Geologic Provinces of Virginia

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Geologic Provinces of Virginia

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A. Appalachian Plateau

• Southwestern part of VA
• Rugged, irregular topography
• Rich in coal and natural gas

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B. Valley and Ridge

• This is where we live
• Underlain by ancient folded and faulted
  sedimentary rocks
• Many caves and sinkholes
• Limestone is the common rock type
• Karst Topography

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C. Blue Ridge

• The oldest rocks in VA
• Billion-year-old igneous and metamorphic rocks
• The highest area of VA

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D. Piedmont

• The largest province in VA
• Rolling hills
• Ancient igneous and metamorphic rock
• The FALL ZONE is the elevation change between the
  Piedmont and the Coastal Plain

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E. Coastal Plain

• Flat
• Unconsolidated sediment produced by erosion of
  Appalachian Mountains
• The youngest rocks in VA
• Richmond is on the border of the Piedmont and the
  Coastal Plain