Appalachian Mountains

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File:Appalachian Uplands.jpg

Appalachian Uplands

File:Appalachian Mountains of North America.jpg

Appalachian Mountains of North America

File:Appalachian Highlands.jpg

Appalachian Highlands

File:Appalachian Uplands by SubRegion.jpg

Appalachian Uplands by SubRegion

Appalachian Mountains

The Appalachian Mountains, often referred to simply as the Appalachians, are a vast mountain range in Eastern North America. Stretching approximately 2,000 miles from the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador to central Alabama in the United States, the Appalachians form a natural barrier between the Eastern Seaboard and the Midwestern United States. The range is divided into three major sections: the Northern Appalachians, the Central Appalachians, and the Southern Appalachians.

Geography

The Appalachian Mountains are known for their rugged landscape, characterized by numerous valleys, rivers, and forested areas. The highest peak in the range is Mount Mitchell in North Carolina, which rises to an elevation of 6,684 feet (2,037 m), making it the highest point in the eastern U.S. The range is also home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, some of which are endemic to the region.

Geology

The Appalachians are among the oldest mountains in the world, formed over 480 million years ago during the Ordovician Period. The mountains were created through a combination of tectonic plate movements and erosion. The range's geology is complex, featuring a mix of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. The Appalachians are also rich in coal, which has played a significant role in the economic development of the region.

History

The Appalachian Mountains have a rich history that predates the arrival of European colonizers. Indigenous peoples, including the Cherokee, Iroquois, and Shawnee, have inhabited the region for thousands of years. The range was a significant barrier to early European exploration and settlement, but it also provided a rich source of natural resources. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the extraction of resources such as coal and timber led to significant economic development, but also to environmental degradation and social upheaval.

Culture

The Appalachians have a distinct cultural identity, shaped by the diverse groups of people who have lived in the region. This includes a rich tradition of music, particularly country music and bluegrass music, which have roots in the English, Scottish, and Irish ballads of the area's early European settlers. The region is also known for its unique dialects, folklore, and cuisine.

Conservation

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on the conservation of the Appalachian Mountains. Efforts to protect the natural environment include the establishment of national parks, such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and initiatives to combat the effects of logging, mining, and urbanization. The Appalachian Trail, a 2,200-mile hiking trail that runs the entire length of the range, is a significant conservation and recreational resource.

See Also

• Geography of the United States
• Ecology of the Appalachian Mountains
• Appalachian culture

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