When people think of North Carolina, some think of nice beaches, others of mountains and climbing, and some of the prestigious schools. But true North Carolinians know the state has it all. Beautiful mountain views, plenty of beach options, and the brains and strength of successful schools in both academics and athletics. What type of North Carolinian are you? Take our fun quiz to find out. North Carolina, a constituent state of the United States of America, is located on the Atlantic coast halfway between New York and Florida.
It is bordered to the north by Virginia, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the south by South Carolina and Georgia, and to the west by Tennessee.
North Carolina's
terrain is among the wettest in the country, with vast marshes in the tidal coastal zone and numerous lakes in the Piedmont and Appalachian regions. These three physical regions represent much of the diversity of lifestyles and cultures within the boundaries of the state. North Carolina extends across three main physiographic regions of the United States: the coastal plain (or tidal water area), Piedmont, and the Appalachian Mountains. In addition to producing a spectacular landscape, this regional variation has influenced the state's climate, soils, plant life and human geography. As the land extends westward from sea level, it gradually rises to the fall line, an area about 30 miles (50 km) wide that separates the coastal plain from Piedmont.In the latter region, the topography becomes irregular and the land rises approximately 5 feet (1.5 meters) per mile to the base of Appalachia, a distance of approximately 140 miles (225 km). The mountains have a worn and rounded appearance, reflecting a geological origin earlier than that of the steep peaks of the western United States. Mount Mitchell, which rises to 6,684 feet (2,037 meters), is the highest peak east of the Mississippi. The coastal plain, which makes up almost half of the state, consists of a gently undulating and well-drained interior and a marshy area of tidal waters near the coast. This last region was the first to be explored and settled.
A long chain of islands, Outer Banks, extends from Virginia to South Carolina, and usually consists of sand dunes that can reach 100 feet (30 meters) in height or more. Three layers: Hatteras, Lookout and Fear, the first two within the national coasts, delve into the ocean in an area known as the “cemetery of the Atlantic”, a reference to the many ships that have sunk in its dangerous waters. The elevation of the entire area averages less than 20 feet (6 meters) above sea level. Navigation in small boats is only possible due to sedimentation and shallow sounds and estuaries. The inland coastal plain extends 120 to 140 miles (190 to 225 km) west to Piedmont, which is a region of rolling, forested hills.
The prominent ridges and hills of eastern Piedmont may be remains of an ancient mountain range that was parallel to Appalachia; from which its foothills extend to western Piedmont. The area is well drained by rivers that flow into either coastal plain or South Carolina. Dams on Catawba and Yadkin rivers are important sources of hydroelectric power. The mountainous region comprises a plateau divided by two southern Appalachian ranges. In east are Blue Ridge Mountains which rise steeply from Piedmont to peaks 900-1200 meters (3000-4000 feet), several reaching more than 6000 feet (1800 meters).
At western end Unaka Mountains contain Great Smoky Mountains which roll westward into Tennessee. This region is divided into several transverse ridges and series of smaller plateaus and basins. One main ridge is formed by Black Mountain group; about 100 peaks rise above 5000 feet (1500 meters) in western part of state. North Carolina has about 3820 square miles (9890 square km) inland water; third largest area its kind in any state. Lake Mattamuskeet covers about 63 square miles (162 square km) in eastern tidal zone; North Carolina's largest natural lake. Lakes are especially abundant in Catawba River basin; river itself largely chain artificial reservoirs.
Catawba is most densely populated river basin in state; Cape Fear River basin occupies much southeastern quadrant; largest one. Roanoke River drains northeastern corner; flows southeast from Virginia into ocean at Albermarle Sound; Yadkin-Pee Dee River divided two parts north-south; Little Tennessee & French Broad Rivers flow northwest from North Carolina Mountains into Tennessee; Raleigh drained by Neuse River which flows into Atlantic at New Bern. Soils in North Carolina are commonly grouped according regional variations; coastal soils rich & humus-laden while further west hills consist mostly sand & have almost no organic materials; Piedmont region predominantly clayey & mountain soils combination clay sand & silt commonly called marl. All North Carolina soils affected by excessive leaching causing large loss minerals; successful agriculture depends large additions lime & fertilizers. Life Storage offers self-storage in Durham & Greensboro plus moving truck rentals so you can move into your North Carolina home as smoothly as possible. Other taxes generally low making North Carolina great place settle your later years.
When you prefer watch sports than participate North Carolina has variety professional soccer hockey basketball & baseball teams. Living in North Carolina is dream; it has thriving business climate reasonable cost living & plenty activities for everyone! So take our fun quiz & find out what type North Carolinian you are!.
