NORTH AMERICA.

57. Surface of North America.

Where is the gulf of Mexico ??

West of this gulf lies the plateau of Mexico.
It is about a mile and a half above the level
of the sea. High ranges of mountains lie
along its borders and steep
slopes descend from them to
the shores.

Between the isthmus of
Panama and the plateau of
Mexico the world ridge is low.
Low ranges lie along this part
of the Pacific coast.

North of the plateau of
Mexico lies the Great Basin.
It is a wide plateau, crossed
by many ranges and cut by
many valleys. -
Tn most places the Great

Basin is very dry. Its surface is nearly a mile
above the level of the sea, and border ranges
shut out most of the rain clouds.

In this
Near its

shores there are large cities.

1 See map on page 37.

 

basin lies the Great Salt lake..

Water is led to them from the mountains,
and around them spread many fertile
gardens. .

Northward from the Great Basin the world
ridge is lower and narrower.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   

The Yukon river is in the far north, and

flows through a very cold country. Snow
and ice cover the ground during a large part
of the year. :

The long slope of North America lies east
of the Rocky Mountain highland.