This remains an important element in America s human geography because of its extensive economic activity. Vast expanses of North American landscapes are dominated by vast fields of grain. Also herds of livestock are sustained by pastures and fodder crops because the region can afford the luxury of feeding animals from its farm lands, with demands of red meat in its diet. The increasing application of high technology mechanization to farming has steadily increased both the volume and value of total agriculture production accompanied by a sharp reduction in the number of people actively engaged in agriculture. And modern machines are fueled by inanimate energy sources.
Mobility also implies heavy use of energy resources.
High income spread somewhat evenly among a large share of the population will generate high product demand. All this increases energy consumption. Americans consume about 25 percent of the world s total energy production. The United States imports half the petroleum it consumes, an increasing share of the iron ore and natural gas used, nearly all of its tin and aluminum, and large quantities of many other mineral ores. High income also affects diet.