The region includes
parts of New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, Washington,
Oregon and parts of Canada. The Rocky Mountains have some of the highest peaks
in North America. There are many ecosystems and abundance of life thanks to the
changes in elevation. Erosion reduced mountains, and it continues to change them today. Water, Glaciers, and volcanoes have all affected the land in one way or the
other. The weather is very cold and winters are snowy. Even though the
place is very cold it is very pleasant to visit. The region’s weather gets
influenced by warm air from the Pacific Ocean. The snow during spring and
summer provides water to rivers and streams. The region is very prone to
avalanches. This environmental hazards cause material damages
and death. The region wasn't greatly populated due to its harsh physical
environment, yet in recent decades the population has grown.
Vegetation and wildlife in determined by the elevation.
The Rocky Mountains has many different ecosystems. At low elevations you can
find grasses, desert shrubs and the vegetation attracts animals like bison,
pronghorn. If you go a bit higher you will find the most trees like alpines, and spruces. Animals found
here are elk, deer and goats. At the upper elevations the plants
and animals are well adapted to the dry and cold weather.
Most often you can find young as well as old people who enjoy the outdoors living in the region. The land is inexpensive,
climate is pleasant, many beautiful sceneries, plenty of recreational
activities and low populations. In terms of the economy, primary sector was
dominated but the tertiary and quaternary sector has grown. The land is not
suitable for agriculture because it’s arid and steep. Lumbering and mining was
important to the region’s economy more than agriculture. Today mining has been replaced by recreation, tourism and government. Many people
visit the place to snowboard or ski. Population growth has created negative and positive impacts. It has created revenue for
the region, but environmental destruction and urban sprawl, is a great concern.
The region has seen an increase of Latino recently.
Book used:
Hardwick,Shelley, Susan Wiley. The Geography of North America 2nd Edition. Pearson College Div. 2012.
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| Bison |
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| Avalanches |
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| Gold in the Rocky Mountains |
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| Rocky Mountain scenery |
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