U.S. Geography Flashcards

Grade 5 · Social Studies · Flashcards

Key geographic terms, regions, and features of the United States.

Flashcards

Appalachian Mountains: An ancient mountain range in the eastern U.S., stretching from Alabama to Maine; one of the oldest in the world.
Rocky Mountains: The largest mountain range in North America, running through the western U.S. from New Mexico north into Canada.
Great Plains: A vast, flat, fertile grassland in the central U.S. (the Midwest); the nation's top farming region.
Mississippi River: The longest river in the U.S.; flows from Minnesota south to the Gulf of Mexico; historically a vital trade route.
Great Lakes: Five large freshwater lakes (HOMES: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, Superior) on the U.S.-Canada border.
Continental Divide: A ridge in the Rockies separating rivers that flow east (toward the Atlantic/Gulf) from rivers that flow west (toward the Pacific).
Gulf of Mexico: A large body of water bordered by the southern U.S., Mexico, and Cuba; the Mississippi River empties into it.
Sierra Nevada: A major mountain range in California and Nevada, forming a rugged barrier that early westward migrants had to cross.
Death Valley: Located in California; the hottest place and lowest point (282 feet below sea level) in North America.
Region: An area defined by shared physical or cultural characteristics; the U.S. is commonly divided into Northeast, South, Midwest, West, and Southwest.