26-27 VS1 Geography - Google Docs

Which state's physical geography and regions are covered in Virginia Studies Geography?

Virginia

What two major bodies of water border Virginia on the east?

The Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay

Which five states border Virginia?

Maryland, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and North Carolina

What is the easternmost geographic region of Virginia, characterized by low, flat land?

Coastal Plain (Tidewater)

Which geographic region of Virginia is located west of the Fall Line and features rolling hills?

Piedmont

What does the word "Piedmont" literally mean?

Land at the foot of the mountains

Which region in Virginia consists of old, rounded mountains that are part of the Appalachian mountain system?

Blue Ridge Mountains

Which region lies west of the Blue Ridge Mountains and includes the Great Valley of Virginia?

Valley and Ridge

What is the westernmost geographic region of Virginia?

Appalachian Plateau

What is the definition of a plateau in geography?

An area of elevated land that is relatively flat on top

What natural boundary line separates the Coastal Plain (Tidewater) and Piedmont regions?

The Fall Line

Why were early Virginia cities and settlements established along the Fall Line?

Waterfalls and rapids prevented further travel upstream by boat

What geographic feature is defined as a piece of land surrounded by water on three sides?

Peninsula

What peninsula is separated from the Virginia mainland by the Chesapeake Bay?

The Eastern Shore

Which major Virginia river flows past the city of Alexandria?

Potomac River

Which major Virginia river flows past the city of Fredericksburg?

Rappahannock River

Which major Virginia river flows past Yorktown?

York River

Which major Virginia river flows past Richmond and Jamestown?

James River

What shallow natural lake is located within the Dismal Swamp?

Lake Drummond

In which Virginia geographic region are the Dismal Swamp and Lake Drummond located?

Coastal Plain (Tidewater)

On which continent is Virginia located?

North America

Which major body of water provided a safe harbor and rich fish/shellfish resources for native peoples and early Virginia settlers?

Chesapeake Bay

What terrain feature characterizes the Valley and Ridge region of Virginia?

Parallel mountain ridges separated by valleys

Which region serves as the geographic source of many major rivers in Virginia?

Blue Ridge Mountains

Which ocean provided early settlers in Virginia with transportation links to Europe?

Atlantic Ocean