What is the envirment like in rocky mountain region?

- Mountainous terrain with sharp peaks and deep valleys

- High elevation (ranging from 2,000 to over 14,000 feet)

- Continental divide runs through the Rocky Mountains, separating the Pacific and Atlantic watersheds

- Forests of lodgepole pine, ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and spruce-fir

- Alpine meadows, tundra, and glaciers

Characteristics

- Cold winters with heavy snowfall and long, dry summers

- Temperature variations can be extreme, with daily ranges of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or more

- High levels of solar radiation due to the clear, thin air

- Low humidity, which can make the air feel dry and cold

Climate

The climate of the Rocky Mountains is influenced by several factors, including the mountain range's elevation, latitude, and proximity to the Pacific Ocean.

Vegetation

The vegetation of the Rocky Mountains is varied and depends on the elevation. At lower elevations, the vegetation is typically coniferous forest, with trees such as lodgepole pine, ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and spruce-fir. At higher elevations, the vegetation changes to alpine meadows, tundra, and glaciers.

Wildlife

The wildlife of the Rocky Mountains is also varied and includes many species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Some of the most common mammals in the Rocky Mountains include elk, deer, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, marmots, and pikas. Some of the most common birds in the Rocky Mountains include golden eagles, bald eagles, ospreys, hawks, falcons, owls, and songbirds.

Human Activity

The Rocky Mountains are a popular place for human activities such as hiking, skiing, camping, fishing, and hunting. The Rocky Mountains are also home to a number of mines, logging operations, and other industries.