Chapter 12: The Great Plains and Prairies

Washington D.C. is very different from the Great Plains, especially the physical environment. Whereas the Great Plains hold vast amounts of flat, open space, the D.C. area is quite the opposite. Although there are only slight elevation changes within the D.C. city limits, there are a large amount of trees and other vegetation. The parks that I previously mentioned are a prime example of this.

Just outside the D.C. area are the lush, forested areas of Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland. These areas include various elevation changes due to the mountainous areas of land in which they lie. Within these states are situated various National Forests and Shenandoah National Park.

Source: http://www.outdoorbasecamp.com/new/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Shenandoah_National_Park.jpg

Significant rainfall and extreme weather is present in both the Great Plains region and Washington D.C. Although, the tornadoes of the Great Plains are replaced by blizzards and the occasional hurricane in the D.C. area.

Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/71/Blizzard_12_2009_Arlington_DC_8258.JPG