Final answer:
The Great Plains is the name of the vast dry grassland in the central U.S., also known as the prairies, particularly suited for agriculture such as the Wheat Belt west of the 100th meridian.
Step-by-step explanation:
The vast area of dry grassland that lies in the central part of the U.S. is called the Great Plains. These temperate grasslands, also known as prairies, are known for their flat land and extreme temperature fluctuations with hot summers and cold winters. Historically, this region was home to the short grass prairie, but it has been largely converted into agricultural land for growing crops like wheat, particularly in areas west of the 100th meridian where the climate is drier.
The land east of the 100th meridian is part of the Corn Belt, featuring exceptionally fertile soil conditions ideal for corn and soybeans. However, most of the original tallgrass prairie that once covered this area has been plowed under to create farmland. Whereas, the shorter grass prairies west of the 100th meridian, less suitable for these crops due to the dryness, now include the extensive Wheat Belt that runs from Texas through the Dakotas.