Physiographic Provinces of Virginia Earth Science

Virginia is divided into ____ major physiographic provinces (physio-physical features, graphic—map of). 5 W E

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

1. Kinds of rocks: 2. Ages of rocks: 3. Fossils: )

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

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

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

1. Kinds of rocks: 2. Ages of rocks: 3. Fossils: Exception: Culpepper Co. Dinosaur tracks

Blue Ridge 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.

Mount Rogers Elevation: ___________ _______ in Virginia. W

1.Kinds of rocks: 2.Ages of rocks: 3.Fossils: Igneous & metamorphic 245 mya-1 bya None ____________ occurred during the Appalachian Mountain formation. These are the ________ rocks in Virginia.

Valley and Ridge An area of long, parallel ridges separated by valleys Valley and Ridge W Plateau RidgesValleysGreat Valley Blue Ridge 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

_______________occurred during the formation of the (when __________collided with _________ and ______). This occurred during the _______( million years ago).

1.Kinds of rocks: 2.Ages of rocks: 3.Fossils:

Appalachian Plateau This area is known for rich deposits of ____, ____, and _________. Coal seams

1.Kinds of rocks: 2.Ages of rocks: 3.Fossils: Scale trees Ferns Some sea critters

Appalachian Plateau