新东方新托福听力特训Geography: American Southern Coastlands

Geography: American Southern Coastlands

“Of anywhere in the united states it is in the southern coastlands that the climate has
greatest impact on human geography. There are several factors which affect human
activity: humid subtropical, long growing season, mild winter temperatures and warm
humid summers. There are 9months or more of potential growth for agricultural crops
for almost the whole region of the southern coastland. What is more the average
annual rainfall is more than 125cm mostly between April and October when warm
temperatures support plant growth and sunlight is plentiful. It is enough rain for most
agricultural activities for almost the entire region. These climactic conditions have
brought forth 2 important results: farmers can grow their crops until late in the fall
without fear of frost as long as agricultural conditions are met. I mean as long as
there is fertile soil, control of insect pests and appropriate ground drainage. It has
even been possible to harvest 2crops and even more for vegetable farmers. Of greater
importance is the fact that there is the chance to produce specialty crops that cannot
be produced in other parts of the United States. Although the region where citrus
fruits have been produced has slowly moved southwards along the peninsulas interior
citrus production. Citrus production has been noteworthy in contributing to Florida’s
economy. Of the 7 major citrus growths, in Florida orange and grapefruit are most
important. Most oranges, about 80% today, are processed rather than being sold fresh.
The processing of oranges has had affects on other parts of the economy as more
people are employed in the industry and sales are not limited to the harvest period but
continue all year long. The grapefruit is produced in a similar area as the orange, but
the demand and output is only about 25% of the orange. These 2 citrus fruits are also
grown in south Texas but with irrigation. Production costs for citrus fruits mainly
come from harvesting. The fruit must be picked by hand from the trees. During the
harvesting season thousands of migrating laborers flock to Florida to do the
physically strenuous in the citrus groves. In the mainland United States it is only in
the southern coastlands sugar cane production is found. It is in production all year
round and needs more than one year to reach full maturity. It is intolerant of frost and
needs a large amount of water more than 125 cm per year. Rice has fewer climactic
requirements than sugar cane. As long as rice has sufficient water it will mature
according to the amount of heat it receives in the summer. In Louisiana and Texas rice
is grown with irrigation. Besides specialty crops there are parts of the southern
coastlands which are one of the countries main areas for growing vegetables. In the
winter urban markets are filled with fresh vegetables grown in Florida and along the
southern part of states along the gulf.”