The Valley and Ridge Appalachians

The Valley and Ridge Appalachians are a region characterized by long, parallel ridges and valleys, formed by ancient mountain-building processes. This area features folded and faulted rock layers from the Appalachian Mountains' uplift, creating a scenic landscape with fertile valleys ideal for farms and transportation routes. The ridges are often composed of harder, resistant rocks, while the valleys have softer rocks that erode more easily, shaping the distinctive pattern. This region has historically supported agriculture, industry, and settlement, and its geological features provide insight into the Earth's crustal deformation over millions of years.