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Las Vegas Physical Setting Analysis

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Hello Class, The physical setting in which I live and work, the Las Vegas metropolitan area, depends greatly on technological advancements and engineering feats. Without human interactions such as the erection of the Hoover Dam for hydro-electrical power and a source of fresh water, the area would be largely uninhabitable. Las Vegas is situated in a desert region and surrounded on all sides by large mountain ranges (citydata.com, 2009). Summer temperatures normally exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit and annual rainfall is very low (Ibid). Las Vegas was originally a small frontier town situated on the railroad. In 1930, it 's population was only around 5200 people (Online Nevada Encyclopedia, n.d., para 2). Since that time, it has seen massive population growth to over two million and is one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the nation. This growth in population is largely due to the construction of the Hoover Dam. The Hoover Dam (originally named the Boulder Dam but renamed after President Herbert Hoover) was constructed between 1931 and 1936 and dammed the …show more content…

For example, I live approximately 30 miles from where I work at Nellis AFB. Without a vehicle and without air conditioning in that vehicle, my daily journey to and from work would be nearly impossible. Quite dissimilar to some cities in Europe and Asia where populations are concentrated allowing people to walk, bike or take public transportation to their places of employment, Las Vegas is sprawling and vast. Mobility in this city almost necessitates personal conveyance. In summary, Las Vegas ' physical setting is an inhospitable desert. The Hoover Dam and modern conveniences has made this city not only a comfortable and attractive place to live, but also a huge tourist attraction.

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