Answer
During the Cenozoic era, eastern and western North America experienced different geological and tectonic processes that shaped their landscapes and environments. In the eastern part of North America, tectonic activity led to the uplift of the Appalachian Mountains, creating a diverse landscape of mountains, plateaus, and valleys. The region experienced periods of erosion and sedimentation, resulting in fertile plains and significant coal and oil deposits. The climate varied over time, from warm and tropical during the Eocene to cooler and temperate during the Pleistocene glaciations.
In contrast, western North America underwent extensive tectonic activity during the Cenozoic era, with the subduction of the Farallon Plate under the North American Plate. This led to the formation of the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada range. The western region experienced volcanic activity, creating a rugged and mountainous landscape. The climate ranged from arid and desert-like conditions in the southwest to temperate and moist in the Pacific Northwest. The western part of North America is characterized by diverse ecosystems, including deserts, grasslands, and extensive forests.
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