Answer: The coterminous United States refers to the 48 contiguous states that make up the mainland of the United States, excluding Alaska and Hawaii. The boundaries of the coterminous United States can be divided into two types: natural and artificial.
Natural Boundaries: The natural boundaries of the coterminous United States are formed by physical features such as rivers, mountains, and deserts. These physical features provide a clear dividing line between states and serve as a natural barrier to potential boundary disputes.
Artificial Boundaries: Artificial boundaries are human-made and are created by treaties, agreements, and legislation. These boundaries are not always clearly defined and can lead to potential disputes, especially between neighboring states.
Potential boundary disputes in the coterminous United States can arise due to a number of factors such as conflicting land use, water rights, and disputes over jurisdiction and control of shared resources. Some of the common types of boundary disputes in the coterminous United States include:
Water Rights Disputes: Disputes over water rights can occur between states that share a river or aquifer, with each state claiming a certain amount of the available water for their own use.
Land Use Disputes: Disputes over land use can occur between states, such as disputes over commercial development, agriculture, or residential areas.
Jurisdictional Disputes: Jurisdictional disputes can occur between states over control of shared resources, such as wildlife or wildlife habitats.
Resource Management Disputes: Disputes over resource management can occur between states, such as disputes over fishing rights or access to minerals.
In conclusion, the boundaries of the coterminous United States are divided into natural and artificial boundaries, which can lead to potential boundary disputes over water rights, land use, jurisdiction, and resource management. These disputes can be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or legal action.