Transportation Barriers
Which feature forces ships the stop and unload cargo because they can't travel upstream?
Fall Line
Which feature has waterfalls that early colonists used to power mills?
Fall Line
Why did cities like Columbia, SC and Raleigh, NC develop near the Fall Line?
This was a trade hub where river transport was forced to stop, so goods were transferred to wagons and settlements were built nearby so they wouldn't have to travel far to trade.
Which feature experiences the most hurricanes?
Outer Banks
Which feature provides the best commercial fishing opportunities?
Outer Banks and it's sounds
What physical Feature made east-west travel extremely difficult for early settlers?
Blue Ridge Mountains
Which river valley was transformed by Tennessee Valley Authority dams for hydroelectric power?
Tennessee River Valley
Why are permanent towns rare directly on the Outer Banks?
Hurricanes, flooding, erosion, limited fresh water
Which natural disaster regularly affects the Tennessee River Valley?
Flooding
Name two ways the Tennessee River Valley supports agriculture.
Irrigation, fertile floodplain soil, transportation for crops
Which river system allowed Native Americans and settlers to travel deep into the interior territories?
Tennessee River Valley, Santee, or Congaree Rivers
Why can't you build major hydroelectric damson the Outer Banks?
The outer banks are a system of barrier islands. They also experience little to no elevation change and are made of saltwater.
What resource attracted early settlers to the Blue Ridge Mountains despite the difficult terrain?
Timber, mineral resources, cooler climate, fresh water
Why is erosion a constant problem for the Outer Banks?
The islands are predominantly made of sand and are constantly being reshaped by wind, waves and storms.
Why is tourism a major industry in both the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Outer Banks?
Natural beauty, opportunities for recreation (hiking, skiing, beaches)
Why do the Outer Banks make navigation dangerous for ships?
Sandbars shift often, the water is shallow, the area is extremely vulnerable during storms
Name two rivers we've discussed present in the US where dams could generate electricity.
Tennessee, Congaree, Santee
Why did the Tennessee River Valley become heavily populated for farming?
The area was flat with fertile floodplains and a reliable water source.
How do the Blue Ridge Mountains create flood danger for communities downstream?
Heavy rainfall runs quickly down the steep slopes of the mountain
What economic activity thrived at the Fall Line in the 1800s?
Mills (textile, grain, lumber) (powered by waterfalls)
Explain how the Fall Line both helps AND blocks transportation.
The Fall Line creates waterfalls which block upstream movement, but also provides water power for mills at stopping points.
How does elevation in the Blue Ridge Mountains create potential for water power downstream?
The steep elevation drop creates fast-flowing streams that can turn turbines.
Compare population density in the Blue Ridge Mountains versus the Fall Line and explain why.
The Fall Line has a higher population density because it is higher, has been a trade hub for years and possesses flatter land which makes farming easier. While the Blue Ridge Mountains are much more isolated and possess a steep terrain.
Rank all six features from most to least vulnerable to natural disasters and defend your ranking.
No specific "right" answer.
How did the Santee and Congaree rivers support the colonial rice economy?