Chapter 2 Natural Texas Study Guide
Landforms:
Elevation in Texas - increases from east to west.
Water Resources - The Gulf of Mexico, streams, reservoirs, lakes and aquifers. Most of the water
resources (rivers) are in the eastern part of the state. People often settle near water for agriculture
(irrigation for drier parts of the state), transportation and personal use. Thus, most of the state’s cities
are in the eastern part of the state. The growths of industry, irrigation and the state’s population have
placed greater demands on water resources and aquifers.
Gulf of Mexico - The largest body of water in Texas. It provides a source of fishing and shrimping as well
as an area for recreation. Water from all of the rivers and streams in Texas eventually flows into the
Gulf of Mexico.
Rio Grande – longest River in Texas. It starts as a snow fed mountain stream in Colorado. It flows 1,896
miles through New Mexico down desert canyons and coastal lowlands to the Gulf of Mexico. 1,254
miles serves as the international boundary between the United states and Mexico.
Aquifer – Natural formation of underground gravel, rock and sand that trap and hold rainwater. There
are two in Texas. Aquifers are recharged or refilled by precipitation and rivers.
**Edwards Aquifer - Underground water source that provides water for Central Texas.
** Ogallala Aquifer – Largest underground water source in Texas; stretches from West Texas and
Mexico north to South Dakota.
New
Texas Hill Country – Located in Central Texas, a large area of rugged hills. Just west of the Hill Country
lies the Edwards Plateau.
Edwards Plateau - The Edwards Plateau is a region of west-central Texas which is bounded by the
Balcones Fault to the south and east, the Llano Uplift and the Llano Estacado to the north, and the Pecos
River to the west. The elevation increases as one moves east to west.
Plains – Areas of flat or gently rolling hills without sharp rise or fall in elevation.
Weather:
Blizzard – a northern air mass that can blow freezing winds, ice and snow.
Droughts - long periods without much rainfall which causes water shortages and damage to crops. The
growth of industry, irrigation and the state’s population have placed greater demands on water
resources and aquifers.
Hurricanes – Huge storms that develop over the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. They
come ashore with high winds, heavy rains and enormous tidal surges from the Gulf.
Galveston hurricane 1900
Isaac Cline – chief meteorologist of the weather bureau in Galveston. He warned people to take cover
due to the impending storm. He advised people who lived in small houses or on the beach to move to
the center of town to take shelter due to its higher elevation and more structurally sound buildings. He
was commended for his actions during the storm.
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Significant damage was done to homes and business in the island city and the death toll was
6,000-plus. Many families were missing and unaccounted for.
Galveston’s booming economy suffered due to the devastation
Bodies of the dead had been dumped into the Gulf of Mexico, later to wash back up on the
shore. They consequently had to be burned along with large piles of debris.
The city of Galveston called upon the state capital of Austin to send relief, such as needed
supplies, food and a military presence.
A 16 foot seawall was built to protect the island from future storm surges. The city was also
jacked up to increase the islands elevation for added protection.
Resources
Nonrenewable resources - Cannot be replaced by the Earth’s natural processes. Examples are coal,
natural gas and oil.
Renewable resources - Resources that can be easily replaced by the Earth’s natural processes.
Examples are sunshine, trees and wind.
Who we are
Native Americans - first people to live in Texas.
Cities - Most Texans live in cities due to changes in the economy and environment
Mexican immigrants - brought the Spanish language and the Catholic faith to Texas
East Texas settlers - many came from the United States.