Geography of Pennsylvania

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Geography of Pennsylvania

The geography of Pennsylvania is diverse, encompassing a variety of physical features, climates, and ecosystems. Pennsylvania is located in the Northeastern United States, bordered by New York to the north, New Jersey to the east, Delaware to the southeast, Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, and Ohio to the west. The state has a total area of 46,055 square miles, making it the 33rd-largest state in the United States.

Physical Features

Pennsylvania's geography is characterized by several distinct regions:

• Allegheny Plateau: This region covers the northern and western parts of the state and is known for its rugged terrain and high elevations. The Allegheny Mountains, part of the larger Appalachian Mountains, are located in this area.
• Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians: This region features a series of parallel ridges and valleys running from the southwest to the northeast. The Susquehanna River flows through this region, providing a major waterway.
• Piedmont: Located in the southeastern part of the state, the Piedmont region is characterized by rolling hills and fertile soil, making it an important agricultural area.
• Atlantic Coastal Plain: This narrow strip of land along the southeastern border of Pennsylvania is part of the larger Atlantic Coastal Plain, featuring low-lying, flat terrain.

Climate

Pennsylvania experiences a humid continental climate in most of the state, with cold winters and warm summers. The southeastern corner of the state, including Philadelphia, has a humid subtropical climate, with milder winters and hot, humid summers.

Hydrography

The state is home to several major rivers, including the Delaware River, which forms the eastern border with New Jersey, and the Ohio River, which flows through the western part of the state. The Monongahela River and the Allegheny River converge at Pittsburgh to form the Ohio River. The Susquehanna River is the longest river in the state, flowing from New York through central Pennsylvania to the Chesapeake Bay.

Natural Resources

Pennsylvania is rich in natural resources, including coal, natural gas, and timber. The state has significant deposits of bituminous coal in the western part and anthracite coal in the northeastern region. The Marcellus Shale formation, which underlies much of the state, is a major source of natural gas.

Protected Areas

Pennsylvania has numerous protected areas, including state parks, national parks, and wildlife refuges. Notable protected areas include Gettysburg National Military Park, Valley Forge National Historical Park, and the Allegheny National Forest.

Related Pages

• History of Pennsylvania
• Economy of Pennsylvania
• Demographics of Pennsylvania
• List of rivers of Pennsylvania
• List of mountains of Pennsylvania

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