Why is population density east of the Cascade Mountains lower than west?

Why is population density east of the Cascade Mountains lower than west?

• A. Experienced more migration than the western region
• B. Nearly twice the land area of the western region
• C. A colder and drier climate than the western region
• D. Fewer concentrations of valuable minerals than the western region

Answer: (C)

The pattern is driven by climate and how the Cascade Mountains shape it. The mountains create a rain shadow, so the western side receives plenty of moisture and mild conditions, while the eastern side is colder and drier. Dense populations tend to concentrate where agriculture and daily life are easier, which means the wet, temperate western region supports higher population density. The harsher eastern climate makes sustained, large populations more challenging, leading to lower density there. Other factors like migration, land area, or mineral resources can influence settlement, but the climate difference best explains the east–west density contrast.

The pattern is driven by climate and how the Cascade Mountains shape it. The mountains create a rain shadow, so the western side receives plenty of moisture and mild conditions, while the eastern side is colder and drier. Dense populations tend to concentrate where agriculture and daily life are easier, which means the wet, temperate western region supports higher population density. The harsher eastern climate makes sustained, large populations more challenging, leading to lower density there. Other factors like migration, land area, or mineral resources can influence settlement, but the climate difference best explains the east–west density contrast.