Geography of the Southern Plateau

Geography

• The Southern Plateau is a physiographic region in the eastern United States
• Covers parts of Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, and North Carolina
• Characterized by a flat to gently sloping plateau with an average elevation of 1,000-2,000 feet (300-600 meters)
• Bounded by the Appalachian Mountains to the east and the Cumberland Plateau to the west

Climate

• Humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters
• Average temperature ranges from 35°F (2°C) in winter to 70°F (21°C) in summer
• Moderate precipitation, with an average annual rainfall of 40-50 inches (1,000-1,300 mm)
• Snowfall is moderate, with an average annual snowfall of 10-20 inches (25-50 cm)

Vegetation

• Deciduous forests dominate the region, with oak, hickory, and maple as common species
• Patches of grasslands and savannas can be found in drier areas
• Forests are often fragmented, with agricultural lands and urban areas interspersed

Natural Resources

• Rich deposits of coal, iron, and limestone
• Abundant timber resources
• The region is also home to significant deposits of copper, zinc, and other minerals

States

• The Southern Plateau spans across four states:
  1. Tennessee: The plateau covers the eastern part of the state, including the Cumberland Gap and the Great Smoky Mountains.
  2. Kentucky: The plateau covers the eastern part of the state, including the Daniel Boone National Forest.
  3. Virginia: The plateau covers the southwestern part of the state, including the Jefferson National Forest.
  4. North Carolina: The plateau covers the western part of the state, including the Nantahala National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains.

Geography

• The Southern Plateau is a physiographic region in the eastern United States.
• It covers parts of Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, and North Carolina.
• The region is characterized by a flat to gently sloping plateau with an average elevation of 1,000-2,000 feet (300-600 meters).
• It is bounded by the Appalachian Mountains to the east and the Cumberland Plateau to the west.

Climate

• The Southern Plateau has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters.
• Average temperature ranges from 35°F (2°C) in winter to 70°F (21°C) in summer.
• The region experiences moderate precipitation, with an average annual rainfall of 40-50 inches (1,000-1,300 mm).
• Snowfall is moderate, with an average annual snowfall of 10-20 inches (25-50 cm).

Vegetation

• Deciduous forests dominate the region, with oak, hickory, and maple as common species.
• Patches of grasslands and savannas can be found in drier areas.
• Forests are often fragmented, with agricultural lands and urban areas interspersed.

Natural Resources

• The region is rich in coal, iron, and limestone deposits.
• Abundant timber resources are available.
• The region is also home to significant deposits of copper, zinc, and other minerals.

States

• The Southern Plateau spans across four states: Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, and North Carolina.
• Tennessee: The plateau covers the eastern part of the state, including the Cumberland Gap and the Great Smoky Mountains.
• Kentucky: The plateau covers the eastern part of the state, including the Daniel Boone National Forest.
• Virginia: The plateau covers the southwestern part of the state, including the Jefferson National Forest.
• North Carolina: The plateau covers the western part of the state, including the Nantahala National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountains.

Discover the Southern Plateau, a physiographic region in the eastern United States, characterized by its flat to gently sloping terrain and humid subtropical climate.