Virginia’s Geography

Relative Location Relative location may be described using terms that show connections between two places such as “next to,” “near,” and “bordering.”

Bordering Bodies of Water Virginia is bordered by two large bodies of water: Chesapeake Bay Atlantic Ocean

Bordering States Virginia is also bordered by five other states: Maryland West Virginia Kentucky Tennessee North Carolina

Virginia’s Five Regions

Virginia’s Five Regions Virginia is divided into five geographic regions and each region has distinctive characteristics. Tidewater Region (Coastal Plain) Piedmont Region Blue Ridge Mountains Region Ridge and Valley Region Allegheny (Appalachian) Plateau Region

Tidewater Region Coastal Plain Flat land. Located near the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay (includes the Eastern Shore Peninsula). East of the Fall Line.

The Great Dismal Swamp Located in the southeastern corner of Virginia. Home to many kinds of wildlife. It covers over 600 square miles!

The Fall Line The Tidewater and Piedmont regions of Virginia are separated by a natural border called a “fall line.” This is the place where waterfalls prevent further travel on rivers.

The Piedmont Region The area of rolling hills between the fall line and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The word Piedmont means, “land at the foot of the mountains.”

Blue Ridge Mountains Region Old, rounded mountains. Located between the Piedmont and Ridge and Valley regions. Source of many rivers. Part of the Appalachian Mountains system.

Ridge and Valley Region Includes the Great Valley of Virginia (Shenandoah Valley). Located west of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Famous for farming and orchards!

Allegheny (Appalachian) Plateau Region Located in Southwest Virginia. Only a small part of the plateau is located in Virginia. Plateau – area of elevated land that is flat on top. Coal mining is big in this region!