Texas Regions Study Guide

Mountains & Basins

• Located in West Texas, characterized by deserts and mountains.
• Features rocky canyons and an arid climate, hot, dry, and windy.
• Rich in resources such as oil, natural gas, limestone, copper, clay, salt, sulfur, talc, and shale.
• Notable for Big Bend National Park and El Paso, the largest Texan city with a population exceeding 500,000.

Great Plains

• Situated in central and western Texas, extending from the Caprock Escarpment to the Texas Hill Country.
• Features high, flat grasslands with extremely hot summers and freezing winters, along with occasional tornadoes.
• Major agricultural producer of wheat, cotton, and sorghum; significant cattle ranching area.
• Home to Llanite, a rare pink granite, and the Palo Duro Canyon, the second largest canyon in the U.S.

Central Plains

• Located in central Texas, marked by rolling hills and grassy lands, bridging wetter and drier regions.
• Agrarian lifestyle includes farming for cotton, corn, and grains, as well as livestock raising for beef, sheep, hogs, and chickens.
• Natural resources include oil, gas, limestone, sand, and gravel.
• Major city is Fort Worth, known for agriculture, museums, and its meatpacking industry.
• Famous for Dinosaur Valley State Park, which preserves dinosaur footprints.

Coastal Plains

• Found in eastern Texas, adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico, with low-lying marshes and areas near sea level.
• Agricultural focus on farming cotton, corn, and sorghum, complemented by fishing owing to proximity to the Gulf.
• Oil extraction is a significant resource in several sub-regions.
• Notable cities include Houston, the largest city in Texas, and San Antonio, which hosts the historic landmark The Alamo.

Mountains & Basins

• Texas's least populated area characterized by rugged terrain, tall peaks, rocky canyons, and a hot, dry climate.
• Supports livestock and limited agriculture despite challenging environmental conditions.
• Rich in natural resources, particularly oil, gas, and minerals.
• El Paso is the largest city and a significant tourist draw, featuring attractions like Big Bend National Park and the McDonald Observatory.

Great Plains

• High, flat grassland region with extreme temperature variations, enhancing its unique ecosystem.
• Comprises the High Plains, Edwards Plateau, and Llano Basin, known for major agricultural production.
• Natural resources include oil and mohair, contributing to the economy.
• Home to Palo Duro Canyon, the second largest canyon in the United States.

Central Plains

• Features flat grasslands and rolling hills, prone to occasional tornadoes due to its climate.
• Divided into Grand Prairie, Cross Timbers, and Rolling Plains, excelling in agriculture and oil production.
• Key cities include Fort Worth, a hub for commerce and culture.
• Attractions like Dinosaur Valley State Park highlight the region's natural beauty and history.

Coastal Plains

• The largest region in Texas with a humid climate and diverse sub-regions such as Piney Woods, Gulf Coast Plain, South Texas Plain, Post Oak Belt, and Blackland Prairie.
• Known for its fertile soil, supporting extensive agricultural activities.
• Significant oil production contributes substantially to the state's economy.
• Major cities like Houston and Dallas play pivotal roles in various industries, including agriculture, lumber, and oil.