In terms of geography, what defines the majority of New Mexico's landscape?

The landscape of New Mexico is predominantly characterized by desert conditions, which encompass a diverse range of ecosystems including arid regions, high desert plateaus, and areas with sparse vegetation. This desert environment is marked by its low moisture levels and extreme temperature variations between day and night, typical of a desert climate.

Additionally, real geographical features such as the Chihuahuan Desert and parts of the Great Plains contribute to the state's overall arid landscape. New Mexico does contain mountains, including the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Sacramento Mountains, but these features do not define the majority of the landscape when considered in the context of the entire state. Coastal plains are not present in New Mexico, given that it is landlocked, and while there are valleys, they are not dominant compared to the expansive desert areas. Therefore, understanding the characteristics of New Mexico's desert terrain is essential to grasping what primarily shapes its geography.