Physiographic Provinces

A physiographic province is a region with a defining geology and other specific elements. The United States contains fourteen different provinces. Five of these provinces are found in Virginia. A study of the different physiographic provinces can reveal clues about the elevation, rock type, geologic structure, resources, and environment of each area. The image to the right highlights each of the physiographic provinces of North America by highlighting the different bedrock found in each area.

Virginia Geology

The geology of Virginia began over one billion years ago. Virginia is composed of a very diverse landscape that extends from the beaches and barrier islands all of the way to the highly elevated Appalachian Plateau. Geologists have discovered ancient shallow seas, swamps, the collision of continents, and the existence of karst topography in the different physiographic provinces of Virginia. In this interactivity explore the geology of Virginia. Click the player button to begin.

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Fossils in Virginia

Geologists determine an areas geologic history by analyzing the rock record and giving an age to any fossils that are discovered. The state of Virginia contains a wide array of fossils from the Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic eras. According to Virginia’s fossil record, during the Paleozoic much of Virginia was covered by shallow seas. Around 350 million years ago, the western part of the state was covered in dense, swampy forests. During the Mesozoic era dinosaurs roamed through the Piedmont. They left footprints throughout this province. Eastward, the sea level still covered much of the Coastal Plain. The image shows fossils of oysters have been recovered in some locations dating to the Mesozoic. During the Cenozoic, the sea level retreated. The Coastal Plain is rich in fossils of clams, snails, whale bones, shark teeth, and ocean related fossils.

Virginia’s Resources

The geologic history of Virginia involves colliding plates, mountain building events, and millions of years of weathering and erosion. These geologic processes have shaped the state of Virginia creating five physiographic provinces that run through the state. Under the surface of these provinces lie valuable resources. Most of these resources are non-renewable because of the time required to create the resources. Coal is a resources found in the Appalachian Plateau. Coal began forming in Virginia over 300 million years ago in ancient swamp environments. Coal is Virginia’s most important resource as it brings in over 1 billion dollars a year. It also supplies an estimated 50% of Virginia’s electricity.

Virginia has many other non-renewable resources. Most of these resources are minerals and rocks. Crushed stone and gravel are used for road construction. Limestone is used to produce concrete. Minerals mined in Virginia include kyanite, vermiculite, quartz, zircon, rutile, and ilmentite. The mineral quartz is used to manufacture electronics. Zircon, rutile, and ilmentite are mined in order to extract zirconium and titanium. Both of these metals are used to help strengthen steel. Renewable resources in Virginia include fertile soil, forests, and water. The soil helps support the agriculture industry. The trees of the forests are harvested and used to manufacture many items. The water is used in every aspect of life. Water is also used to produce electricity.

 

Virginia Geology Review

Now that you have investigated Virginia geology and resources, practice what you have learned. In this non-graded activity, read each question and select the appropriate area on the map. Click the player button to get started.