ABSTRACT
The range of physical geography found in Arizona is typical of the great contrasts in the state. Most of the major streams begin in the east and flow toward the west, and the lowest elevations in Arizona are in the far southwestern part of the state. Arizona has few clear boundaries that easily divide the state into definite physical regions. The Basin and Range Province is very large and extends far beyond the bounds of Arizona. The Basin and Range Province in Arizona is characterized by broad, flat valleys between narrow mountain ranges that seem to dominate the landscape. The area of the Mexican Highlands in southeastern Arizona is different from the rest of the Basin and Range Province in that the mountains are higher and occupy a larger percentage of the total area. Many factors determine the vegetation in Arizona. Grassland areas in Arizona are usually at lower elevations and in drier environments than the forests.
