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Options

We are asked to identify what geographical feature makes up about 50 percent of all land areas in the United States. The options given are plateaus, mountains, plains, and volcanoes.

Analyzing the Characteristics

Consider the geographical coverage of each option in the United States. Plateaus and mountains cover significant parts but not half the land area. Volcanoes, while present, cover a very small area.

Evaluating Plains Coverage

Plains are characterized by flat, generally extensive areas. The Great Plains, for instance, span a vast portion of the central United States.

Concluding the Answer

Plains are the only geographical feature from the options that covers approximately half of the United States' land area due to their extensive presence, particularly in the interior of the country.

Key concepts

Plains

Plains are vast, flat regions that can stretch over large distances without much variation in elevation. They are a significant geographical feature known for their extensive and almost level surface. Plains are often formed by sediment deposits from rivers, resulting in fertile grounds ideal for agriculture.

In the United States, plains cover approximately 50% of the land area. This extensive coverage makes plains one of the most prominent physical features in the country. Plains are typically found in the central part of the United States, providing a smooth landscape that makes it easier for infrastructure and transportation networks to develop.

Some advantages of plains include:

• Fertile soil which is excellent for farming and agricultural activities.
• Ease of construction for roads, railways, and urban development.
• Abundant space for potential growth and settlement.

Geographical Coverage

Understanding geographical coverage is vital to recognizing the impact of various landforms on a country's landscape. In the context of the United States, geographical coverage refers to how extensively different landforms appear across the country.

Plains, due to their sheer size, contribute significantly to the geographical makeup, influencing the climate, vegetation, and economic activities of the regions they cover. Other landforms like mountains and plateaus, while significant, do not have the same level of coverage.

The geographical characteristics of plains allow for:

• Consistent climate patterns across vast areas, conducive to specific types of agriculture.
• Strategic locations for cities and transport due to fewer natural barriers.
• Significant cultural and historical development centered around flat lands.

Great Plains

The Great Plains are one of the most notable features of North America's physical geography, spanning across multiple U.S. states including Kansas, Nebraska, and North Dakota.

These plains have a major impact on both the economic activities and the natural ecosystem of the country. Characterized by grasslands, they are one of the world's most productive agricultural areas. This region plays a crucial role in food production, providing grains and livestock.

Key features of the Great Plains include:

• Expansive areas of flat land or gently rolling hills.
• A climate that supports diverse wildlife habitats and agricultural activities.
• Historical significance, serving as a backdrop for early American frontier life.

The Great Plains are foundational to the understanding of not just United States geography, but also its agricultural prowess and historical development.