Module 10: Resources and Virginia Geology

Life as you know it would not exist without natural resources. Some resources are plentiful and renewable, while others must be carefully conserved in order to preserve them for future generations. Some resources can be utilized with little or no negative impacts on the environment, while others cause problems such as air and water pollution, land degradation, and global climate change. Virginia has many valuable natural resources in each of its physiographic provinces. They include, but are not limited to: sand, gravel, limestone, kyanite, and coal. Water is also a precious natural resource. Virginia has three major watersheds. The largest of which is the Chesapeake Bay. The Chesapeake Bay, shown in the image, is the largest estuary in the country and provides many valuable natural services such as habitat, pollution filtration, and protection of inland areas from flooding. The Chesapeake Bay is currently facing many environmental challenges such as nutrient and sediment pollution, invasive species, and toxin pollution. It is possible to help restore the Bay, but it will take generations of protective care.