Virginia Physiographic Provinces Flashcard

Front

What is Karst topography?

Back

Karst topography is a landscape formed from the dissolution of soluble rocks, such as limestone, leading to features like underground caverns and caves.

Front

Where in Virginia is Karst topography found?

Back

Karst topography is found in the Valley and Ridge province of Virginia.

Front

Which province in Virginia has the oldest rocks?

Back

The Blue Ridge province has the oldest rocks in Virginia.

Front

What geological process caused sedimentary rock layers in the Ridge and Valley province to become folded and faulted?

Back

Colliding tectonic plates caused the sedimentary rock layers to become folded and faulted.

Front

Why are the Blue Ridge Mountains named that?

Back

They are named for their characteristic blue haze, which is caused by gases emitted by trees.

Front

What is the Fall Line in Virginia?

Back

The Fall Line is the geographical boundary where the land drops significantly from the Piedmont province to the Coastal Plain.

Front

What features do rivers have when they cross the Fall Line?

Back

Rivers typically have waterfalls and rapids when they cross the Fall Line.

Front

What is the primary rock type found in the Coastal Plain province of Virginia?

Back

The Coastal Plain primarily consists of sedimentary rocks.

Front

What is the significance of the Blue Ridge province in Virginia's geology?

Back

The Blue Ridge province is significant for having the oldest geological formations in Virginia.

Front

What type of landscape is characteristic of the Appalachian Plateau?

Back

The Appalachian Plateau is characterized by flat-lying sedimentary rocks and elevated terrain.