Virginia Geology and Resources

Mountains in Virginia

Each part of a state is shaped by its unique geology and resources. Eastern Virginia is well-known for the beaches and the Chesapeake Bay, as well as the seafood and recreational activities they provide. The Blue Ridge Mountains stand out for their beauty, the surrounding farmland, and as the home of Shenandoah National Park. In the far western part of the state, many communities are built around the coal mining industry. Virginia has a variety of natural resources to offer, all of which were determined long ago by the geology of the area. In this topic, you will explore the five different physiographic regions of Virginia and the resources they contain.

Essential Questions

  • What is a physiographic region?
  • What are the five physiographic regions of Virginia?
  • What are the major natural resources found in Virginia?
  • How has resource usage in Virginia changed over the last 150 years?