West Virginia Landforms & Physical Regions Quiz
Appalachians, ridges, valleys (10 questions).
West Virginia Landforms & Physical Regions Quiz: Quick Study Notes
West Virginia, often called the “Mountain State,” is entirely encompassed by the Appalachian Mountains. Its landscape is a dramatic tapestry of ancient peaks, deep river valleys, and countless ridges, shaped by millions of years of geological processes and erosion. This quiz explores the distinctive physical geography that defines the state.
Key Regions & Features
Key Takeaways
- West Virginia is entirely within the Appalachian Mountain system.
- The state comprises two main physiographic provinces: the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians in the east and the Allegheny Plateau covering the majority.
- The Ridge-and-Valley province is characterized by parallel northeast-southwest trending ridges and valleys.
- The Allegheny Plateau is a highly dissected plateau with steep hillsides and narrow valleys, giving it a mountainous appearance.
- Spruce Knob, at 4,863 feet, is the highest point in West Virginia, located in the Allegheny Mountains.
- Major rivers like the New River have carved significant gorges and valleys throughout the landscape, such as the New River Gorge.
- Areas with limestone bedrock exhibit karst topography, including features like caves and sinkholes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary mountain ranges in West Virginia?
West Virginia is dominated by the Appalachian Mountains, particularly the Allegheny Mountains (part of the larger Appalachian system) and the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians.
What is the “Ridge-and-Valley” province?
It’s a physiographic region in eastern West Virginia characterized by long, parallel ridges and valleys formed by ancient folding and faulting of sedimentary rock layers, trending northeast-southwest.
Where is the Allegheny Plateau located in West Virginia?
The Allegheny Plateau covers most of West Virginia, situated west of the Ridge-and-Valley province. It is a deeply dissected plateau, meaning erosion has carved it into a rugged, mountainous landscape.
What is the highest point in West Virginia?
Spruce Knob, with an elevation of 4,863 feet (1,482 meters), is the highest point in West Virginia. It is located in Pendleton County within the Allegheny Mountains.
How have rivers shaped West Virginia’s landscape?
Rivers like the New River, Kanawha, and Monongahela have significantly shaped West Virginia’s landscape by carving deep valleys and dramatic gorges. These waterways are crucial for drainage and create many of the state’s iconic landforms.
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