Chapter 2

1. Chapter 2 Natural Regions of Pennsylvania

2. Vocabulary for Ch.2 • Atlantic Coastal Plain – natural region located in southeastern PA, and is strip of low narrow land • Region – a large area in which places have something in common • Transportation – a way to move people and goods • Suburb – small community near a large city • Merchant – someone who buys and sells goods for a profit • Port – a harbor or place where ships can load and unload cargo

3. The Atlantic Coastal Plain Region • The Atlantic Coastal Plain occupies a narrow strip of low land in southeastern Pennsylvania • Pennsylvania’s Atlantic Coastal Plain is part of the Delaware River Valley • People settled along the Delaware River because it provided a means of transportation

4. Atlantic Coastal Plain Region • Philadelphia is a major city in this region, and is the state’s largest city. • Because of its location, Philadelphia is a major port for ships to carry products throughout the world. • Today Philadelphia is a center of industry, business, and culture.

5. The Piedmont Region • The word piedmont means “foot of mountain” • The Piedmont Region is bordedby the fall line in the east and the Appalachian Mountains in the west • The Piedmont is a plateau with gently rolling hills and valleys • The Piedmont’s soil is among the richest in the world and makes the region ideal for farming

6. Piedmont Region • The heart of Pennsylvania’s farming industry lies in this region • Some of the farmers in the Piedmont region are Amish • The Amish are religious people who do not use modern conveniences • Lancaster is one of the most popular towns in the Piedmont region

7. Ridge and Valley Region • The Ridge and Valley Region is located north west of the Piedmont Region • This region has a series of ridges and valleys; including the Great Valley • The Great Valley runs the entire length of the Pennsylvania Ridge and Valley Region • The Great Valley is an area of rich farmland • The Allegheny Mountains, which are part of the Appalachian Mountains, are located on the western border of this region

8. Ridge and Valley • Coal Mining is a major industry in this region • Fruit and vegetable farming is important in this region • Harrisburg is the state capital, and is located in this region • The Pocono Mountains are located in this region • This region’s many state parks and forests offer visitors many forms of recreation such as fishing, picnicking, and boating

9. The Allegheny Plateau • The Allegheny Plateau is the largest region in Pennsylvania • It covers most of northern and western Pennsylvania • This region contains mountains, hills, and valleys • Glaciers and streams helped carve out the different landforms in this region • The mountaintops of the Allegheny Plateau are about the same height; which means that the region was once a plateau

10. The Allegheny Plateau • Two famous landmarks are located in the Allegheny Plateau, Mt. Davis and Fallingwater • Mt. Davis is Pennsylvania’s highest mountain peak • Fallingwater is a famous house that sits atop a waterfall; designed by Frank Lloyd Wright • There are many state parks and forests that provide forms of recreation; including hiking, camping, and waterfalls

11. The Allegheny Plateau • Coal is among the Allegheny Plateau’s most valuable resources • Pittsburg is a major city in this region • Pittsburg was settled where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers meet to form the Ohio River • Pittsburg is a center of transportation, industry, and culture • Pittsburg is PA’s second largest city

12. Erie Lowland Region • The Erie Lowland Region is PA’s smallest region • It is an area of low, flat land near Lake Erie • The flat land in this region is ideal for building highways and railroads; which makes it a center of transportation • Erie is a good location for a port, and has grown to the third largest city in Pennsylvania • Farming, industry, transportation and recreation are all important in this region • This region is popular with visitors because of all the wild life, water activities, and history