Geography of Texas

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The Geography of Texas is diverse and vast, encompassing a wide range of landscapes and climates. Texas is the second-largest state in the United States by both area and population. It is located in the south-central region of the country and shares borders with New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and the Mexican states of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas. The state also has a coastline along the Gulf of Mexico.

Regions

Texas is commonly divided into several distinct geographic regions:

• East Texas: Known for its piney woods and humid climate, East Texas is part of the larger Piney Woods ecoregion that extends into Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.
• Central Texas: This region includes the Texas Hill Country, characterized by its rolling hills, limestone karst topography, and numerous springs and rivers.
• North Texas: Encompassing the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, this region features a mix of prairie and forested areas.
• West Texas: Known for its arid desert landscapes, West Texas includes the Chihuahuan Desert and the Trans-Pecos region.
• South Texas: This region includes the Rio Grande Valley and is known for its subtropical climate and diverse ecosystems.
• Panhandle: The Texas Panhandle is characterized by its flat, treeless plains and is part of the larger Great Plains region.

Major Landforms

Texas features a variety of major landforms, including:

• Guadalupe Mountains: Home to Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas at 8,751 feet (2,667 meters).
• Big Bend National Park: Located in West Texas, this park encompasses a large portion of the Chihuahuan Desert and features dramatic canyons and mountain ranges.
• Edwards Plateau: A region of central Texas known for its rugged terrain and numerous springs.
• Llano Estacado: A large, flat plateau that extends into eastern New Mexico.
• Coastal Plains: Stretching along the Gulf of Mexico, this region includes marshes, estuaries, and barrier islands.

Climate

The climate of Texas varies widely across the state:

• East Texas: Humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters.
• Central Texas: Transitional climate with hot summers and mild to cool winters.
• West Texas: Arid desert climate with hot summers and cool winters.
• South Texas: Subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters.
• Panhandle: Semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters.

Rivers and Lakes

Texas is home to numerous rivers and lakes, including:

• Rio Grande: Forms the border between Texas and Mexico.
• Red River: Forms part of the border between Texas and Oklahoma.
• Brazos River: One of the longest rivers in Texas, flowing from the Panhandle to the Gulf of Mexico.
• Colorado River: Flows through central Texas and into the Gulf of Mexico.
• Lake Texoma: A large reservoir on the border between Texas and Oklahoma.
• Lake Travis: A reservoir on the Colorado River in central Texas.

Natural Resources

Texas is rich in natural resources, including:

• Oil: Texas is one of the leading oil-producing states in the U.S.
• Natural gas: The state has significant natural gas reserves.
• Agriculture: Texas is a major producer of cattle, cotton, and other agricultural products.
• Minerals: The state has deposits of various minerals, including limestone, gypsum, and salt.

Related Pages

• History of Texas
• Economy of Texas
• Demographics of Texas
• Texas Hill Country
• Big Bend National Park
• Guadalupe Mountains National Park
• Rio Grande
• Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex

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