United States
Articles and information related to the geography of the United States
Highest Point in Every U.S. State
Every U.S. state's highest point, from Denali to Britton Hill, with elevations, maps, and geographic facts.
States in Order of Admission to the United States of America
From Delaware to Hawaii, discover when each state entered the Union and the geographic features that make every state unique.
United States of Syllables
From Maine to California, see how all 50 U.S. states are grouped by the number of syllables in their names and discover which syllable count is most common.
Greatest Concentration of Breeding Bald Eagles in the Contiguous United States
The San Juan Islands support one of the highest densities of breeding bald eagles in the contiguous United States. Here's why.
Where Superblooms Occur in the United States
Discover where superblooms occur across the United States, from California's deserts to spectacular spring wildflower displays across the West.
Hydroclimate Whiplash: the Impact on California Wildfires
Rapid shifts between extremely dry and unusually wet conditions are reshaping California’s fire landscape by increasing vegetation growth, drying fuels, and contributing to more intense wildfires.
Barrier Islands in the United States
Barrier islands are narrow landforms running parallel to coastlines, protecting shores from storms and erosion while supporting unique ecosystems.
How Many States Are Along the East Coast and West Coast of the United States?
Learn how many states are along the East Coast and how many states are along the West Coast.
Geography of Giant Sequoias
Giant sequoias are one of the longest lived tree species, with the oldest giant sequoia living an estimated 3,400 years.
Which States Have the Highest Percentage of Water Area?
Water shapes U.S. states' geography and ecosystems. Which states have the highest and lowest percentages of area covered by perennial water?
These Two Countries are Separated by 2.4 Miles and 21 Hours
There exists a geographic point where two of the largest countries in the world are only separated by a 2.4 miles but are 21 hours apart.
Geography of Lightning Strikes in the United States
Researchers recently mapped out data from the U.S. National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN) between 2017 and 2022 to see where lightning strikes the most across the contiguous United States.
What is the Outlook for California’s Atmospheric Rivers?
During the winter months, atmospheric rivers carry enormous amounts of water to the state of California.
Exploring Rainbows and Moonbows
Rainbows and moonbows occur when light is refracted through drops of water in the sky.
The Highest 11 Mountains in the United States
Learn about the highest 11 mountains in the United States.
U.S. States With the Most Extreme Elevation Spans
Here are the states with the greatest difference in elevation between the highest and lowest points.
Study: Human Activities Have Changed How Wolves Hunt Deer
Logging, linear features, and human infrastructure are changing where wolves hunt for deer.
Largest Dome Volcano in the World
Lassen Peak is the world's largest dome volcano with a height of 10,457 feet (3,187 meters).
Timing Mismatch is Resulting in Fewer Birds
A study has found that shifts in the timing of spring seasons, linked to climate change, are impacting bird breeding patterns and leading to less offspring.
2023 Wildfires in the Western United States
So far in early August of 2023, the wildfire season in the western United States has not been as intense as prior years when a years-long drought was raging.
Florida’s Burmese Python Invasion
The introduction of the Burmese Python into Florida has resulted in the decline of many native mammals in the Florida Everglades.
Chaparral in California
Chaparral ecosystems in California are characterized by dense shrubs and rocky terrains and span from maritime zones to mountain slopes.
Geography of Vultures in the United States
Discover where turkey vultures, black vultures, and California condors live across the United States and what shapes their distribution.
How California’s Ancient Tulare Lake Reappears
Tulare Lake used to be the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi.
A to Z Geography: United States
The geography of the United States is diverse, featuring rugged mountains, arid deserts, dense forests, and expansive coastlines.