US Physical Regions Quiz
Appalachians, Rockies, Great Plains, Coastal Plain, Basin & Range (10 questions).
US Physical Regions Quiz: Quick Study Notes
This quiz covers the diverse physiographic divisions of the United States, stretching from the ancient, eroded Appalachian Mountains in the East to the geologically young and rugged Rocky Mountains in the West. Test your knowledge on physical features, location, and climate characteristics of these regions.
Key Takeaways
- The Continental Divide in the Rockies separates river systems flowing to the Atlantic from those flowing to the Pacific.
- The Canadian Shield extends slightly into the US (Northern MN and NY), featuring ancient bedrock and mineral wealth.
- The Interior Highlands (Ozarks) are a distinct mountainous region separated from the Appalachians by the Central Lowland.
- The Pacific Mountain System includes the Cascades (volcanic) and the Sierra Nevada.
- The Intermontane Plateaus include the Colorado Plateau, home to the Grand Canyon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Rockies and the Appalachians?
The Appalachians are much older (hundreds of millions of years) and more eroded with rounded peaks, while the Rockies are geologically younger with higher, sharper, and more rugged peaks.
Where is the Basin and Range province located?
It covers a large area of the interior West, including almost all of Nevada, western Utah, and parts of California, Arizona, and New Mexico.
What defines the Great Plains region?
The Great Plains are defined by their flat to rolling terrain, semi-arid climate, and grassland vegetation, located between the Central Lowlands and the Rocky Mountains.
What is the Coastal Plain?
The Coastal Plain is a flat, low-elevation area stretching along the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, composed largely of sedimentary rock.
Where are the Interior Highlands?
The Interior Highlands are located primarily in Arkansas, Missouri, and eastern Oklahoma, comprising the Ozark Plateau and Ouachita Mountains.
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