Chapter 2 - Geographic Patterns and The Physical Environment

Located in the Midwest, Chicago expereinces four distinct seasons.  It recieves about an average of 34'' of rain a year and about 43'' of snow fall a year.  Being located on Lake Michigan, not only has served economically well for the city, but also has provided a humid continetal climate that defines the city of Chicago with warm summers and cold winters.



To the north of Chicago the city is surrounded by a steep bluffs and ravines, but strikingly different the south is comprised of flat land, limes stone and sand dunes.  To the west is a an area of flat land and then changes to deep river valleys.  This area has been carved out during the glaciation period which carved out the basin for Lake Michigan.

This proximity to the southern end of Lake Michigan has provided the city with navagable water ways such as the Chicago river and access to the Mississippi river valley for movement and trade of people and goods.