South+Dakota


 * Robyn Fahy**
 * Period 7**
 * February 4, 2011**

General Information

 * State:** South Dakota
 * Capital:** Pierre
 * Origin of State Name:** named for the Native American group, Dakota.



**Physical Geography:**
The Missouri River, Cheyenne River, James River, and White River are all major rivers in South Dakota. It flows southeast through the center of the state. Some of South Dakotas' large lakes are Oahe, Sharpe, Francis Case, and Lewis and Clark, are reservoirs created from the Missouri River. There are three major regions in South Dakota. There is the Praire, the Great Plains, and the Black Hills. The highest elevation is 7,242 feet above sea level. The lowest elevation is 962 feet above sea level. The terrain is grassy, with prairies and grasslands.



**﻿Climate:**

 * Interiar continental climate
 * hot summers with an average tempurature of 74°F
 * extremely chilly winters with an average tempurature of 12°F
 * record high tempurature is 120°F record low tempurature is -58°F
 * 14.8 inches of rain per year

Some natural resources of South Dakota are soil, water, and forest. It helps for growing plants and building houses. The land is used for
farming, mining, and ranching

Major cities-
Attractions- The population density of South Dakota is 9.9 people per square mile.
 * Aberdeen
 * Brookings
 * Pierre
 * Rapid City
 * Sioux Falls
 * Watertown
 * Mount Rushrome National Memorial
 * Corn Palace
 * Crazy Horse Memorial