General Features of Indiana
Indiana is situated in the mid-western and Great Lake region of the United States. It shares its borders with Michigan to the north, Ohio to the east, Illinois to the west, and the Ohio River and Kentucky to the south. The state has a diverse topography, which includes rolling forests and prairie, rivers, and lakes.
The topography of the state can be divided into three major regions:
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Great Lakes Plains:
As the name suggests, the Great Lake Plains are fertile lowlands. Located along the Great Lakes, the area around the lake is marked by sand dunes and number of small lakes and low hills. Also called Northern Lake, the land area is fertile and black in color, which is suitable for farming.
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Till Plains:
Till plains are situated in the center of Indiana. Lying to the south of Great Lake Plains, it is a part of the Corn Belt and is characterized by vast fertile plains. It is home to the highest point in the state, the Hoosier Hill.
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Southern Plains and Lowlands:
Situated south of Till Plains, this region is the most rugged area of the state. The topography of the lowlands are characterized by steep hills which are divided by lowlands.
Geographical Facts About Indiana |
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| Area | 36,420 square miles |
| Land Area | 35,870 square miles |
| Water Area | 550 square miles |
| Highest point | Hoosier Hill at 1,257 feet above sea level |
| Lowest point | 320 feet above sea level |
| Highest temperature | 116 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Lowest temperature | -36 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Geographic Center | Marion County, 14 miles NNW of Indianapolis |
Mountains in Indiana
Hoosier Hill is the highest point in Indiana. Other important peaks in the state are Sand Hill, Battle Point, Weed Patch Hill, The Knob, and Diamond Hill.
Climate of Indiana
Indiana has cool winters and warm summers, characteristics of humid continental climate. The climate greatly differs from region to region. The southern region of the state receives more rainfall in comparison to others. The state is prone to tornadoes and the annual rainfall averages 40 inches. The average snowfall in the state varies from 14 inches to 80 inches.
Rivers
Ohio river is the largest tributary of Mississippi river that flows through many American states. Other important rivers in the state are Kankakee River, Fall Creek, Galena River, White River, Wabash River, and Tippecanoe River.
Lakes
Lake Michigan is the third-largest lake by surface area and extends into Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin. It is one of America’s Great Lakes. Other major lakes in the state are Lake Wawsee, Monroe Lake, Long Lake, Knapp Lake, and Jimmerson Lake.