Chapter 1 A Land of Diversity

Section 1 (p.5-8) topographyPhysical terrain

Geographic regionA large area of land with similar features

Outer Banks Primary source The long chain of sandy islands along NC’s coast. First-hand account

COASTAL PLAIN “Sounds” (channels of water separating islands from the mainland) Pamlico Alberlarle Bogue Core Croatan Currituck Roanoke

Coastal Plain SoundsPamlico is the largest on the eastern coast of the US. B/c of sounds, NC has more water surface that all but 2 other states in the continental US.

Coastal Plain Running inland from the ocean is a broad, flat region called the CP. Extends westward miles. Low elevation, less than 20 feet above sea level.

Coastal Plain Numerous swamps, lakes, and rivers drain the region. B/c of low elevations, waters near the mouths of rivers rise & fall with ocean tides = “Tidewater” of “Tidelands”

THE PIEDMONT PiedmontGently rolling hills Elevations climb from 500 feet in the east to 1500 feet in the west. Red clay soil In some places, elevations btwn the P. &/the CP change so sharply that rivers spill off the Piedmont in rocky rapids or low waterfalls. “Fall Line” divides P. /CP

The Mountains Mountains Western region Appalachian Mountains Stretches 2,000 miles from Canada to Alabama Named after the Apalachee, a group of Native Americans.

The Mountains Mountains The “Appalachians” Rise to their highest point in NC. Mt. Mitchell is the highest mountain east of the Mississippi River. Some scientists think NC may have the oldest mtns in the world.

Section 2 Climate climateMain kind of weather that a region enjoys over an extended period of time

Sun BeltA strip of warm- weather states that runs across the southern US

Chapter 1 Section 2 LocationNear enough to the equator to have moderate year-round temps. Atlantic Ocean gives our air moisture, and holds the sun’s heat. Warm, humid summers & cool, damp winters

Altitude (height) Influences climate Higher = cooler Appalachians =barrier They stop many masses of cold air from the interior.

Precipitation (water released from the atmosphere) (rain, sleet, hail, snow, fog, dew) Type of precip goes with temp. Little snow due to warm climate Lgest. Amount of rain usually falls in July/Aug.

Winds Tend to run about 13 mph along coast 8 mph further inland Played a role in our history. Can be dangerous Cause coastal erosion, esp. in Outer Banks

Section 3 Natural Resources environmentAll the living and nonliving things that make up a region

Natural resourcesThe parts of nature that people use in some way

Soil Mixture of worn down rock and decaying remains of plants and animals for soil. Loam covers most of the Coastal Plain Varies from region to region. Thick, black mixture of clay, sand, and decaying plants can be up to 36 inches deep.

Soil Piedmont More rock and less plant life = more clay Rocks & rolling hills make the land more difficult to farm

Soil Mountains Thinnest and rockiest soil Many different types of trees $$ tree industry

Rocks and MineralsNC has over 300 diff. kinds Emerald is official state gem Brick, slate, 80% of nation’s lithium = Piedmont Mtns = marble, limestone

Rocks and MineralsSome geologists think that some 70 to 100 million tons of low- grade coal may be available in the state Also pockets of off- shore oil Cracks (faults) in earth=dangerous to mine. Too costly also.

Plants/WildlifeEarly settlers called NC “paradise” Forests still cover 60% of all NC land.

WaterLong coast =$ fishing, tourism, fertilizer, oil, etc. Largest lake, Mattamuskeet, is a natural lake.