Page 36 - Key to Social Studies 6

Some Physical Features of the USA Valleys
Death Valley in Eastern California
The United States has a huge variety of landforms and water bodies. These include mountain ranges, Death Valley is one of the world’s most famous

valleys, canyons, or deep, narrow valleys with steep sides and a stream owing through them, rivers, valleys. It is the lowest and hottest area in the

and lakes. continent of North America. It is very challenging to
live there. People who visit, especially in the summer,
Mountains
are warned to be very careful as they explore the
The United States has several mountain ranges, including the following:
area. Napa Valley in California is famous for growing
• The famous Rocky Mountains extend from New Mexico and Arizona in the south to Idaho and Montana
grapes and other food products.
in the north. The Rocky Mountains continue their extension into Canada, where they are called the
Canyons
Canadian Rockies. It is the third-longest mountain range in the world, stretching for nearly 4,828 km.
The Grand Canyon in the United States is very famous as well. It is 446 km long, 29 km wide, and 1.8 km
The Rocky Mountains o er many places for skiing, hiking, and camping. Many citizens and visitors enjoy
deep. It is indeed grand, and very beautiful. Some people use donkeys or mules to travel to the bottom of
outdoor activities in this beautiful mountain range.
the canyon.
• The Appalachian Mountains extend over 3,200 km from Canada to the state of Alabama, passing through
Rivers
eighteen states. There is a famous walking trail, or path, through these mountains and states. Many
The Missouri River is the longest in America. The second-longest river is the Mississippi, while the Yukon
people hike this trail over the course of weeks or months and are very proud of themselves when they
in Alaska and the Rio Grande are the third and fourth, respectively.
complete the journey.
Lakes
• The Ozark Mountains cover about 120,000 km in the area between the Appalachian Mountains and the
2
The United States has some famous and important lakes. The Great Lakes are located in northern United
Rocky Mountains, being the largest area of highlands between them. The Ozark Mountains have many
States and southern Canada.
small villages which are famous for a type of unique music.
• The Great Lakes are ve lakes that are the largest freshwater systems in the world.
• Other mountain ranges are the Alaskan Range, the Cascade Range, and the Coastal Range.
• The ve lakes are Lake Huron, Lake

Ontario, Lake Michigan, Lake Erie, and

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado Lake Superior. Some people just think of
the word HOMES to remember the ve

lakes!

• The Great Salt Lake in the state of Utah is

the fourth saltiest lake in the world and the

largest in the Western Hemisphere. When

you swim in the Great Salt Lake, it is very

easy to oat in the water!

34