Answer to Question 1
The intermontane region is characterized by low annual precipitation and landscapes shaped by wind and water, such as steep canyons, valleys, mesas, and buttes. In contrast, the Great Plains province is a region of broad plains and low hills covered by a grassland ecosystem.
Answer to Question 2
Watersheds are areas linked by a common drainage system. By delineating entire watersheds for preservation, environmental planners ensure that none of the land or waters within the watershed will be negatively impacted by development. This means the entire system will be less likely to be polluted or face other impacts.