TXTexas Geography

Geography overview

Texas occupies the 2nd largest area among US states. Located in the South region, specifically the plains subregion, its physical geography reflects its position on the North American continent. It has coastline on the gulf. It shares an international border with Mexico.

Geographers typically think about a state's geography in five dimensions: location (where it is relative to other places), place (the physical and human characteristics), region (how it groups with others), movement (the flow of people, goods, and ideas), and human-environment interaction (how people have shaped and been shaped by the environment). This page touches on all five.

Topography and landforms

• Part of the Great Plains
• Notable cave systems
• In Tornado Alley
• Subject to hurricanes

Topography refers to the physical features of the land — mountains, valleys, plains, plateaus, basins. Texas's topography was shaped over millions of years by tectonic activity, glaciation, erosion, river systems, and (in some regions) volcanic activity. Understanding the topography helps explain everything from where cities developed historically (typically near reliable water sources and navigable rivers) to modern climate patterns (mountains create rain shadows, for instance).

Rivers and waterways

The state has Gulf of Mexico coastline, often warm, low-lying, and rich in marine biodiversity.

Mountains, elevation, and relief

Texas has moderate elevation across most of its territory, without dominating mountain ranges. The terrain is more gently rolling or plain-like than dramatically mountainous.

Climate and time zone

Texas observes Central Time (the state spans multiple time zones — a small portion may differ). The state is part of the Sun Belt — mild winters and hot, sunny summers. It lies in Tornado Alley, with peak severe weather season in spring and early summer. The coast is exposed to Atlantic and/or Gulf hurricanes (peak season June-November).

National parks and protected areas

The National Park Service manages many sites in Texas — national parks, national monuments, national forests, national wildlife refuges, and historic sites. Outdoor recreation drives significant visitor activity — hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

Wildlife and biodiversity

Texas's wildlife reflects its geography. Forests, plains, rivers, and (where applicable) coasts support a wide range of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians. Protected populations of native species are maintained through state and federal wildlife management agencies. State parks and refuges protect critical habitats; hunting and fishing license fees fund much of the wildlife conservation work.

Climate zones within the state

Because Texas is one of the largest US states, its geography varies dramatically across the state. Different regions can have completely different climates, ecosystems, and landscapes. Coastal regions (where applicable) typically have milder, more humid climates than interior areas. Mountain regions are colder and snowier. Desert regions are hot and dry.

Geology — what made Texas the way it is

Texas's present-day geography is the result of geological processes operating over hundreds of millions of years: plate tectonics, volcanic activity, glaciation, erosion, sedimentation. Most of the state's bedrock is sedimentary (limestone, sandstone, shale) or metamorphic (where heat and pressure transformed older rocks), with igneous rocks (granite, basalt) more common in mountainous areas. The last Ice Age (which ended approximately 11,000 years ago) reshaped much of the northern US and shaped lake basins, river valleys, and soil distribution.

Texas notable firsts

• Largest contiguous US state by area; was its own country 1836-1845

Bordering states (4)

Texas shares borders with 4 other US states, listed alphabetically below. Each link goes to the dedicated state page.

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