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

B) plains

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Question

The exercise is asking which geographical feature covers about 50 percent of all land areas in the United States. This is a multiple-choice question with options provided.

Analyze the Options

The options given are (A) plateaus, (B) plains, (C) mountains, and (D) volcanoes. Each represents a type of landform found in the United States.

Evaluate Each Option

Consider the extent and prevalence of each type of landform in the United States: - Plateaus are flat elevated areas but do not dominate half the country's landscape. - Mountains, such as the Rockies and Appalachians, cover significant areas but are not the majority. - Plains are large, flat, or gently rolling areas that cover extensive parts of the country. - Volcanoes, while present in specific regions, occupy a small percentage of the land.

Identify the Correct Answer

Given the information, plains cover vast areas including the Great Plains and other regions in the central United States. Plains are the most extensive of the options provided.

Key concepts

Landforms

The geography of the United States is diverse, with a variety of landforms shaping the nation's landscape. A landform is a natural feature of the Earth's surface, and they come in various shapes and sizes. In the U.S., landforms include:

• Mountains: These rise high above the surrounding land, such as the Rocky Mountains and the Appalachian Mountains.
• Plateaus: Elevated flat areas, like the Colorado Plateau.
• Plains: Extensive flat or gently rolling lands, notably the Great Plains.
• Hills: Smaller elevated areas compared to mountains.
• Volcanoes: Although few and far between, they are significant, particularly in places like Hawaii.

Each landform is an essential component of the U.S. landscape, contributing to the country's unique geographical identity.

Plains

Plains are one of the most abundant landforms in the United States and cover about 50 percent of the land area. These large, flat or gently rolling expanses are crucial for agriculture and settlement. In the U.S., some prominent plains include:

• Great Plains: Stretching across several states from Texas to North Dakota, these are crucial for farming and ranching.
• Central Valley of California: Known for its agricultural productivity.

Plains play a vital role in the U.S. economy, providing a significant portion of agricultural produce. They also offer a landscape that has been home to many cities and settlements. Due to their size and location, plains influence climatic conditions and weather patterns in surrounding areas.

Geographical Features

Geographical features encompass the natural attributes of a region, vital for understanding a country's topography. In the United States, features include various landforms like mountains, valleys, and plains, as well as bodies of water such as the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River.
These geographical features have shaped human settlement, economic activities, and cultural development in the country:

• Rivers and Lakes: Serve as transportation routes and provide water resources.
• Valleys: Often fertile and ideal for agriculture.
• Deserts and Forests: Present unique ecosystems and resources.

The diversity of these features creates numerous climates and ecosystems, from the humid subtropical climate in the southeast to the arid desert climate in the southwest.

Land Area Distribution

Understanding the distribution of land areas in the United States helps comprehend the geographical diversity of the nation. Land area distribution refers to how different types of landforms and features are spread across the country. For example:

• Plains dominate the central part of the country, making up nearly half of the U.S. land area.
• Mountains are primarily located in the west, with notable ranges like the Rockies, while the Appalachians are in the east.
• Deserts are found in the southwestern states, including the Mojave and Sonoran deserts.
• Coastal Areas: These wrap around the continent, providing access to oceanic trade and a diverse range of ecosystems.

The varied distribution affects everything from climate, vegetation, and wildlife to human activities like agriculture, settlement, and industry. By understanding how land is distributed, one gains insight into the environmental and economic landscape of the United States.