The Geography of the United States
The United States is a vast country located in North America, bordered by Canada to the north and Mexico to the south. The country has a diverse landscape, ranging from mountains, forests, and deserts to coastal plains and beaches. The geography of the United States plays a significant role in shaping its economy, culture, and history.
What is the Atlantic Ocean?
The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest ocean on Earth, covering an area of approximately 106.4 million square kilometers. It is bounded by North and South America to the west, Europe and Africa to the east, and the Arctic and Southern Oceans to the north and south, respectively. The Atlantic Ocean is known for its strong currents, its rich marine life, and its role in shaping the history and culture of the Western world.
The Location of the United States
The United States is located in the Western Hemisphere, between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. It is situated on the North American continent, with an area of about 9.8 million square kilometers. The country stretches across six time zones, from the Eastern Standard Time (EST) to the Hawaii-Aleutian Time Zone (HAT).
The East Coast of the United States
The East Coast of the United States is a region located along the Atlantic Ocean. It stretches from Maine in the northeast to Florida in the southeast, covering a distance of approximately 2,000 miles. The East Coast is known for its historic cities, scenic beaches, and bustling ports.
The West Coast of the United States
The West Coast of the United States is a region located along the Pacific Ocean. It stretches from Washington in the north to California in the south, covering a distance of approximately 1,300 miles. The West Coast is known for its rugged coastline, diverse wildlife, and vibrant cities.
Is the United States East of the Atlantic?
Yes, the United States is located east of the Atlantic Ocean. The East Coast of the United States is situated along the Atlantic Ocean, while the West Coast is located along the Pacific Ocean. Therefore, the United States is considered a transcontinental country.
The Prime Meridian and Longitude
The Prime Meridian is an imaginary line that runs from the North Pole to the South Pole, passing through Greenwich, England. It is used as the reference point for measuring longitude, which is the distance east or west of the Prime Meridian. The United States is located between 67.2°W and 172.5°W longitude.
The International Date Line and Time Zones
The International Date Line is an imaginary line that runs from the North Pole to the South Pole, roughly following the 180° longitude. It is the line where the calendar changes by one day. The United States is divided into six time zones, each spanning 15° of longitude, with the Eastern Time Zone being the most populous.
The Relationship Between Geography and Time
Geography and time are closely related, as the Earth’s rotation around its axis determines the length of a day, while its revolution around the sun determines the length of a year. The geography of a place also affects its climate, topography, and natural resources, which, in turn, shape its culture, economy, and history.
Conclusion: The United States and the Atlantic Ocean
In conclusion, the United States is located east of the Atlantic Ocean, with the East Coast of the country situated along the ocean’s shoreline. The geography of the United States influences its climate, topography, and natural resources, which, in turn, shape its culture, economy, and history. Understanding the relationship between geography and time is crucial in comprehending the complexity of the world we live in.
References and Further Reading
- National Geographic Society. (2021). Atlantic Ocean.
- United States Department of State. (2021). The United States. https://www.state.gov/the-united-states/
- U.S. Energy Information Administration. (2021). U.S. Time Zones. https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=4650
Endnotes
- United States Department of State. (2021). The United States. https://www.state.gov/the-united-states/
- National Geographic Society. (2021). Atlantic Ocean.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration. (2021). U.S. Time Zones. https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=4650
