80 likes | 359 Views
PENNSYLVANIA Geography. Important physical features. “If our history were a play, our geography would be the stage.”. I. Eq : What is geography?. Geography --the study of natural resources and where and how people live on earth. Divided into two types of features
E N D
PENNSYLVANIA Geography Important physical features
“If our history were a play, our geography would be the stage.”
I. Eq: What is geography? • Geography --the study of natural resources and where and how people live on earth. • Divided into two types of features 1. physical features—makes each place unique (mountains, valleys, lakes, forests) 2. human features—made by people (cities, farms, campsites, highways, etc.)
Location affects weather (day-to-day) and climate (long-term weather pattern) Characteristics of PA climate: -humid - temperature range from -42 to +111 - 4 seasons -weather varies (nor’easters)
III. EQ: What are the important landforms in Pennsylvania? A. Mountains • PA contains part of the Appalachian Mountains that extend from Alabama to Quebec, Canada. • Formed by the crashing together of tectonic plates.
III. What are the important landforms in PA? B. Valleys—flat with rolling hills • Also formed by the crashing together of tectonic plates and erosion • Valleys separate the ridges of the Appalachian Mountains. • Alleghany Plateau is eroded into steep valleys
III. What are the important landforms in Pennsylvania? C. River systems—smaller rivers (tributary) flow into a larger river = river system • Rivers cut and carve up the landscape. • Important for transportation (goods and people) especially before highways or railroads • 3 major river systems: 1. Ohio (formed by the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers) 2. Susquehanna 3. Delaware
Summary PA was: - folded (tectonic plates) - cut (rivers, glaciers) - pressed (peat pressed into coal, oil, natural gas)