United States

Articles and information related to the geography of the United States

Map showing the NDVI anomaly in 2024 compared to average levels from 1991 to 2020). After a couple of years of above average precipitation in Southern California, vegetations levels in the summer of 2024 were 30% greener than average. Map: NASA, public domain.

Hydroclimate Whiplash: the Impact on California Wildfires

Caitlin Dempsey

Hydroclimate whiplash - the rapid swing between drought and heavy precipitation - plays a role in the increasing intensity of California wildfires.

Fire Islands is an Atlantic Ocean barrier island off the southern shore of Long Island, New York. Photo: Jennifer Miselis, USGS. Public domain.

Barrier Islands in the United States

Caitlin Dempsey

Barrier islands are narrow landforms running parallel to coastlines, protecting shores from storms and erosion while supporting unique ecosystems.

Coastlines, like this California view at Pescadero, show how complex coastlines are with bluffs, rocks, and curvature. Photo: Meaghan Faletti, USGS . Public domain.

How Many States Are Along the East Coast and West Coast of the United States?

Caitlin Dempsey

Learn how many states are along the East Coast and how many states are along the West Coast.

A giant sequoia tree at Yosemite National Park's Mariposa Grove of Big Trees.

Geography of Giant Sequoias

Elizabeth Borneman

Giant sequoias are one of the longest lived tree species, with the oldest giant sequoia living an estimated 3,400 years.

McKinley Lake near Cordova, Alaska

Which States Have the Highest Percentage of Water Area?

Caitlin Dempsey

Water shapes U.S. states' geography and ecosystems. Which states have the highest and lowest percentages of area covered by perennial water?

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