THE FOURREGIONSOF NEWJERSEY

APPALACHIAN RIDGE AND VALLEY• Lies in the northwestern part

of NJ• Part of the Appalachian

Mountain chain

APPALACHIAN RIDGE AND VALLEY• The Appalachians begin in Alabama and

stretch north to Canada• Hikers explore the mountain on the

Appalachian trail, which is more than 2,100 miles long and passes through 14 states! (including NJ)

• The part that cuts through NJ is ABOUT 73 miles long.

APPALACHIAN RIDGE AND VALLEY• This region holds many other attractions in addition to the large

mountain range.• High Point, on the Kittatinny Mountains, is the highest point in the state

at 1,803 feet. • From here you can see Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey.• You will see farmlands, forests, hills, and valleys stretched out in each

direction.

APPALACHIAN RIDGE AND VALLEY• This region also has a point where the Delaware River passes

through the Kittatiny Mountains.• This area is know as the Delaware Water Gap

• Here, thousands of visitors a year visit this attraction to hike, canoe, kayak, swim, and much more!

HIGHLANDSThis region lies east of the Appalachians.

• it is full of hills, forests, and valleys.

• It is called the Highlands because it lies ABOUT 1,000 feet above sea level. Sea level is land that is level with the surface of the ocean.

HIGHLANDSIn this region, there are large lakes and rivers, such as:

• Lake Hopatcong• Greenwood Lake• Musconetcong River

There are also many valleys that pass through this region such as the Musconetcong River Valley.

• Many farms, dairies, towns, and cities are found here.

PIEDMONT• Lies at the BASE of the Appalachian

Mountains. In fact, the word piedmont means “at the foot of the mountain.”

• Begins at along the Hudson River, near the cliffs of the Palisades are located.

PIEDMONT• This region is 20 miles wide!• Most of the land is 100 to 200 feet above sea level.• However, areas like the Watchung and Sourland

Mountains reach up to 500 feet above sea level.

PIEDMONT• Major rivers flow through this region such as:

• Raritan River• Passaic River• Hackensack River

POP QUIZ!• Which region lies at the base of

the Appalachian Mountains?

ANSWER!

•PIEDMONT

ATLANTIC COASTAL PLAIN• This is the largest natural region of New

Jersey.• Millions of years ago, this land was

uncovered when the Atlantic Ocean fell!• As the water disappeared, a flat plain of

sandy soil surfaced in today’s South Jersey.

ATLANTIC COASTAL PLAIN• Because this region is so

large, geographers divided it into 2 sections.

• The west (left) side is called the Inner Coastal Plain.

• The east (right) side is called the Outer Coastal Plain, which touches the Atlantic Ocean.

INNER COASTAL PLAIN• This region is nicknamed the

Greensand Belt. How do you think it got its name??

• It begins below the Piedmont region and runs along the state’s southwestern border.

INNER COASTAL PLAIN• The soil in this region is a

fertile mixture of clay, sand, and silt. Silt is the rich soul left behind by water.

• Because the soil here is so awesome, it makes the region great for farming.• Here you can find dairy

farms, orchards, vegetables farms.

• Sometimes these vegetable farms are called truck farms because they produce so many vegetables crops that trucks come in and ship them away to far away markets.

OUTER COASTAL PLAIN• The soil in this region is different from

the Inner Coastal Plain. Here, it is very sandy.

• However, there are many places for fruits to grow, like cranberries and blueberries.

• NJ is the third-largest producer of cranberries in the WHOLE country!

OUTER COASTAL PLAIN• Much of the region is covered by oak and

pine forests.• A popular forest is called the Pinelands.

OUTER COASTAL PLAIN• The eastern edge of this region runs along

the Atlantic Coast. Can you think of any beaches along this coast?

OUTER COASTAL PLAIN• Sandy Hook, Long Beach

Island, Atlantic City, Cape May, and many more are found along this coast.

• Other than beaches, you can also find salt marshes, lagoons, and sand bars.

ASSIGNMENT• Work together with your table to design a postcard

for the region you are assigned.• Your postcard MUST HAVE:

• A picture of the region (illustrated to the best of your ability) on the front.

• A message to a friend or family member explaining what the region is like on the back.

EXAMPLE:Front: Back:

Dear Mom, The Outer Coastal

Plain is awesome! It is full of sandy beaches that touch upon the Atlantic Ocean. They even grow cranberries and blueberries in bogs! Did you know that New Jersey is the third largest producer of cranberries.

 Sincerely,Annie

 Mom

130 Highland Ave

Somerset, NJ 08873