High Plains (United States)
High-elevation subregion of the Great Plains with semi-arid climate.
The High Plains are a subregion of the Great Plains, mainly in the Western United States but also partly in the Midwest states of Nebraska, Kansas, and South Dakota. They generally encompass the western part of the Great Plains before the region reaches the Rocky Mountains. The High Plains are located in eastern Montana, southeastern Wyoming, southwestern South Dakota, western Nebraska, eastern Colorado, western Kansas, eastern New Mexico, the Oklahoma Panhandle, and the Texas Panhandle. The region is notable for its high elevation, cold semi-arid climate, and low population density.
- Region
- Western and Midwestern United States
- Elevation range
- 1,500 to 6,000 ft (460 to 1,830 m)
- Climate
- Cold semi-arid (Köppen BSk)
- Primary economic activities
- Cattle ranching, wheat, corn, sunflower farming, petroleum, natural gas, wind energy
- Notable geological feature
- Llano Estacado (southern region)
Lore & Background
The term 'Great Plains' was not generally used before the early 20th century; in the 19th century the region was known as the Great American Desert. Today, 'High Plains' is usually used for a subregion instead of the whole of the Great Plains. The High Plains have a cold semi-arid climate, receiving between 10–20 inches of precipitation annually. Due to low moisture and high elevation, the region commonly experiences wide ranges and extremes in temperature. This is the world record for the greatest temperature change in 24 hours. The High Plains are anomalously high in elevation. An explanation has been proposed: as the Farallon plate was subducted into the mantle beneath the region, water trapped in hydrous minerals in the descending slab was forced up into the lower crust above, causing hydration of dense garnet into lower density minerals, raising the elevation by about one mile.
Reader's Guide
The High Plains are significant as a distinct physiographic subregion of the Great Plains, characterized by high elevation, aridity, and extreme temperature swings. Their historical naming—from 'Great American Desert' to 'High Plains' to a subregion of the 'Great Plains'—reflects evolving geographic understanding. The region's economy relies heavily on agriculture (cattle ranching, wheat, corn, sunflower) and extraction of petroleum, natural gas, and wind energy. Irrigation from the Ogallala Aquifer enables water-intensive crops like corn. The High Plains have one of the lowest population densities in the continental United States, with growth concentrated in west Texas cities like Amarillo and Lubbock, while smaller towns struggle. The region's unique geology—including the Llano Estacado and the proposed mechanism for its high elevation—adds to its scientific interest.
Did You Know?
- The High Plains rise in elevation from around 1,500 to 6,000 ft from east to west.
- The High Plains have a cold semi-arid climate (Köppen BSk) and receive between 10–20 inches of precipitation annually.
- The southern region of the Western High Plains ecology region contains the geological formation known as Llano Estacado.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is High Plains (United States)?
The High Plains is a high-elevation subregion of the Great Plains stretching across the western U.S. and parts of the Midwest. It sits between the lower Great Plains to the east and the Rocky Mountains to the west, covering portions of eight states plus the Oklahoma and Texas Panhandles.
What are High Plains (United States)'s powers/role?
The region's economic output centers on cattle ranching, wheat and corn cultivation, sunflower farming, petroleum and natural gas extraction, and wind energy production. Its cold semi-arid climate and elevations ranging from 1,500 to 6,000 feet shape every aspect of local agriculture and industry.
How does High Plains (United States)'s story end?
The southern portion of the region terminates in the Llano Estacado, a vast elevated tableland in eastern New Mexico and the Texas Panhandle. Beyond that point the High Plains give way to lower-elevation terrain as the Great Plains continue eastward.
Why is High Plains (United States) important?
The region is significant for its combination of high elevation, sparse population, and a diverse resource economy spanning agriculture, fossil fuels, and renewable energy. It represents the transitional zone where the Great Plains rise before meeting the Rocky Mountain front.
Where does High Plains (United States) appear?
The High Plains span eastern Montana, southeastern Wyoming, southwestern South Dakota, western Nebraska, eastern Colorado, western Kansas, eastern New Mexico, the Oklahoma Panhandle, and the Texas Panhandle. It occupies the western segment of the broader Great Plains before the terrain climbs into the Rockies.
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