Chapter 6: The American West

The Rocky Mountains

• They are part of the Cordilleras - a system of mountain ranges which reaches from the Arctic Circle to the southern tip of S. America.
• They are the longest mountain chain on earth
• They are made up of more than 60 mountain ranges and extend approx. 3000 miles
• "backbone of N. America
• Mt. Elbert: Is the highest peak in the Rockies
• 

The Great Divide

• Continental Divide a stretch of high land that divides the river systems of a continent
• It's so massive that it's called the Great Divide.
• 

Important Rivers

• Colorado River: The main source of water for most arid (dry) section of N. America.
• Columbia River: Largest river flowing into the Pacific Ocean from N. America.
• 

Yellowstone National Park

• The oldest national park in the world
• more geysers and hot springs than any other area in the world.
• more than 200 active geysers and thousands of hot springs
• Old Faithful is the most famous geyser that erupts every 80 minutes
• Steamboat Geyser: Once set a record by sending its steam more than 400 feet.
• Mammoth Hot Springs: Most famous hot springs in the park
• Yellowstone Lake: Largest high-altitude lake in N. America. It lies 7731 feel above sea level and 20 miles long and 14 miles wide.

Animals of the Rockies

• Bighorn - wild sheep of N. America
• Rams
• Grizzley Bears
• mountain lions
• Pikas
• water ouzel
• mountain goats
• red squirrels
• 
• Legenda: Example Food Web of the Rockies

The Northwest Coast

• Rich in resources (animals)
• salmon
• trout
• whales
• seals
• shellfish
• deer
• elk
• bear
• carribou
• otters
• Rich in resources (Trees)
• nuts
• berries
• plants
• Culture and customs: One of the most advanced indian cultures of N. America
• Several Tribes Present:
• Tlingit
• Nootka
• Chinook
• Bella Coola

Important Tribes and People

• Sacagawea: Known as "Bird woman" was a famous Shoshone.
• she lead Lewis and Clark on their trip across America to the Pacific Ocean
• Nez Perce: named by the French interpreter. Named for their pierced noses
• They became well known for their horsemanship and became famous as breeders of the appaloosa, a horse with a spotted or splotched coat.
• Most famous leader was Chief Joseph
• Salish: Part of a group of tribes known as Flatheads.
• Cayuse: Lived in what is now NW Oregan. Became famous horse breeders
• Ute: State of Utah was named after this tribe. Lived in small family groups and roamed the area of Utah and Colorado.