Free Vector map of the state of Missouri, USA, main roads with numbers, colored counties with names.

Free Vector map of the state of Missouri, USA, main roads with numbers, colored counties with names.
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Missouri, located in the central United States, is often referred to as the “Gateway to the West.” It is geographically diverse, encompassing plains, forests, rivers, and rolling hills. Below is a detailed description of its geography:

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1. Location and Borders

• Latitude/Longitude: Approximately 36° to 40° N latitude and 89° to 95° W longitude.
• Border States:
  • North: Iowa
  • East: Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee (separated by the Mississippi River)
  • South: Arkansas
  • West: Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma

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2. Major Landforms

• Ozark Plateau:
  • Located in the southern part of the state, the Ozarks are characterized by rolling hills, forests, and karst features such as caves and springs.
  • Notable natural areas: Mark Twain National Forest, Current River, and Elephant Rocks State Park.
• Mississippi Alluvial Plain:
  • Found in the southeastern corner, this low-lying region, known as the Bootheel, is part of the Mississippi embayment.
  • Fertile soil makes it a prime agricultural area, especially for crops like cotton and rice.
• Northern Plains:
  • Extends across northern Missouri, part of the Central Lowlands.
  • Known for its flat to gently rolling terrain, rich farmland, and prairie remnants.
• Missouri River Valley:
  • Cuts through the central part of the state, forming fertile floodplains and scenic bluffs.
  • Key urban centers like Kansas City, Jefferson City, and St. Charles lie along this river.

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3. Rivers and Lakes

• Mississippi River:
  • Forms the eastern border and is one of the most significant rivers in North America.
• Missouri River:
  • The longest river in the United States, traverses the state from west to east before joining the Mississippi River near St. Louis.
• Osage River:
  • Flows through central Missouri, and its reservoirs, such as Lake of the Ozarks, are popular recreation destinations.
• Lake of the Ozarks:
  • A large reservoir and major tourist attraction, known for boating, fishing, and scenic beauty.
• Table Rock Lake:
  • Located in the southwestern Ozarks, it is a hub for fishing and water sports.

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4. Climate

• Type: Humid continental in the north, transitioning to humid subtropical in the south.
• Seasons:
  • Hot, humid summers with average temperatures in the mid-80s °F (29–30°C).
  • Cold winters with average lows in the 20s °F (-6 to -2°C).
• Precipitation: Ranges from 35 inches annually in the northwest to over 50 inches in the southeast.
• Severe Weather: Missouri is part of Tornado Alley, experiencing frequent tornadoes, especially in spring.

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5. Natural Regions

• Dissected Till Plains:
  • Located in northern Missouri, featuring glaciated landscapes with fertile soil for agriculture.
• Osage Plains:
  • Found in the western part of the state, marked by prairie and grasslands.
• Forest Regions:
  • Eastern Missouri has extensive deciduous forests, including oak and hickory.
• Karst Topography:
  • The Ozarks feature caves, sinkholes, and springs, with notable sites like Meramec Caverns.

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6. Urban Geography

• Major Cities:
  • Kansas City (western Missouri): A cultural and economic hub with historic districts, fountains, and barbecue culture.
  • St. Louis (eastern Missouri): Known for the Gateway Arch, breweries, and a rich cultural scene.
  • Springfield (southwestern Missouri): Gateway to the Ozarks.
  • Columbia (central Missouri): A college town, home to the University of Missouri.

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7. Economy and Land Use

• Agriculture:
  • Corn, soybeans, cattle, hogs, and poultry dominate the agricultural output.
• Mining:
  • Missouri is a leading producer of lead, especially in the southeastern Viburnum Trend.
• Forestry:
  • Significant in the Ozarks, producing lumber and paper products.

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8. Parks and Natural Attractions

• Mark Twain National Forest:
  • Covers over 1.5 million acres of forested land in southern Missouri.
• Gateway Arch National Park:
  • A symbol of westward expansion in St. Louis.
• State Parks:
  • Missouri boasts over 90 state parks and historic sites, including Roaring River State Park and Katy Trail State Park.

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9. Transportation and Infrastructure

• Rivers:
  • Historically important for trade and transport; today, they support recreation and commerce.
• Roads:
  • Interstate highways like I-70, I-44, and I-55 connect major cities and regions.
• Rail and Air:
  • St. Louis and Kansas City serve as key hubs for railroads and air travel.

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Missouri’s geography, combining natural beauty, fertile lands, and diverse ecosystems, plays a crucial role in shaping its culture, economy, and history.