US Geography - Overview
North America, bordering both the North Atlantic Ocean and the North Pacific Ocean, between Canada and Mexico. About half the size of Russia; about three-tenths the size of Africa; about half the size of South America (or slightly larger than Brazil); slightly larger than China; more than twice the size of the European Union.
Mostly temperate, but tropical in Hawaii and Florida, arctic in Alaska, semiarid in the great plains west of the Mississippi River, and arid in the Great Basin of the southwest; low winter temperatures in the northwest are ameliorated occasionally in January and February by warm chinook winds from the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains.
The US is the world's third-largest country by size (after Russia and Canada) and by population (after China and India); Mt. McKinley is highest point in North America and Death Valley the lowest point on the continent.
The United States of America is made up of 50 states and 1 district*: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia*, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
About Topography
Topography is the study of the Earth’s surface and the distinct description of its features or of those of other planets, moons, and asteroids. The word topography originated from the Greek words "topos" meaning place and "graphia" which means, writing.
Topographic maps (commonly known as topo maps or contour maps) are characterized by large scale detail and quantitative representation of relief through the use of contour lines in modern mapping. These contour lines are curves used to represent contiguous connecting points of equal elevation. Not only are contours shown within topographic maps – they also display bodies of water, forest cover, and buildings, built up areas, and other features and points of interest. Conventional signs and symbols are featured within the confines of the map and are usually explained in the margin of the map in order to facilitate indication.
In present day, topographic maps have multiple uses in different areas such as earth sciences and many other geographic disciplines, as well as for recreational purposes such as hiking or orienteering. Moreover, topographic maps remain among the most valuable and integral maps for government and the public alike. |
