Final answer:
The physical geography of the northwestern United States differs from the Great Plains in terms of landforms, climate, and vegetation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The physical geography of the northwestern United States differs from the Great Plains in several ways.
In terms of landforms, the northwestern United States is characterized by mountain ranges such as the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Mountains, which run from north to south. These mountain ranges create a rugged and diverse landscape with deep valleys, steep slopes, and snow-capped peaks. On the other hand, the Great Plains are mostly flat and feature expansive grasslands.
Another difference is the climate. The northwestern United States experiences a variety of climates, including temperate rainforests in the Pacific Northwest, while the Great Plains have a drier and more continental climate with hot summers and cold winters.
The vegetation in these regions also differs. The northwestern United States is known for its dense forests, including evergreen forests in the Pacific Northwest and deciduous forests in other parts. The Great Plains, on the other hand, are characterized by prairies, which are vast grasslands with few trees.