Regions of Texas Mountains & Basins Flashcards

Mountains and Basins Region

• Part of the intermountain Basins and Plateaus regions of the U.S.
• Characterized by a dry climate with canyons, mountains, plateaus, and basins.
• Features Guadalupe Peak, Texas' highest mountain at 8,751 feet, marked by a stainless steel pyramid.
• Climate includes hot summers, cold winters, and minimal rainfall (average annual rainfall is 9 inches).

Key Locations and Economic Activities

• El Paso, the largest city in the region, serves as a central hub.
• Big Bend National Park spans 800,000 acres and is a top tourist destination.
• Guadalupe Mountains National Park features prominent landmarks, including Guadalupe Peak and El Capitan.
• The primary economic activity is tourism, boosted by natural attractions.

Flora and Agriculture

• Vegetation includes desert grasses, shrubs, mesquite trees, and cacti.
• Common crops include alfalfa, cotton, pecans, and various vegetables.

Coastal Plains Region

• Largest region in Texas, covering the coast and extending inland.
• Piney Woods subregion has a high water resource availability with 32-50 inches of annual rainfall, featuring mainly pine forests.
• Gulf Coastal Plain is adjacent to the Piney Woods, rich in resources.
• South Texas Plains lies west of the Gulf Coastal Plain, another significant subregion.

Economy and Agriculture in Coastal Plains

• Major crops grown include rice, cotton, corn, and sorghum.
• The oil industry is a key economic driver in the coastal plains.
• Major cities include Houston, Galveston, Port Arthur, San Antonio, and Dallas, with Houston being the largest city in Texas and fourth largest in the U.S.

Special Features

• The Rio Grande serves as the natural border between Texas and Mexico.
• The Rio Grande Valley is known for rich farming areas.
• The Post Oak Belt and The Black Prairie are additional subregions with distinctive characteristics.