Physiographic Provinces of Virginia Earth Science Deborah Bowyer, ITRT

5 Virginia is divided into ____ major physiographic provinces (physio-physical features, graphic—map of). Coastal Plain Valley & Ridge Appalachian Plateau E W Blue Ridge Piedmont

The Coastal Plain A gently seaward sloping surface in Eastern Virginia Pile “_______” of loose sediments that have eroded from the mountains. 0’ sea level Sediments The highest elevation is about 300 ft. above sea level.

Ages of rocks: Fossils: Sedimentary, loose sediment Kinds of rocks: Ages of rocks: Fossils: Sedimentary, loose sediment 0-225 mya (millions of years ago) Sea critters

This area is rich in _____ and ______ resources. gravel sand This area is rich in _____ and ______ resources. gravel Fall line: b. Major cities are located here. a. Waterfalls and rapids are located here.

The Piedmont A gently rolling area with hills and valleys (pied-foot, mont-mountains). This is located in Central Virginia. E Blue Ridge Coastal Plain Piedmont W

subduction An episode of ___________ that occurred before the formation of the Appalachian Mountains created these rocks. They are part of the ______ of the mountains. roots

Ages of rocks: Fossils: Igneous and metamorphic (some sediment) Kinds of rocks: Ages of rocks: Fossils: Igneous and metamorphic (some sediment) 245-570 mya None Exception: Culpepper Co. Dinosaur tracks

Blue Ridge Highest older eroded A narrow line of mountains north of Roanoke, a broader, upland surface south of Roanoke. _________ mountains in Virginia. The Appalachian mountains are ________ and more _________ than the Rocky Mountains. Highest older eroded

Mount Rogers Elevation: 5719’ W Highest peak __________________ in Virginia.

Kinds of rocks: Ages of rocks: Fossils: oldest Igneous & metamorphic 245 mya-1 bya None Metamorphosis ____________ occurred during the Appalachian Mountain formation. These are the ________ rocks in Virginia. oldest

Valley and Ridge An area of long, parallel ridges separated by valleys W Ridges Valleys Great Valley Blue Ridge Plateau Thrust Faults Alleghany County

Sections of hard, resistant rocks make up the ridges, while soft, eroded limestone makes up the valleys. ________ has eroded and leaves caves and caverns (karst topography). Limestone

Folding and faulting occurred during the formation of the Appalachian Mountains (when N. America collided with Africa and Europe). This occurred during the Paleozoic Era (300-265 million years ago).

Kinds of rocks: Ages of rocks: Fossils: Sediment 350-570 mya Sea critters

Appalachian Plateau This is a series of plateaus separated by faults Appalachian Plateau This is a series of plateaus separated by faults. “The Boot” This area is known for rich deposits of ____, ____, and _________. coal oil natural gas Coal seams

Kinds of rocks: Ages of rocks: Fossils: Sediment 286-360 mya Scale trees Ferns Some sea critters

W E Appalachian Plateau “Rolling Hills” Plateaus Valley & Ridge Faults Alleghany County