Elevation

Definition

Elevation refers to the height above a given level, typically sea level, and is a crucial factor in understanding geographic features. It influences climate, vegetation, and human activity in a region. In the context of specific landforms, like plateaus or mountains, elevation can dictate the type of ecosystems present and affect water drainage patterns, impacting both natural and human environments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Appalachian Plateau is characterized by its elevated terrain, which consists of flat-topped hills and valleys that are a result of erosion over millions of years.
2. Elevation in the Appalachian Plateau can vary significantly, with some areas reaching heights of over 3,000 feet above sea level.
3. Higher elevations in the plateau can lead to cooler temperatures and different vegetation types compared to lower areas.
4. The plateau's elevation contributes to the unique ecosystem found there, including diverse wildlife and plant species adapted to higher altitudes.
5. Human activities such as mining and logging have been influenced by the elevation of the plateau, affecting land use and environmental sustainability.

Review Questions

• How does elevation impact the climate and vegetation of the Appalachian Plateau?
  • Elevation plays a significant role in shaping both climate and vegetation on the Appalachian Plateau. Higher elevations tend to experience cooler temperatures and increased precipitation, which can lead to distinct vegetation zones. For instance, deciduous forests may dominate lower elevations, while coniferous forests are more common at higher elevations due to their adaptation to cooler conditions. This variation affects not only the types of plants that grow but also the wildlife that inhabits these different zones.
• Discuss the relationship between elevation and human activity on the Appalachian Plateau.
  • Elevation has a profound influence on human activity in the Appalachian Plateau. Areas at higher elevations may have limited access due to steep terrain, affecting transportation and development. Conversely, regions with lower elevations are more accessible for agriculture and settlement. Additionally, elevation impacts resource extraction industries such as coal mining, where the height of the land can dictate methods of mining and infrastructure development. Understanding these dynamics helps highlight how communities adapt to their elevated surroundings.
• Evaluate how changes in elevation due to natural processes might impact ecosystems and human settlements within the Appalachian Plateau.
  • Changes in elevation from natural processes such as erosion or tectonic activity could drastically alter ecosystems and human settlements within the Appalachian Plateau. For instance, if erosion were to lower certain areas significantly, it might change water flow patterns, leading to flooding or droughts that impact agriculture and local water supplies. Conversely, increased elevation could create new habitats for wildlife but also make certain areas less hospitable for human habitation. Such shifts would require communities to adapt their practices for agriculture, conservation efforts, and resource management to align with their new environmental realities.

Related terms

Topography:

The arrangement of the natural and artificial physical features of an area, including its elevation changes.

Plateau: An area of relatively level high ground that has been elevated significantly above the surrounding area.

Orographic lift: The process by which an air mass is forced to rise over a topographic barrier, often leading to precipitation on the windward side.