Final answer:
The High Plains region of western Kansas resembles desert formations like those found in Arizona and New Mexico due to its semi-arid climate and low rainfall influenced by a rain shadow effect.
Step-by-step explanation:
The region in Kansas that resembles desert formations found in Arizona and New Mexico is the High Plains region, particularly the western part of Kansas. This area is characterized by a semi-arid climate, with conditions similar to the North American deserts such as the Sonoran Desert.
The High Plains are influenced by the rain shadow effect caused by the Rocky Mountains, and this region generally experiences low rainfall, high evaporation rates, and vast stretches of open land that can appear desert-like.
The digital map of the saturated thickness of the High Plains aquifer shows how water availability varies significantly across Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming, directly impacting the aridity of the Kansas High Plains.