General Features
Rhode Island is a state located in the New England region of the United States. It is bordered on the Massachusetts on the north and east; by the Atlantic Ocean on the south; and on the west by Connecticut. The geographic center of the state lies in Kent County.
The landscape of Rhode Island comprises two geographic regions:
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The Coastal Lowland:
Covering more than half of the mainland of Rhode Island, the Coastal Lowland occupies the entire coast of New England. The area is characterized by low slopes and forested woodlands.
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The Eastern New England Upland:
The area covering one-third of the state is known as the Eastern New England Upland region. Also called the Western Rocky Upland, the region is composed of rolling hills and higher elevations. Jerimoth Hill, the highest point in the state, lies in this region.
Climate of Rhode Island
Rhode Island has a humid continental climate characterized by warm, rainy summers and chilly winters. The highest temperature recorded in Rhode Island was 40 °C, it was recorded on August 2, 1975, in Providence. The lowest temperature in the state was ’32°C, on February 5, 1996, in Greene. Severe weather conditions such as snowstorms, thunderstorms, and hurricanes occur occasionally.
Geographical Facts About Rhode Island
| Area | 1,545 square miles |
| Land Area | 1,045 square miles |
| Water Area | 500 square miles |
| Mean Elevation | 60 meters |
| Highest Point | Jerimoth Hill (247 meters) |
| Lowest Point | Atlantic Ocean |
| Geographic Center | Kent County |
Mountains
Rhode Island has over 373 mountain ranges. The highest mountain peak in the state is the Jerimoth Hill followed by Durfee Hill, Whites Hill, and the Pine Hill.
The other major mountain peaks in the state are:
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Rivers
The major rivers in the state are:
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Lakes
Among the numerous lakes and reservoirs in Rhode Island, the major lakes are:
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