Poll: The Beaches of Texas

[alias_sqbr]

Poll #20754 A very important poll about international geography

Open to: Registered Users, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 55

View Respondents

Are you aware that Texas has a long coastline and many beaches?

View Answers

Yes, obviously
24 (43.6%)

I guess?
19 (34.5%)

I am now!
11 (20.0%)

What???
1 (1.8%)

I DON'T BELIEVE YOU
2 (3.6%)

Other
1 (1.8%)

If you answered "yes" or "I guess", where do you live?

View Answers

Outside the United States
21 (50.0%)

The United States (but not Texas)
21 (50.0%)

Texas
0 (0.0%)

A Texan beach
0 (0.0%)

Other
0 (0.0%)

If you answered something else, where do you live?

View Answers

Outside the United States
11 (91.7%)

The United States (but not Texas)
1 (8.3%)

Texas
0 (0.0%)

A Texan beach (oops)
0 (0.0%)

Other
0 (0.0%)

Because it turned out I'm not the only person who thought of it as landlocked and was surprised to realise that it very much isn't. Including a friend who lived in Texas for many years.

So I was curious to see how wide spread the unexamined misconception is.

Comments

[fred_mouse]

I don't know if it was news to me earlier in the year, but meteorologist at the next desk tends to track things like hurricanes, and comment on which coastlines they cross.

[alias_sqbr]

haa if I was in your shoes I'd probably spend a lot of time going "Oh that coastline is there?" a lot. Geography doesn't tend to stick in my brain very well.

[fred_mouse]

I am developing a completely new-to-me respect for the complexities of geography. Also, meteorology in general, because there are sooo many details that need to be kept in mind. Fortunately, my aspect of the job is to go 'does this data look real?' And 'did South Perth seriously get 120mm of rain on one day in January?' (answer, yes, although the actual number might not be exactly right -- I was looking at several sites).