It is believed that the state of Kansas is the flattest state in the United States. The average elevation of the state is 2,000 feet.
Geographical Facts About Kansas
| Area | 82,282 square miles |
| Land Area | 81,823 square miles |
| Water Area | 459 square miles |
| Highest point | Mount Sunflower at 4,039 feet above sea level |
| Lowest point | 679 square miles |
| Highest temperature | 121 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Lowest temperature | -40 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Geographic Center | Barton County, 15 miles NE of Great Bend |
General Features Kansas is located in Midwestern United States. It shares its borders with Nebraska on the north, Missouri on the east, Oklahoma on the south, and Colorado on the west. More than 60% of the state has a flat topography.
The eastern region of the state has many hills and forests. Kansas can be divided into three major geographic regions:
-
Dissected Till Plains :
Located in the northeastern region of Kansas, the dissected till plains is home to many rivers and streams. The soil of this region is fertile and rich and is suitable for farming.
-
Southeastern Plains :
The Southern Plains comprises two regions, including Osage Plains and the Flint Hills. It stretches from the center of the state up to Oklahoma border. The topography of the region is characterized by gently rolling plains and few hills.
-
Great Plains :
Great Plains covers the western region of the state. It is home to the highest point in the state, Mount Sunflower. This region is characterized by rolling plains and mountains. The high plains in this region have higher elevation than the southeastern plains but are very similar to them.
Climate of Kansas
The climate of Kansas can be classified into three broad categories: humid continental, semi-arid steppe, and humid subtropical. The eastern region of the state has a humid continental climate, while the western region of the state has semi-arid steppe climate. The eastern region has cold winters and hot and humid summers. South-central region of the state has humid subtropical climate. The state is prone to thunderstorms and precipitation varies from region to region. Kansas averages more than 50 tornadoes annually.
Mountains
Mount Sunflower is the highest point in the state. The state is home to many peaks and summits, including Rock Hill, Red Hills, Jenkins Hill, Smoky Hills, and Blue Hills.
Rivers
The Missouri River is a tributary of Mississippi River which flows through the American Great Plains, covering regions of ten American states, including North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Nebraska, and Kansas. Other important rivers in the state are Arkansas, Kansas, Republican, and Smoky Hill River.
Lakes
Cheyenne Bottoms is a natural lake in Kansas. It is named as one of the eight Wonders of Kansas. Other important lakes in the state are El Dorado Lake, Clinton Lake, Lake Inman, and Big Hill Lake.