美国州英文介绍说明.ppt

Topography An archipelago situated some 2,000?mi (3,200?km) southwest of the North American mainland, Hawaii is the southernmost state of the United States and the second westernmost state after Alaska. Only Hawaii and Alaska are outside the contiguous United States and do not share a border with any other U.S. state. Hawaii is the only state of the United States that: is not geographically located in North America grows coffee is completely surrounded by water is totally an archipelago has a royal palace does not have a straight line in its state boundary All of the Hawaiian islands were formed by volcanoes erupting from the sea floor from a magma source described in geological theory as a hotspot. The volcanic activity and subsequent erosion created impressive geological features. The Big Island is notable as the world’s second highest island. Because of the islands volcanic formation, native life before human activity is said to have arrived by the 3 Ws: wind (carried through the air), waves (brought by ocean currents), and wings (birds, insects, and whatever they brought with them). The isolation of the Hawaiian Islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, and the wide range of environments to be found on high islands located in and near the tropic, has resulted in a vast array of endemic flora and fauna. Hawaii has more endangered species and has lost a higher percentage of its endemic species than anywhere in the United States. Protected areas There are several areas in Hawaii under the control and protection of the National Park Service. There are three designated national historical parks: 1)Kalaupapa National Historical Park in Kalaupapa, Molokai, the site of a former colony for leprosy patients; 2)Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park in Kailua-Kona on the island of Hawaii; 3)and Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park in Honaunau on the island of Hawaii, the site of an ancient Hawaiian place of refuge.