Seattle Physical Geography Quiz
Bays, hills, glacial landforms (10 questions).
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Seattle Physical Geography Quiz: Quick Study Notes
Seattle’s distinctive physical geography is a captivating blend of marine environments, undulating hills, and a profound glacial legacy. Nestled between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, the city’s landscape has been sculpted over millennia by powerful geological forces, creating a vibrant urban setting on a dynamic natural canvas. This quiz explores the iconic bays, challenging hills, and ancient glacial landforms that define the Emerald City.
Key Geographical Aspects
Seattle is situated on Elliott Bay, an inlet of Puget Sound, connecting to Lake Union and Lake Washington via a ship canal system. These waterways are crucial for commerce and recreation.
Famous for its numerous hills like Queen Anne, Capitol, and Beacon Hill, Seattle’s elevation changes dramatically, offering varied cityscapes. Some hills were significantly regraded in the early 20th century.
The entire Puget Sound region, including Seattle, was profoundly shaped by the Vashon Glaciation, part of the Cordilleran Ice Sheet. This created deep glacial troughs, drumlins, and the lowlands’ overall character.
The combination of glacial activity, tectonic forces, and marine influences has resulted in unique ecosystems, deep-water ports, and a landscape that continues to evolve, making Seattle a fascinating study in physical geography.
Key Takeaways
- Elliott Bay serves as Seattle’s primary downtown waterfront.
- Puget Sound is a large, glacially carved arm of the Pacific Ocean.
- Seattle is renowned for its prominent hills, including Queen Anne, Capitol, and Beacon Hill.
- The city’s topography was dramatically shaped by the Vashon Glaciation approximately 15,000 years ago.
- Drumlins, like Beacon Hill, are common glacial landforms in the Seattle area.
- Lake Washington and Lake Union are freshwater bodies linked to Puget Sound by the Lake Washington Ship Canal.
- Significant regrading projects in the early 20th century altered hills such as Denny Hill for urban development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main bay in Seattle?
Elliott Bay is the primary bay bordering downtown Seattle and is a key part of the city’s deep-water port on Puget Sound.
Why is Seattle so hilly?
Seattle’s hilly terrain is largely a result of glacial deposits and erosion during the last ice age, specifically the Vashon Glaciation. Glaciers left behind large deposits of till and reshaped the underlying bedrock.
How did glaciers shape Seattle?
The Puget Lobe of the Cordilleran Ice Sheet carved out Puget Sound, Lake Washington, and Lake Union. It deposited vast amounts of sediment, forming hills like drumlins (e.g., Beacon Hill) and creating the region’s characteristic rugged landscape.
Are Seattle’s hills natural or man-made?
Most of Seattle’s major hills are natural formations, primarily glacial drumlins or moraines. However, some, like Denny Hill, underwent extensive regrading (man-made flattening or moving) in the early 20th century to facilitate urban development.
What’s the difference between Elliott Bay and Puget Sound?
Puget Sound is a large, complex inlet of the Pacific Ocean, an estuary system stretching hundreds of miles. Elliott Bay is a smaller, specific bay within Puget Sound, forming the immediate waterfront of downtown Seattle. Elliott Bay is part of Puget Sound.
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