Texes Social Studies Content Practice Exam

Which of the following most likely is the cause of the wide variety of weather that the Coastal Plains region of the United States experiences?

1. It is located near Canada

2. Most of the plains are above sea level

3. It is located in close proximity to the Rocky Mountains

4. It is located next to the Gulf of Mexico

The correct answer is: It is located next to the Gulf of Mexico

The Coastal Plains region of the United States experiences a wide variety of weather primarily due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. This body of water significantly influences local weather patterns and climate. Warm, moist air from the Gulf can lead to increased humidity and precipitation in the region, contributing to diverse weather conditions, including thunderstorms and hurricanes, especially during the warmer months. Additionally, the Gulf of Mexico acts as a heat reservoir, which further modifies air masses that move over the Coastal Plains, resulting in variations in temperature and moisture levels. This interaction between the warm ocean water and the atmosphere is a fundamental factor in the development of storms and other weather phenomena. The other options do not adequately explain the variations in weather within the Coastal Plains. Being near Canada would more likely influence temperature but does not account for moisture and storm development. The elevation above sea level does not substantially vary in this region and is not a key factor in weather diversity. Proximity to the Rocky Mountains could influence weather but primarily affects areas further west rather than the Coastal Plains directly.