Free Vector map of the state of Oklahoma, USA, main roads with numbers, colored counties with names.
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Free Vector map of the state of Oklahoma, USA, main roads with numbers, colored counties with names.
Oklahoma is located in the central part of the United States, often referred to as the South Central or Midwestern region. It is characterized by diverse landscapes, ranging from the Great Plains in the west to the forests and hills in the east. Oklahoma has a rich mix of geographical features, from expansive grasslands and forests to mountains and rivers, and serves as a transitional zone between the arid western U.S. and the humid southeastern states. Below is a detailed geographic description of Oklahoma.
General Location
- Region: South Central United States.
- Coordinates: Approximately 36.0°N latitude and 97.5°W longitude.
- Borders:
- North: Kansas.
- South: Texas.
- East: Arkansas and Missouri.
- West: New Mexico and Texas.
Size and Area
- Total Area: 69,899 square miles (181,037 square kilometers).
- Land Area: 68,667 square miles (177,657 square kilometers).
- Water Area: 1,232 square miles (3,200 square kilometers).
- Population: Approximately 4 million (as of 2023).
Major Geographic Features
1. Mountain Ranges and Plateaus
- Ouachita Mountains: Located in the southeastern part of the state, extending from Arkansas into Oklahoma, the Ouachitas are characterized by rugged terrain, with peaks rising over 2,000 feet (610 meters). This mountain range is part of the Ouachita Mountain System, which also includes the Wichita Mountains.
- Wichita Mountains: Located in the southwestern part of the state, the Wichita Mountains are an isolated, ancient mountain range that rises to 2,464 feet (751 meters) at the summit of Mount Scott. The mountains are part of the larger Wichita Plateau, offering scenic views, wildlife, and recreation opportunities, including Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge.
- Arbuckle Mountains: Found in south-central Oklahoma, this mountain range has some of the oldest exposed rock formations in the state. The Arbuckle Mountains are not as high as the other ranges, but they offer a unique geological landscape.
2. Plains and Grasslands
- Great Plains: The western part of Oklahoma is part of the Great Plains, a broad expanse of flat or gently rolling land. It is characterized by vast, open spaces, grasslands, and agricultural areas. This region is known for its semi-arid climate, particularly in the Panhandle, where dry conditions prevail.
- Central Oklahoma: The central part of the state features a blend of prairie and woodland areas, particularly in the Central Oklahoma Uplift, which provides rolling hills and plains interspersed with small valleys and rivers.
3. Rivers and Lakes
- Red River: The Red River forms the southern boundary of Oklahoma with Texas, flowing eastward to the Mississippi River. It is a major waterway, draining much of the eastern and southern parts of the state.
- Arkansas River: Originating in Colorado, the Arkansas River flows through northeastern Oklahoma, providing vital water resources to the region. It is a major tributary of the Mississippi River.
- Canadian River: A tributary of the Arkansas River, it flows through the central and eastern parts of Oklahoma, providing water for agriculture and settlements.
- Cimarron River: Flowing through the western part of Oklahoma, the Cimarron River drains parts of the Great Plains.
- Lakes and Reservoirs: Oklahoma has several artificial lakes, most of them created for flood control and irrigation. Some of the largest include:
- Lake Texoma: Located along the Texas border, it is one of the largest reservoirs in the state.
- Grand Lake: Situated in northeastern Oklahoma, known for its recreational opportunities.
- Lake Murray: A popular lake in southern Oklahoma, located near the Arbuckle Mountains.
- Lake Eufaula: A large reservoir in eastern Oklahoma, providing water recreation and fishing.
4. Forests and Woodlands
- Eastern Oklahoma: This region has more forests and woodlands due to its proximity to the Ozark Plateau and the Ouachita Mountains. The area is home to diverse flora, including oak, pine, and hickory trees.
- Oklahoma’s Forest Resources: Forests cover about 20% of the state, with the largest concentration found in the southeastern part. The Ozark Plateau and Ouachita Mountains are key areas with dense forests of hardwoods and pines.
5. High Plains and Prairie
- The High Plains region dominates much of the western part of Oklahoma, with flat, grassy plains. The landscape consists primarily of grasslands that have supported agriculture for centuries, particularly wheat and cattle ranching.
Climate
- Climate Type: Oklahoma has a predominantly semi-arid climate in the western half and a humid subtropical climate in the eastern half.
- Precipitation: Oklahoma receives varying amounts of precipitation, ranging from 20 inches (51 cm) per year in the west to over 50 inches (127 cm) in the east. The eastern and central parts of the state are more prone to rainfall, particularly in the spring and summer.
- Temperature:
- Winters: In the western part of the state, winters are cold, with temperatures occasionally dropping below freezing. The eastern part sees milder winters.
- Summers: Summers in Oklahoma are hot, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C), especially in the central and western parts of the state.
- Severe Weather: Oklahoma is located in Tornado Alley, and severe weather, including tornadoes, thunderstorms, and hail, is common in the spring and early summer months. The state also experiences extreme heat in the summer, often with drought conditions in the western areas.
Natural Resources
- Oil and Natural Gas: Oklahoma is one of the top oil and natural gas producers in the U.S., with significant deposits in the Anadarko Basin and the Arbuckle Mountains.
- Agriculture: The state is a major producer of wheat, cattle, poultry, and other crops. The High Plains region, particularly in the western half of the state, is known for wheat farming, while eastern Oklahoma supports more diverse crops like soybeans, corn, and cotton.
- Minerals: Oklahoma is rich in minerals, particularly limestone, gravel, and coal. The state also has deposits of bauxite and salt.
- Forests: As mentioned earlier, southeastern Oklahoma has large tracts of forested land, contributing to the state’s timber industry.
Major Urban Areas
- Oklahoma City:
- Located in central Oklahoma, Oklahoma City is the largest city and the state capital. It is an economic and cultural hub, with industries ranging from energy to aviation, and is home to landmarks such as the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and Bricktown.
- Tulsa:
- Located in the northeastern part of the state along the Arkansas River, Tulsa is the second-largest city and is known for its history in the oil industry. It is also a cultural center with a growing arts scene.
- Norman:
- Located south of Oklahoma City, Norman is home to the University of Oklahoma and is known for its educational and cultural influence.
- Lawton:
- Located near the Wichita Mountains, Lawton is a military town, home to Fort Sill and a center for regional commerce.
- Edmond:
- A suburban city just north of Oklahoma City, Edmond is one of the fastest-growing cities in the state.
Transportation
- Highways:
- Interstate 35 (I-35): Running north-south, I-35 is a major corridor connecting Oklahoma City to Texas and Kansas.
- Interstate 40 (I-40): The primary east-west highway that runs across the southern U.S., passing through Oklahoma City and providing access to Arkansas, Texas, and beyond.
- Interstate 44 (I-44): Connecting Oklahoma City to Missouri and serving as another important east-west route.
- Rail:
- Oklahoma has a well-established railway system with Amtrak providing passenger service, while BNSF Railway and Union Pacific handle freight traffic.
- Airports:
- Will Rogers World Airport (OKC) in Oklahoma City and Tulsa International Airport are the two largest airports, serving both domestic and limited international flights.
Cultural and Recreational Attractions
- National Parks and Wildlife Areas:
- Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge: A wildlife conservation area offering hiking, bison viewing, and rock climbing.
- Chickasaw National Recreation Area: Located near Sulphur, this area offers hiking, fishing, and swimming in the beautiful Arbuckle Mountains.
- Turner Falls: A popular waterfall located in the Arbuckle Mountains, the largest waterfall in Oklahoma.
- Cultural Attractions: Oklahoma is known for its Native American heritage, including the Cherokee Heritage Center and Indian City USA, both offering deep insights into the Native American experience.
Author: Kirill Shrayber, Ph.D.