Worksheet 1 Southwest PDF

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GEO 200 Worksheet Template Guidelines and Rubric Overview: Each worksheet activity in this course provides you with an opportunity to engage deeply with a specific geographic region by analyzing the fundamental themes of geography that characterize that region. By engaging in these activities, you will also be practicing some of the key skills necessary to analyze the region you chose for your final project. Complete each question fully—not only to have the opportunity to receive full points for the question, but also to gain valuable feedback from your instructor on honing your skills moving forward. Prompt: Complete the following steps: 1. Select a region from the list provided in the assigned module in Brightspace to address the questions related to the geographic themes below. Selecting a region outside of the list provided without instructor guidance may result in each item below being marked as “Not Evident in Submission” if your selection is not accurately representative of an appropriate region for the module. 2. Address each question in the worksheet below in detail. a) Refer to your module resources and the Themes of Geography resource for more information about your region and each of themes to help you complete this worksheet. b) Each response should describe the region you have selected in detail and be a minimum of four complete sentences in your own words. (Paraphrase the information; do not quote or copy and paste from the text). 3. Once you have completed this worksheet, save your worksheet file, and upload it to Brightspace to submit this assignment. Region Name: Southwest 1. Location and Connectivity: What are the absolute and relative locations of the region or subregion you have selected? What is the connectivity of this region to others?

The Southwest region of North America begins in east Texas at 31.9686° N, 99.9018° W and extends all the way to the eastern border of Southern California at 36.7783° N, 119.4179° W. It is also referred to as the Desert Region of the US. New Mexico, which is central in the Southwest region, is the least developed economically, but has a rich culture and large environmental attraction. Water supplies are stretched thin and climate change is a major concern in conservation and meeting demand of the growing population. Texas is the second most populous state of U.S. behind California and second largest by landmass behind Alaska. Texas plays an important role in this region’s economy by leading in oil and natural gas which benefits the Dallas-Fort WorthHouston – Austin – San Antonio triangle and is one of the most productive technopoles.

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2. Physical Characteristics: How would you describe the climate, physiography, landscape, and natural hazards of the region or subregion you have selected? Ensure you address at least three of the physical characteristics listed above for the purposes of this worksheet. Note: This is part of the Place theme of geography.

3. Human Characteristics: What are the language families/groups, religions, races, and cultures of the region or subregion you have selected? What is the population density and economic development of the region or subregion?

The Southwest is the hottest, driest region in the North America. These very high temperatures, make it susceptible to drought. The drought that this region suffers contributes to frequent fires by providing a lot of dry land that burns easily. The weather has defined its landscapes, history of human settlement, and economy. The coastal areas of this region are affected by rising sea levels, extreme high tides, and storm surges, which pose risks to highway and bridge safety, power plants, and sewage treatment plants. This region’s agriculture plays an important role in their economy. “The Southwest produces more than half of the nation’s high-value specialty crops, including certain vegetables, fruits, and nuts. The severity of future impacts will depend upon the complex interaction of pests, water supply, reduced chilling periods, and more rapid changes in the seasonal timing of crop development due to projected warming and extreme events” (Globalchange.gov). https://nca2014.globalchange.gov/report/regions/southwest#intro-section-2

Texas is the second largest state. While this state has a large surface area, it does not have the largest population. “Texas has just 105.2 people per square mile and those figures are merely the 26th highest in the US” (Worldpopulationreview.com). Texas is north of Mexico and Spanish is spoken by 30% of the state’s population. Economically, Texas is the largest exporter of petroleum products. Its production of oil and gas places this state in the 10th largest economy in the world. https://worldpopulationreview.com/states/texas-population

Note: This also is part of the Place theme of geography. 4. Human/Environmental Interactions: How do the physical and human characteristics interact to produce notable observations of the landscape in the region or subregion you have selected?

The many natural resources in Texas include petroleum and natural gas. While livestock is the main source of income for farmers, many also grow cotton, corn, grain, and wheat. Farming in Texas has become more efficient over the years.

5. Movement: With how much ease and ability do ideas, goods, and people flow in and out of the region or subregion you have selected? What drives this movement?

The population of the Southwest is rapidly growing. The region gains many migrants from Latin America. The southern border with Mexico is easily accessible for migrants to access the United States. This is a region where people, as well as goods flow back and forth.

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