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Boundaries delineate the extent of areas.They define regions as having characteristics that differ from their neighbors. They divide one area from another. Boundaries are devised by humans or they follow natural features. The conterminous United States is divided from Canada by an international boundary that was the result of treaties with Britain. The Pacific Ocean sets a natural boundary around Hawaii. ![]() ![]() Private properties, school districts, counties, Congressional Districts, postal and telephone area codes; these are all examples of regions divided, delineated, and defined by manmade boundaries. The boundaries of the United States were determined as a result of treaties, purchases, colonial charters, and acts of Congress. A property boundary is defined by a property deed and survey. Local administrative boundaries are typically decided by local and regional government organizations. Imaginary lines of latitude and longitude are also frequently used by humans to define boundaries. Of course, any boundary set by men and women can be changed by them as well. ![]() ![]() Nature also sets and alters boundaries. The Continental Divide is a ridge line stretching from northwest Canada to northwest South America. It's a natural boundary dividing the waters flowing west from those flowing east or north. A river is a good example of a natural feature that also serves as a boundary between two areas of land. In some cases, humans have elected to use rivers and streams as administrative boundaries. For example, a section of the boundary between Oklahoma and Texas follows the course of the Red River. Since river courses can change quickly, using them as administrative boundaries isn't always a good idea. Boundaries that are of national significance and use, that are fairly
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![]() National Atlas of the United States® and The National Atlas of the United States of America® are registered trademarks of the United States Department of the Interior Help us improve the National Atlas Privacy Statement, Disclaimer, Accessibility, FOIA http://www.nationalatlas.gov/boundaries.html Last modified: Monday, 14-Jan-2013 17:18:04 CST |
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