Geologic Provinces of Virginia

A. Appalachian Plateau  Southwestern part of VA  Rugged, irregular topography  Rich in coal and natural gas

 This is where we live  Underlain by ancient folded and faulted sedimentary rocks  Many caves and sinkholes  Limestone is the common rock type  Karst Topography B. Valley and Ridge

C. Blue Ridge  The oldest rocks in VA  Billion-year-old igneous and metamorphic rocks  The highest area of VA

D. Piedmont  The largest province in VA  Rolling hills  Ancient igneous and metamorphic rock  The FALL ZONE is the elevation change between the Piedmont and the Coastal Plain

E. Coastal Plain  Flat  Unconsolidated sediment produced by erosion of Appalachian Mountains  The youngest rocks in VA  Richmond is on the border of the Piedmont and the Coastal Plain