Chapter 10: The Coastal South

This week the topic is The Coastal South.  The Coastal South region spans the southeastern coast of the United States.  Specifically, the region runs from its most northern portion in Virginia, down and around the coast, to its most western portion along the coast of eastern Texas.

The Coastal South Region

The Coastal South region includes portions of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and the entire state of Florida.  Once again, this region does not include Rehoboth Beach, or any portion of Delaware for that matter.  Geographically, The Costal South is directly south from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.  Both areas are coastal regions on the eastern side of the United States.  Despite not being a part of the Coastal South, Rehoboth Beach shares similarities with the region.

Both regions are coastal areas located along the eastern portion of the United States.  Rehoboth Beach is a more northern location on the coast, but the two regions still share climate similarities.  As noted before, Rehoboth Beach features a mild humid subtropical climate.  The summers are hot, and the winters are mild compared to locations farther inland.  The Atlantic Ocean plays a role in moderating Rehoboth's weather.  There is no dry season, and afternoon thunderstorms are not uncommon.  Similarly, the Coastal South features a humid subtropical climate, with long hot rainy summers and mild wet winters.  There is little day to day variations in temperature, and similar to Rehoboth Beach, the Atlantic Ocean has moderating effects on the temperature of coastal areas.  Both areas have humid subtropical climates; however, Rehoboth Beach experiences a milder version of it because of its more northern location.  Thus, Rehoboth Beach generally has a cooler summer temperature than areas in The Coastal South such as Miami Florida.  Also, both regions experience rainfall and thunderstorms year round.  However, the Coastal South experiences a greater quantity of thunderstorms.  In fact, The Coastal South is the most thunder-prone area in North America.  Additionally, The Coastal South is prone to hurricanes.

Hurricane Katrina Aftermath

Many devastating hurricanes have formed off the coast and slammed coastal regions along The Coastal South.  For example, Hurricane Katrina slammed New Orleans causing massive damage.  The Rehoboth Beach area can, and has been affected by hurricanes in past.  Hurricane Sandy was a recent hurricane that affected Rehoboth Beach.  However, generally speaking, Rehoboth Beach is only mildly affected by hurricanes that form further down south.  Often times, Rehobth Beach only experiences rain, increased water levels, and rougher seas when hurricanes are occurring down south. Overall, Rehoboth Beach is not part of the Coastal South region; however, the two regions share many similarities in terms of climate.

Miami South Beach.  A very popular vacation destination

Both Rehoboth Beach, and the Coastal South feature coastal areas with popular beaches to enjoy.  Thus, both places are very popular for people looking to get away during the summer and hit the beach.  Like Rehoboth Beach, Florida is an extremely popular summer vacation spot.  Thousands flock to both places each week during summer to enjoy a vacation on the beach.  Because of this, both Rehoboth Beach, and cities along the coast in The Coastal South have economies that are driven by vacationers.  The climate plays a big role in creating an environment that goes well with enjoying the beach and being on vacation.  The climate, coupled with the nice beaches and towns that have been established along the coast create the perfect vacation spot for people in Rehoboth Beach, and areas throughout The Coastal South.  

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, is not included in the Coastal South region.  Despite this, the two areas have several similarities as highlighted above.  Next week the topic will be The Great Plains.  Rehoboth Beach is not located in The Great Plains; Therefore, we will compare the two regions.  The two regions will not be as closely related as they were this week.  Nevertheless, we will look to draw at least some similarities no matter how small.

Until Next Time,
William