Nevada Landforms & Physical Regions Quiz
Basin & Range, deserts, mountains (10 questions).
Nevada Landforms & Physical Regions Quiz: Quick Study Notes
Nevada, often known for its vibrant cities, is a state dominated by striking natural geography. Its landscape is largely defined by the Basin and Range Province, characterized by parallel mountain ranges separated by arid valleys. From the hot Mojave Desert in the south to the cold Great Basin Desert in the north, and numerous fault-block mountain ranges, Nevada offers a unique blend of diverse ecosystems and geological formations.
This physiographic region covers over 80% of Nevada, featuring parallel north-south trending mountain ranges separated by flat, arid valleys.
Located in southern Nevada, this hot desert is home to iconic Joshua trees and includes major urban centers like Las Vegas.
Covering northern and central Nevada, this is a cold desert with sagebrush steppe and internal drainage, meaning rivers and streams do not flow to the ocean.
Prominent ranges like the Sierra Nevada (western border), Ruby Mountains, and Snake Range define the state’s rugged terrain, with Boundary Peak being its highest point.
Key Takeaways
- Nevada is almost entirely within the Basin and Range Province.
- The state is divided between two major deserts: the Mojave in the south and the Great Basin in the north.
- Characteristic landforms include numerous fault-block mountain ranges and arid intermountain basins.
- Internal drainage leads to the formation of playas (dry lake beds) in many basins.
- Boundary Peak is Nevada’s highest point, located in the White Mountains.
- Nevada experiences a predominantly arid to semi-arid climate due to its topography and rain shadow effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Basin and Range Province?
The Basin and Range Province is a vast physiographic region in the western United States and northwestern Mexico, characterized by numerous north-south trending mountain ranges (the “ranges”) separated by flat valleys or basins (the “basins”). Most of Nevada lies within this province.
What are the two main deserts in Nevada?
Nevada is primarily covered by two deserts: the Mojave Desert in the southern part of the state, known for its hot climate and Joshua trees, and the Great Basin Desert in the central and northern parts, which is a cold desert characterized by sagebrush and internal drainage.
What is the highest point in Nevada?
The highest natural point in Nevada is Boundary Peak, with an elevation of 13,147 feet (4,007 meters). It is located in the White Mountains in Esmeralda County, near the California border.
What causes the “basin and range” topography?
The distinctive “basin and range” topography is a result of crustal extension and faulting. Tectonic forces have stretched and thinned the Earth’s crust, causing large blocks of land to tilt and subside, forming the valleys (basins) and uplifted blocks (ranges).
Do rivers in Nevada flow to the ocean?
Most rivers and streams in the Great Basin portion of Nevada exhibit internal drainage, meaning their waters flow into closed basins and either evaporate or collect in playas (dry lake beds) or saline lakes, rather than flowing out to the ocean. The Colorado River is a notable exception in the far southeastern part of the state.
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