Chapter 12: The Great Plains and Prairies

The Great Plains and Prairies can still be considered to be very different than that of Seattle. The Great Plains and Prairies are rural compared to Seattle's urban city. Both regions differ in climate, geography, and life style.

The Great Plains and Praries:

• It is known for its extreme weather. Very cold winters, and very hot summers.
• Violent storms in spring and summer with 2 inches of hail. 
• Central Plains get an average about 24 inches of rain annually. Other places like Kansas may receive between 16-42 inches of rain. However due to it's high winds, the region's moisture evaporation and transpiration are high.
• Blizzard and Tornado zone.
• Despite it's extreme weather, it is still considered a major agricultural region. Provides 1/6th of our country's wheat and 1/4th of our cotton. 

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Plains

http://www.geog.nau.edu/courses/alew/ggr346/text/chapters/ch8.html