Unit 1 Lesson 2 New Jersey’s Natural Regions pgs Unit 1 Lesson 2 New Jersey’s Natural Regions pgs. 18-23 How have the regions of NJ been formed over time? What are the physical characteristics of NJ’s natural regions?

Vocabulary pg 19 Glaciers- huge, slow-moving masses of ice formed thousands of years ago These shaped Northern New Jersey’s natural regions As they moved they scraped across land carved deep valleys through mountains Stopped near Hudson River As they melted formed large lakes in holes left from moving south Erosion- the wearing away of rock and soil

Vocabulary pg 19 Till- a mixture of clay, sand, and rock that makes the soil very rich Glaciers left this behind after moving and melting

Interesting Fact Glaciers are made up of fallen snow that, over many years, compresses into large, thickened ice masses. Glaciers form when snow remains in one location long enough to transform into ice. What makes glaciers unique is their ability to move. Due to sheer mass, glaciers flow like very slow rivers. Some glaciers are as small as football fields others can be over 60 miles long http://www.brainpop.com/science/theearthsystem/glaciers/preview.weml

Appalachian Ridge and Valley Region (20) Lies in the northwestern corner of NJ Part of the Appalachian Mountain Chain Has many attractions High Point on the Kittatinny Mountains is the highest point Delaware water Gap, Delaware River cuts a deep gap or pass, through the Kittatinny Mountains

Vocabulary Sea Level- land that is level with the surface of the ocean Silt- rich soil left behind by water makes a region good for farming Vegetation- plant life

Highlands Region (21) Lies east of the Appalachians Rolling hills, hardwood forests, fertile valleys Called highlands because it lies 1,000ft above sea level Rise above Kittatinny Valley to the east and Piedmont region to the west

Highlands Region Large lakes Hopatcong and Greenwood add to the beauty Several valleys pass through the Highlands Many farms, dairies, and cities line the valley

Piedmont Region (21) Largest urban area in northeast corner Lies at the base of the Appalachians Piedmont means “at the foot of the mountains” Region begins along the Hudson River Most land 100-200 ft above sea level

Piedmont Region Is about 20 miles wide Tall cliffs called Palisades hug the western shore of the Hudson River Many of NJ’s major rivers flow through here.

Atlantic Coastal Plain Region (22-23) Richest soil and climate makes farming possible Largest region Farms and orchards are in this area Marshes and pine forests cover much of this area

Atlantic Coastal Plain Region (22-23) Covers the central and southern parts of the state It is one large plain Western part of plain has rich fertile soil