4 - Landscape
General definition of landscape: Landscapes include things like mountains,
hills, valleys, rivers, lakes, trees, plants, and even buildings and other human-
made structures. We often think of landscapes as being scenic or beautiful, but
they can also be rugged, barren, or even industrial.
Today, I will introduce 5 landscapes in the US that attract the most tourists
around the world.
1. The Grand Canyon National Park.
Location: Grand Canyon National Park is in the northwest corner of Arizona,
US.
Founded time: February 26, 1919
The Grand Canyon has a very rich ecological system with many different
species of animals and plants.
In 1979, UNESCO recognized Grand Canyon National Park as a World
Heritage Site.
-South Rim: is the most crowded place in the Grand Canyon because it is
located near big cities, has easy and convenient transportation, is open all year
round, with many services, restaurants, and eateries.
You can go to viewpoints of the South Rim such as: Mohave Point, Hopi Point,
and Desert View... to admire the majestic nature.
-North Rim: North Rim is located in a quite remote area, has few services, and
travel takes more time than South Rim and it will be closed in winter.
You can go to viewpoints of the North Rim such as: Cape Royal, Walhalla
Point, and Bright Angel Point..., which has many more interesting and
spectacular shapes than the South Rim.
Visitors will experience the breathtaking scenery on the cliffs and conquer the
walking paths. In addition to hiking and enjoying the scenery, there are many
activities for people of all ages such as horseback riding, rafting, canoeing,
climbing, etc.
2. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Location: located on the island of Hawaii in the state of Hawaii, United States.
Founded time: August 1, 1916.
Visitors will admire the majestic beauty of towering volcanoes and the heat of
lava.
It includes two active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.
Kilauea is one of the world's most active volcanoes.
Mauna Loa is the world's largest shield volcano.
The national park has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site
since 1987.
The park is not only a place for tourists to visit but also a place to learn about
the principles of volcanic activity.
3. Yellowstone National Park
Location: western states of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho of the United States.
Founded time: March 1, 1872.
Yellowstone is the world's first and oldest national park.
Yellowstone is famous for its wildlife and geothermal features, especially Old
Faithful Geyser.
There are several types of ecosystems here, mainly sub-alpine forests.
The national park has been recognized by UNESCO since 1978.
Yellowstone is one of North America's highest-altitude lakes and is located at
the center of the Yellowstone caldera, the largest supervolcano on the continent.
1,700 species of trees and other vascular plants and about 60 species of
mammals, including the endangered gray wolf, and threatened species such as
bobcats and grizzly bears.
4. Niagara Falls.
Location: located on the border of the United States and Canada.
Height of the waterfall: 51m.
Niagara Falls consists of three separate falls: Horseshoe Falls (Canada)
(sometimes called Canadian Falls), American Falls, and a nearby smaller
waterfall, Bridal Veil Falls. Although the falls are not high, the Niagara Falls
are very wide.
The Niagra Falls are famous for their beauty a valuable source of hydroelectric
power and a project that poses a challenge to environmental protection.
"Miracle at Niagara" happened on July 9, 1960, a 5-year-old American boy
named Roger Woodward survived falling from the top of Horseshoe Fall,
protected only by a life jacket. Minutes later, Roger was rescued at the bottom
of the falls by people on the Niagara Falls cruise ship. His incredible survival
was reported around the world.
5. Mammoth Cave National Park
Location: In the central US state of Kentucky.
Founded time: July 1, 1941
This national park is known as the longest cave system in the world called the
Mammoth-Flint Ridge Cave System due to the mountain veins that form below
the cave. Such a large limestone cave system may leave nearly 1,000 km of
other cave routes unexplored.
Additionally, more than 200 caves exist in the park that are disconnected from
the larger system.
The cave is home to more than 130 species of wildlife, such as eyeless cavefish
that have adapted to a lightless environment by no longer developing eyes. and
crayfish.
Mammoth Cave National Park is more than just a cave. The forest surrounding
it is one of the most diverse habitats in America. There are dozens of miles of
horseback riding trails, kayaking areas and great fishing spots.
Question:
According to the presentation, does North Rim or South Rim* attract more
tourists? Why?
Which one is known as the world's largest shield volcano?
A. Kīlauea
B. Mauna Loa*
C. Yellowstone Caldera
