Virginias Geography Relative Location Relative location may be

Virginia’s Geography

Relative Location • Relative location may be described using terms that show connections between two places such as “next to, ” “near, ” and “bordering. ”

Bordering Bodies of Water • Virginia is bordered by two large bodies of water: – Chesapeake Bay – Atlantic Ocean

Bordering States • Virginia is also bordered by five other states: – – – Maryland West Virginia Kentucky Tennessee North Carolina

Virginia’s Five Regions

Virginia’s Five Regions • Virginia is divided into five geographic regions and each region has distinctive characteristics. – – – Tidewater Region (Coastal Plain) Piedmont Region Blue Ridge Mountains Region Ridge and Valley Region Allegheny (Appalachian) Plateau Region

Tidewater Region • Coastal Plain – Flat land. – Located near the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay (includes the Eastern Shore Peninsula). – East of the Fall Line.

The Great Dismal Swamp • Located in the southeastern corner of Virginia. • Home to many kinds of wildlife. • It covers over 600 square miles!

The Fall Line • The Tidewater and Piedmont regions of Virginia are separated by a natural border called a “fall line. ” • This is the place where waterfalls prevent further travel on rivers.

The Piedmont Region • The area of rolling hills between the fall line and the Blue Ridge Mountains. • The word Piedmont means, “land at the foot of the mountains. ”

Blue Ridge Mountains Region • Old, rounded mountains. • Located between the Piedmont and Ridge and Valley regions. • Source of many rivers. • Part of the Appalachian Mountains system.

Ridge and Valley Region • Includes the Great Valley of Virginia (Shenandoah Valley). • Located west of the Blue Ridge Mountains. • Famous for farming and orchards!

Allegheny (Appalachian) Plateau Region • Located in Southwest Virginia. • Only a small part of the plateau is located in Virginia. • Plateau – area of elevated land that is flat on top. • Coal mining is big in this region!