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{{Short description|none}} <!-- "none" is preferred when the title is sufficiently descriptive; see [[WP:SDNONE]] -->
[[File:West Virginia geographic map-en.svg|thumb|300px|West Virginia is situated in the Appalachian Mountains, bounded by Allegheny Mountains to the east, Ohio river and its tributary Big Sandy River to the west and south west and the Cumberland Mountains to the south]]
[[File:West Virginia geographic map-en.svg|thumb|300px|West Virginia is situated in the Appalachian Mountains, bounded by Allegheny Mountains to the east, Ohio river and its tributary Big Sandy River to the west and southwest and the Cumberland Mountains to the south]]
[[File:West Virginia map of Köppen climate classification.svg|thumb|300px|West Virginia map of Köppen climate classification.]]

[[File:Blackwater Falls State Park West Virginia.jpg|thumb|right|A view of Blackwater Falls State Park]]
The '''Environment of West Virginia''' encompasses terrain and ecosystems ranging from plateaus to mountains. Most of West Virginia lies within the [[Appalachian mixed mesophytic forests]] [[ecoregion]], while the higher elevations along the eastern border and in the panhandle lie within the [[Appalachian-Blue Ridge forests]].<ref name="ecoregion">{{cite journal|author=Olson, D. M, E. Dinerstein |title=Terrestrial Ecoregions of the World: A New Map of Life on Earth |journal=[[BioScience]] |year=2001 |volume=51 |issue=11 |pages=933–938 |url=http://gis.wwfus.org/wildfinder/ |doi=10.1641/0006-3568(2001)051[0933:TEOTWA]2.0.CO;2 |display-authors=etal |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111014034322/http://gis.wwfus.org/wildfinder/ |archive-date=2011-10-14 |doi-access=free }}</ref>
The '''environment of West Virginia''' encompasses terrain and ecosystems ranging from plateaus to mountains. Most of [[West Virginia]] lies within the [[Appalachian mixed mesophytic forests]] [[ecoregion]], while the higher elevations along the eastern border and in the panhandle lie within the [[Appalachian-Blue Ridge forests]].<ref name="ecoregion">{{cite journal|author=Olson, D. M. |title=Terrestrial Ecoregions of the World: A New Map of Life on Earth |journal=[[BioScience]] |year=2001 |volume=51 |issue=11 |pages=933–938 |doi=10.1641/0006-3568(2001)051[0933:TEOTWA]2.0.CO;2 |display-authors=etal |doi-access=free }}</ref>


West Virginia is situated in the [[Appalachian Mountains]] of the [[Upper South]] region of the 48 [[Contiguous United States|contiguous states]]. Usually considered part of the [[Southeastern United States|South Eastern United States]], West Virginia is bounded on the northeast by [[Pennsylvania]] and [[Maryland]], on the southeast by [[Virginia]], on the northwest by [[Ohio]], and on the southwest by [[Kentucky]].
West Virginia is situated in the [[Appalachian Mountains]] of the [[Upper South]] region of the 48 [[Contiguous United States|contiguous states]]. Usually considered part of the [[Southeastern United States|South Eastern United States]], West Virginia is bounded on the northeast by [[Pennsylvania]] and [[Maryland]], on the southeast by [[Virginia]], on the northwest by [[Ohio]], and on the southwest by [[Kentucky]].


A portion of the [[Appalachian Mountains]] stretches into eastern West Virginia, and in the state's northeastern corner, [[Spruce Knob]] is officially regarded as the tallest mountain in the [[Allegheny Mountains]], a vast section of the Appalachians.<ref>{{cite web|title=Allegheny Plateau|url=http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/us/A0803380.html|publisher=Infoplease|accessdate=7 July 2010}}</ref> West Virginia covers an area of {{convert|24,229.76|sqmi|km2}}, with {{convert|24,077.73|sqmi|km2}} of land and {{convert|152.03|sqmi|km2}} of water, making it the 41st-largest state in the United States.<ref>{{cite web| title = Land and Water Area of States, 2000| publisher = Information Please| year = 2000| url = http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0108355.html | accessdate = 2010-07-07}}</ref> Generally, it is divided into four geographical regions: [[Ohio River Valley]], [[Allegheny Plateau]], [[Allegheny Mountains|Allegheny Highlands]], and [[Potomac Highlands of West Virginia|Potomac Section]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Our State |url=http://www.narr.com/west-virginia.html |publisher=North American River Runners, Inc |accessdate=7 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100714163518/http://www.narr.com/west-virginia.html |archive-date=14 July 2010 }}</ref>
A portion of the [[Appalachian Mountains]] stretches into eastern West Virginia, and in Pendleton County near the eastern border, [[Spruce Knob]], is officially regarded as the tallest mountain in the [[Allegheny Mountains]], a vast section of the Appalachians.<ref>{{cite web|title=Allegheny Plateau|url=http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/us/A0803380.html|publisher=Infoplease|access-date=7 July 2010}}</ref> West Virginia covers an area of {{convert|24,229.76|sqmi|km2}}, with {{convert|24,077.73|sqmi|km2}} of land and {{convert|152.03|sqmi|km2}} of water, making it the 41st-largest state in the United States.<ref>{{cite web| title=Land and Water Area of States, 2000| publisher=Information Please| year=2000 |url=http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0108355.html| access-date=2010-07-07}}</ref> Generally, it is divided into four geographical regions: [[Ohio River Valley]], [[Allegheny Plateau]], [[Allegheny Mountains|Allegheny Highlands]], and [[Potomac Highlands of West Virginia|Potomac Section]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Our State |url=http://www.narr.com/west-virginia.html |publisher=North American River Runners, Inc |access-date=7 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100714163518/http://www.narr.com/west-virginia.html |archive-date=14 July 2010 }}</ref>

== Climate ==
{{Further|Climate change in West Virginia}}
[[File:Köppen Climate Types West Virginia.png|thumb|[[Köppen climate classification|Köppen climate types]] of West Virginia, using 1991–2020 [[Climatological normal|climate normals]]]]
{{climate chart|West Virginia state-wide averages
|22|39|3.3
|24|43|2.9
|32|53|3.8
|40|64|3.7
|50|73|4.4
|59|80|4.0
|64|83|4.2
|62|82|4.0
|56|76|3.4
|44|65|2.9
|35|54|3.5
|27|44|3.3
|float=left
|units=imperial
|source=<span style="font-size:98%">West Virginia University data</span>{{cn|date=April 2024}}
}}

The climate of West Virginia is generally a [[humid subtropical climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]] ''Cfa'', except ''Dfb'' at higher elevations) with warm to hot, humid summers and chilly winters, increasing in severity with elevation. Some southern highland areas also have a mountain temperate climate (Köppen ''Cfb'') where winter temperatures are more moderate and summer temperatures are somewhat cooler. However, the weather is subject in all parts of the state to change. The [[hardiness zone]]s range from zone 5b in the central [[Appalachian Mountains|Appalachian mountains]] to zone 7a in the warmest parts of the lowest elevations.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.plantmaps.com/interactive-west-virginia-usda-plant-zone-hardiness-map.php |title=West Virginia USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map |publisher=plantmaps.com |access-date=November 11, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101209044026/http://www.plantmaps.com/interactive-west-virginia-usda-plant-zone-hardiness-map.php |archive-date=December 9, 2010 }}</ref>

In the Eastern Panhandle and the [[Ohio River]] Valley, temperatures are warm enough to see and grow subtropical plants such as southern magnolia (''[[Magnolia grandiflora]]''), [[Lagerstroemia|crepe myrtle]], ''[[Albizia julibrissin]]'', [[American sweetgum]] and even the occasional [[needle palm]] and [[sabal minor]]. These plants do not thrive as well in other parts of the state. The [[eastern prickly pear]] grows well in many portions of the state.

Average January temperatures range from around 26&nbsp;°F (−4&nbsp;°C) near the [[Cheat River]] to 41&nbsp;°F (5&nbsp;°C) along sections of the border with Kentucky. July averages range from 67&nbsp;°F (19&nbsp;°C) along the [[North Branch Potomac River]] to 76&nbsp;°F (24&nbsp;°C) in the western part of the state. It is cooler in the mountains than in the lower sections of the state.<ref name="climates">{{cite web| title=West Virginia University data| url=http://www.health.wvu.edu/employment/live/clim_quickfacts.aspx| publisher=West Virginia University Health Office| access-date=July 7, 2010| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080531095326/http://health.wvu.edu/employment/live/clim_quickfacts.aspx| archive-date=May 31, 2008| df=mdy-all}}</ref> The highest recorded temperature in the state is {{convert|112|F|C}} at [[Martinsburg, West Virginia|Martinsburg]] on July 10, 1936, and the lowest recorded temperature in the state is {{convert|-37|F|C}} at [[Lewisburg, West Virginia|Lewisburg]] on December 30, 1917.

Annual precipitation ranges from less than {{convert|32|in|mm}} in the lower eastern section to more than {{convert|56|in|mm}} in higher parts of the Allegheny Front. Valleys in the east have lower rainfall because the Allegheny mountain ridges to the west create a partial [[rain shadow]]. Slightly more than half the rainfall occurs from April to September. Dense fogs are common in many valleys of the [[Kanawha County, West Virginia|Kanawha]] section, especially the [[Tygart Valley]]. West Virginia is also one of the cloudiest states in the nation, with the cities of [[Elkins, West Virginia|Elkins]] and [[Beckley, West Virginia|Beckley]] ranking 9th and 10th in the U.S. respectively for the number of cloudy days per year (over 210). In addition to persistent cloudy skies caused by the damming of moisture by the Alleghenies, West Virginia also experiences some of the most frequent precipitation in the nation, with [[Snowshoe, West Virginia|Snowshoe]] averaging nearly 200 days a year with either rain or snow. Snow usually lasts only a few days in the lower sections but may persist for weeks in the higher mountain areas. An average of {{convert|34|in|mm}} of snow falls annually in Charleston, although during the winter of 1995–1996 more than three times that amount fell as several cities in the state established new records for snowfall. Average snowfall in the Allegheny Highlands can range up to {{convert|180|in|mm}} per year. Severe weather is somewhat less prevalent in West Virginia than in most other eastern states, and it ranks among the least tornado-prone states east of the Rockies.

===Climate data===

{{Weather box
| location = [[Charleston, West Virginia|Charleston]] (Köppen Cfa)
| collapsed = Yes
| single line = Yes
| Jan record high F = 81
| Feb record high F = 81
| Mar record high F = 92
| Apr record high F = 96
| May record high F = 98
| Jun record high F = 105
| Jul record high F = 108
| Aug record high F = 108
| Sep record high F = 104
| Oct record high F = 96
| Nov record high F = 87
| Dec record high F = 80
| year record high F = 108
| Jan avg record high F = 68.2
| Feb avg record high F = 70.6
| Mar avg record high F = 79.1
| Apr avg record high F = 86.8
| May avg record high F = 88.8
| Jun avg record high F = 92.0
| Jul avg record high F = 93.9
| Aug avg record high F = 93.1
| Sep avg record high F = 90.1
| Oct avg record high F = 84.5
| Nov avg record high F = 77.3
| Dec avg record high F = 69.1
| year avg record high F = 95.3
| Jan high F = 43.9
| Feb high F = 47.8
| Mar high F = 56.8
| Apr high F = 69.4
| May high F = 76.2
| Jun high F = 83.1
| Jul high F = 86.0
| Aug high F = 85.2
| Sep high F = 79.5
| Oct high F = 68.7
| Nov high F = 57.3
| Dec high F = 47.5
| year high F = 66.8
| Jan mean F = 35.0
| Feb mean F = 38.2
| Mar mean F = 46.0
| Apr mean F = 56.9
| May mean F = 64.7
| Jun mean F = 72.3
| Jul mean F = 75.8
| Aug mean F = 74.6
| Sep mean F = 68.3
| Oct mean F = 57.0
| Nov mean F = 46.4
| Dec mean F = 38.7
| year mean F = 56.2
| Jan low F = 26.1
| Feb low F = 28.6
| Mar low F = 35.1
| Apr low F = 44.5
| May low F = 53.2
| Jun low F = 61.5
| Jul low F = 65.5
| Aug low F = 64.1
| Sep low F = 57.1
| Oct low F = 45.3
| Nov low F = 35.6
| Dec low F = 29.9
| year low F = 45.5
| Jan avg record low F = 5.5
| Feb avg record low F = 9.9
| Mar avg record low F = 17.0
| Apr avg record low F = 27.6
| May avg record low F = 37.1
| Jun avg record low F = 48.8
| Jul avg record low F = 55.7
| Aug avg record low F = 54.1
| Sep avg record low F = 43.3
| Oct avg record low F = 30.4
| Nov avg record low F = 20.6
| Dec avg record low F = 12.9
| year avg record low F = 2.3
| Jan record low F = −16
| Feb record low F = −12
| Mar record low F = −5
| Apr record low F = 18
| May record low F = 26
| Jun record low F = 33
| Jul record low F = 46
| Aug record low F = 41
| Sep record low F = 32
| Oct record low F = 17
| Nov record low F = 6
| Dec record low F = −17
| year record low F = -17
| precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation inch = 3.27
| Feb precipitation inch = 3.36
| Mar precipitation inch = 4.14
| Apr precipitation inch = 3.56
| May precipitation inch = 4.93
| Jun precipitation inch = 4.72
| Jul precipitation inch = 5.38
| Aug precipitation inch = 3.75
| Sep precipitation inch = 3.46
| Oct precipitation inch = 2.91
| Nov precipitation inch = 3.20
| Dec precipitation inch = 3.56
|year precipitation inch = 46.24
| Jan snow inch = 10.3
| Feb snow inch = 7.7
| Mar snow inch = 5.9
| Apr snow inch = 0.5
| May snow inch = 0.0
| Jun snow inch = 0.0
| Jul snow inch = 0.0
| Aug snow inch = 0.0
| Sep snow inch = 0.0
| Oct snow inch = 0.6
| Nov snow inch = 1.5
| Dec snow inch = 5.0
| year snow inch = 31.5
| unit precipitation days = 0.01 in
| Jan precipitation days = 14.8
| Feb precipitation days = 13.7
| Mar precipitation days = 14.8
| Apr precipitation days = 13.4
| May precipitation days = 14.1
| Jun precipitation days = 12.5
| Jul precipitation days = 12.8
| Aug precipitation days = 10.6
| Sep precipitation days = 9.0
| Oct precipitation days = 10.1
| Nov precipitation days = 11.0
| Dec precipitation days = 14.2
|year precipitation days = 151.0
| unit snow days = 0.1 in
| Jan snow days = 7.6
| Feb snow days = 6.2
| Mar snow days = 3.9
| Apr snow days = 0.5
| May snow days = 0.0
| Jun snow days = 0.0
| Jul snow days = 0.0
| Aug snow days = 0.0
| Sep snow days = 0.0
| Oct snow days = 0.1
| Nov snow days = 1.5
| Dec snow days = 4.1
| year snow days = 23.9
| source 1 = [[NOAA]]<ref name=NOWDataCha>{{cite web
| url = https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=rlx
| title = NowData - NOAA Online Weather Data
| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
| access-date = June 13, 2021
| archive-date = May 1, 2021
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210501045108/https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=rlx
| url-status = live
}}</ref><ref name = "NOAA TXT cha">{{cite web
| url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&startDate=0001-01-01&endDate=9996-12-31&stations=USW00013866&format=pdf
| title = Station: Charleston Yeager AP, WV
| work = U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991–2020)
| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
| access-date = June 13, 2021}}</ref>
}}

{{Weather box
|location = [[Huntington, West Virginia|Huntington]] (Köppen Cfa)
|single line = Yes
|collapsed = Yes
|width = auto
|Jan record high F = 79
|Feb record high F = 81
|Mar record high F = 92
|Apr record high F = 92
|May record high F = 97
|Jun record high F = 105
|Jul record high F = 108
|Aug record high F = 107
|Sep record high F = 103
|Oct record high F = 95
|Nov record high F = 86
|Dec record high F = 80
|year record high F = 108
|Jan high F = 43.2
|Feb high F = 47.3
|Mar high F = 56.8
|Apr high F = 68.8
|May high F = 76.2
|Jun high F = 83.3
|Jul high F = 86.4
|Aug high F = 85.5
|Sep high F = 79.6
|Oct high F = 68.6
|Nov high F = 56.6
|Dec high F = 46.7
|year high F = 66.6
|Jan mean F = 34.8
|Feb mean F = 38.2
|Mar mean F = 46.4
|Apr mean F = 57.2
|May mean F = 65.2
|Jun mean F = 72.9
|Jul mean F = 76.4
|Aug mean F = 75.2
|Sep mean F = 68.7
|Oct mean F = 57.4
|Nov mean F = 46.6
|Dec mean F = 38.6
|year mean F = 56.5
|Jan low F = 26.4
|Feb low F = 29.1
|Mar low F = 36.1
|Apr low F = 45.5
|May low F = 54.2
|Jun low F = 62.4
|Jul low F = 66.4
|Aug low F = 64.8
|Sep low F = 57.7
|Oct low F = 46.1
|Nov low F = 36.6
|Dec low F = 30.4
|year low F = 46.3
|Jan record low F = −21
|Feb record low F = −24
|Mar record low F = −2
|Apr record low F = 15
|May record low F = 27
|Jun record low F = 39
|Jul record low F = 46
|Aug record low F = 43
|Sep record low F = 29
|Oct record low F = 16
|Nov record low F = 4
|Dec record low F = −14
|year record low F = −24
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation inch = 3.10
|Feb precipitation inch = 3.37
|Mar precipitation inch = 4.16
|Apr precipitation inch = 3.91
|May precipitation inch = 4.51
|Jun precipitation inch = 4.20
|Jul precipitation inch = 5.08
|Aug precipitation inch = 3.95
|Sep precipitation inch = 3.16
|Oct precipitation inch = 3.02
|Nov precipitation inch = 3.07
|Dec precipitation inch = 3.57
|year precipitation inch = 45.10
|Jan snow inch = 6.0
|Feb snow inch = 5.8
|Mar snow inch = 4.3
|Apr snow inch = 0.3
|May snow inch = 0.0
|Jun snow inch = 0.0
|Jul snow inch = 0.0
|Aug snow inch = 0.0
|Sep snow inch = 0.0
|Oct snow inch = 0.2
|Nov snow inch = 0.5
|Dec snow inch = 2.7
|year snow inch = 19.8
|unit precipitation days = 0.01 in
|Jan precipitation days = 13.4
|Feb precipitation days = 12.2
|Mar precipitation days = 13.5
|Apr precipitation days = 13.1
|May precipitation days = 13.7
|Jun precipitation days = 12.5
|Jul precipitation days = 12.2
|Aug precipitation days = 9.9
|Sep precipitation days = 8.3
|Oct precipitation days = 10.2
|Nov precipitation days = 10.3
|Dec precipitation days = 12.8
|year precipitation days = 142.1
|unit snow days = 0.1 in
|Jan snow days = 4.4
|Feb snow days = 3.7
|Mar snow days = 2.5
|Apr snow days = 0.5
|May snow days = 0.0
|Jun snow days = 0.0
|Jul snow days = 0.0
|Aug snow days = 0.0
|Sep snow days = 0.0
|Oct snow days = 0.1
|Nov snow days = 0.8
|Dec snow days = 2.8
|year snow days = 14.8
|source 1 = [[NOAA]]<ref name=NOAAHunt>
{{cite web
| url = https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=rlx
| title = NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data
| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
| access-date = June 5, 2021}}</ref><ref name=NCEIhunt>
{{cite web
| url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&startDate=0001-01-01&endDate=9996-12-31&stations=USW00003860&format=pdf
| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
| title = Station: Huntington Tri State AP, WV
| work = U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991–2020)
| access-date = June 5, 2021}}</ref>
}}

{{Weather box
|location = [[Morgantown, West Virginia|Morgantown]] (Köppen Cfa/Dfa)
|single line = Yes
|collapsed = Yes
|width = auto
|Jan record high F = 79
|Feb record high F = 80
|Mar record high F = 87
|Apr record high F = 93
|May record high F = 95
|Jun record high F = 99
|Jul record high F = 103
|Aug record high F = 105
|Sep record high F = 102
|Oct record high F = 94
|Nov record high F = 83
|Dec record high F = 77
|year record high F = 105
|Jan avg record high F = 66
|Feb avg record high F = 67
|Mar avg record high F = 75
|Apr avg record high F = 84
|May avg record high F = 88
|Jun avg record high F = 91
|Jul avg record high F = 93
|Aug avg record high F = 91
|Sep avg record high F = 89
|Oct avg record high F = 82
|Nov avg record high F = 75
|Dec avg record high F = 66
|year avg record high F = 93
|Jan high F = 40.1
|Feb high F = 43.7
|Mar high F = 52.6
|Apr high F = 65.2
|May high F = 73.6
|Jun high F = 80.9
|Jul high F = 84.4
|Aug high F = 83.1
|Sep high F = 77.1
|Oct high F = 65.9
|Nov high F = 54.1
|Dec high F = 44.3
|year high F = 63.8
|Jan mean F = 32.0
|Feb mean F = 34.8
|Mar mean F = 42.6
|Apr mean F = 53.8
|May mean F = 62.6
|Jun mean F = 70.3
|Jul mean F = 74.1
|Aug mean F = 72.8
|Sep mean F = 66.5
|Oct mean F = 55.3
|Nov mean F = 44.9
|Dec mean F = 36.4
|year mean F = 53.8
|Jan low F = 24.0
|Feb low F = 25.8
|Mar low F = 32.6
|Apr low F = 42.4
|May low F = 51.5
|Jun low F = 59.7
|Jul low F = 63.8
|Aug low F = 62.5
|Sep low F = 55.9
|Oct low F = 44.7
|Nov low F = 35.8
|Dec low F = 28.6
|year low F = 43.9
|Jan avg record low F = 3
|Feb avg record low F = 7
|Mar avg record low F = 14
|Apr avg record low F = 26
|May avg record low F = 36
|Jun avg record low F = 45
|Jul avg record low F = 53
|Aug avg record low F = 52
|Sep avg record low F = 42
|Oct avg record low F = 30
|Nov avg record low F = 20
|Dec avg record low F = 12
|year avg record low F = 0
|Jan record low F = −20
|Feb record low F = −25
|Mar record low F = −4
|Apr record low F = 6
|May record low F = 25
|Jun record low F = 30
|Jul record low F = 40
|Aug record low F = 38
|Sep record low F = 30
|Oct record low F = 15
|Nov record low F = −1
|Dec record low F = −16
|year record low F = -25
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation inch = 3.12
|Feb precipitation inch = 2.81
|Mar precipitation inch = 3.65
|Apr precipitation inch = 3.87
|May precipitation inch = 4.33
|Jun precipitation inch = 4.07
|Jul precipitation inch = 4.93
|Aug precipitation inch = 3.65
|Sep precipitation inch = 3.41
|Oct precipitation inch = 3.09
|Nov precipitation inch = 3.02
|Dec precipitation inch = 3.20
|year precipitation inch = 43.15
|Jan snow inch = 9.1
|Feb snow inch = 5.5
|Mar snow inch = 7.0
|Apr snow inch = 1.0
|May snow inch = 0.0
|Jun snow inch = 0.0
|Jul snow inch = 0.0
|Aug snow inch = 0.0
|Sep snow inch = 0.0
|Oct snow inch = 0.1
|Nov snow inch = 1.1
|Dec snow inch = 3.8
|year snow inch = 27.6
|unit precipitation days = 0.01 in
|Jan precipitation days = 15.5
|Feb precipitation days = 13.0
|Mar precipitation days = 14.4
|Apr precipitation days = 14.1
|May precipitation days = 14.7
|Jun precipitation days = 13.1
|Jul precipitation days = 12.4
|Aug precipitation days = 10.5
|Sep precipitation days = 10.3
|Oct precipitation days = 11.4
|Nov precipitation days = 11.7
|Dec precipitation days = 13.9
|year precipitation days = 155.0
|unit snow days = 0.1 in
|Jan snow days = 6.1
|Feb snow days = 4.3
|Mar snow days = 3.3
|Apr snow days = 0.3
|May snow days = 0.0
|Jun snow days = 0.0
|Jul snow days = 0.0
|Aug snow days = 0.0
|Sep snow days = 0.0
|Oct snow days = 0.2
|Nov snow days = 1.1
|Dec snow days = 3.5
|year snow days = 18.8
|source 1 = [[NOAA]] (snow 1981–2010)<ref name = NOAAMor>{{cite web
| url = https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=pbz
| title = NowData - NOAA Online Weather Data
| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
| access-date = June 10, 2021}}</ref><ref name = "NOAA txt Mor">{{cite web
| url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&startDate=0001-01-01&endDate=9996-12-31&stations=USW00013736&format=pdf
| title = Station: Morgantown Hart FLD, WV
| work = U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991–2020)
| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
| access-date = June 10, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
| url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly&startDate=0001-01-01&endDate=9996-12-31&stations=USW00013736&format=pdf
| title = Station: Morgantown Hart Field, WV
| work = U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1981–2010)
| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
| access-date = June 10, 2021}}</ref>
}}


== Geology ==
== Geology ==
{{main|Geology of West Virginia}}
{{main|Geology of West Virginia}}
[[File:Blackwater Falls State Park West Virginia.jpg|thumb|right|A view of Blackwater Falls State Park]]
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Geologic Map of West Virginia.jpg|thumb|right|Geologic Map of West Virginia.]] -->
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Geologic Map of West Virginia.jpg|thumb|right|Geologic Map of West Virginia.]] -->
Historical Geology Summary<ref>This article is provided by the 'West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey.' (adapted from an educational booklet by Dudley Cardwell, 1975 with additions from Ron McDowell, 2007) Permission to reproduce this material is granted if acknowledgment is given to the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey. West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey. Address: Mont Chateau Research Center, 1 Mont Chateau Road, Morgantown, WV 26508-8079 http://www.wvgs.wvnet.edu/www/geology/geolphyp.htm</ref>
Historical Geology Summary<ref>This article is provided by the 'West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey.' (adapted from an educational booklet by Dudley Cardwell, 1975 with additions from Ron McDowell, 2007) Permission to reproduce this material is granted if acknowledgment is given to the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey. West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey. Address: Mont Chateau Research Center, 1 Mont Chateau Road, Morgantown, WV 26508-8079 http://www.wvgs.wvnet.edu/www/geology/geolphyp.htm</ref>


Prior to one billion years ago, the geologic history of West Virginia is obscure. Sometime between about 1,100 and 800 million years ago, [[lava]] was deposited in the extreme eastern part of the State forming our oldest exposed rock, the [[Catoctin Mountain|Catoctin]] [[Greenstone belt|Greenstone]]. Later, perhaps about 800 million years ago, a narrow trough began to form in extreme eastern West Virginia. An arm of the [[sea]] entered and [[sediment]]s accumulated. As time went on, this shallow sea transgressed westward. By the end of [[Cambrian]] time, about 300 million years later, this shallow sea covered essentially all of West Virginia. Marine deposition took place throughout most of this and the succeeding [[Ordovician Period]]. During this total interval of about 370 million years, most of the rocks exposed in [[Jefferson County, West Virginia|Jefferson]] and eastern [[Berkeley County, West Virginia|Berkeley]] counties and in scattered areas southwestward along the [[Virginia]] boundary were deposited. [[Rocks]] of the same age are found in abundance in the deep wells throughout the State.
Prior to one billion years ago, the geologic history of West Virginia is obscure. Sometime between about 1,100 and 800 million years ago, [[lava]] was deposited in the extreme eastern part of the State forming our oldest exposed rock, the [[Catoctin Mountain|Catoctin]] [[Greenstone belt|Greenstone]]. Later, perhaps about 800 million years ago, a narrow trough began to form in extreme eastern West Virginia. An arm of the [[sea]] entered and [[sediment]]s accumulated. As time went on, this shallow sea transgressed westward. By the end of [[Cambrian]] time, about 300 million years later, this shallow sea covered essentially all of West Virginia. Marine deposition took place throughout most of this and the succeeding [[Ordovician Period]]. During this total interval of about 370 million years, most of the rocks exposed in [[Jefferson County, West Virginia|Jefferson]] and eastern [[Berkeley County, West Virginia|Berkeley]] counties and in scattered areas southwestward along the [[Virginia]] boundary were deposited. [[Rock (geology)|Rock]]s of the same age are found in abundance in the deep wells throughout the State.


The [[Taconic Orogeny]] near the end of Ordovician time formed a high mountainous area east of [[West Virginia]]. During Middle and Late [[Devonian]] time the [[Acadian Orogeny]], with the main uplift to the northeast, resulted in a further source for the predominantly clastic marine deposits of these epochs. However, near the end of Devonian time, the sea was rapidly retreating westward and the continental red beds of the Hampshire Formation were being deposited over most of the State.
The [[Taconic Orogeny]] near the end of Ordovician time formed a high mountainous area east of [[West Virginia]]. During Middle and Late [[Devonian]] time the [[Acadian Orogeny]], with the main uplift to the northeast, resulted in a further source for the predominantly clastic marine deposits of these epochs. However, near the end of Devonian time, the sea was rapidly retreating westward and the continental red beds of the Hampshire Formation were being deposited over most of the State.
Line 22: Line 527:
== Fauna ==
== Fauna ==
{{main|Fauna of West Virginia}}
{{main|Fauna of West Virginia}}
The life zones of [[West Virginia]] transitions from large low-land farming valleys bordered with forest and meadow to high-land ridge flats and heavy forestlands, some with rocky ridge-line peaks. The [[geology]] allows for a diversity of habitats. The "Mountain State" harbors at least 56 [[species]] and subspecies of [[mammal]]s. The state has more than 300 types of birds and more than 100 species of [[fish]]. Many common [[Insects]] of the [[Eastern United States]] can be found in West Virginia. The state's [[Insect|beetle]] number about 15 species with more than 70 species of [[Odonate]], some 18 species of [[spider]]s and a dozen species of [[Stonefly]]. There are about 17 [[Moth]] species. There are a little over seven dozen [[Cave]] [[invertebrate]] species. The West Virginia Division of Wildlife (WVDNR) uses hunting and fishing license fees for wildlife habitat conservation.<ref>West Virginia Division of Wildlife {{cite web |url=http://www.wvdnr.gov/Main.shtm |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2008-04-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080412035046/http://www.wvdnr.gov/main.shtm |archive-date=2008-04-12 }}</ref>
The life zones of [[West Virginia]] transitions from large low-land farming valleys bordered with forest and meadow to high-land ridge flats and heavy forestlands, some with rocky ridge-line peaks. The [[geology]] allows for a diversity of habitats. The "Mountain State" harbors at least 56 [[species]] and subspecies of [[mammal]]s. The state has more than 300 types of birds and more than 100 species of [[fish]]. Many common [[Insects]] of the [[Eastern United States]] can be found in West Virginia. The state's [[Insect|beetle]] number about 15 species with more than 70 species of [[Odonate]], some 18 species of [[spider]]s and a dozen species of [[Stonefly]]. There are about 17 [[Moth]] species. There are a little over seven dozen [[Cave]] [[invertebrate]] species. The West Virginia Division of Wildlife (WVDNR) uses hunting and fishing license fees for wildlife habitat conservation.<ref>West Virginia Division of Wildlife {{cite web |url=http://www.wvdnr.gov/Main.shtm |title=West Virginia Division of Natural Resources |access-date=2008-04-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080412035046/http://www.wvdnr.gov/main.shtm |archive-date=2008-04-12 }}</ref>


== Flora ==
== Flora ==
Line 28: Line 533:


== Geographical facts ==
== Geographical facts ==
[[Image:West Virginia quarter, reverse side, 2005.jpg|thumb|right|West Virginia state quarter]]
[[Image:West Virginia quarter, reverse side, 2005.jpg|thumb |upright|right|West Virginia state quarter]]
* '''Highest Point''': [[Spruce Knob]] on [[Spruce Mountain (West Virginia)|Spruce Mountain]] in [[Pendleton County, West Virginia|Pendleton County]], 4,863 feet (1,482 m) above sea level
* '''Highest Point''': [[Spruce Knob]] on [[Spruce Mountain (West Virginia)|Spruce Mountain]] in [[Pendleton County, West Virginia|Pendleton County]], 4,863 feet (1,482 m) above sea level
* '''Lowest Point''': [[Potomac River]] at [[Harpers Ferry, West Virginia|Harpers Ferry]], 240 feet (73 m) above sea level
* '''Lowest Point''': [[Potomac River]] at [[Harpers Ferry, West Virginia|Harpers Ferry]], 240 feet (73 m) above sea level
Line 56: Line 561:
== References ==
== References ==


{{reflist}}
<references/>


== External links ==
== External links ==

Latest revision as of 04:10, 6 August 2024

West Virginia is situated in the Appalachian Mountains, bounded by Allegheny Mountains to the east, Ohio river and its tributary Big Sandy River to the west and southwest and the Cumberland Mountains to the south

The environment of West Virginia encompasses terrain and ecosystems ranging from plateaus to mountains. Most of West Virginia lies within the Appalachian mixed mesophytic forests ecoregion, while the higher elevations along the eastern border and in the panhandle lie within the Appalachian-Blue Ridge forests.[1]

West Virginia is situated in the Appalachian Mountains of the Upper South region of the 48 contiguous states. Usually considered part of the South Eastern United States, West Virginia is bounded on the northeast by Pennsylvania and Maryland, on the southeast by Virginia, on the northwest by Ohio, and on the southwest by Kentucky.

A portion of the Appalachian Mountains stretches into eastern West Virginia, and in Pendleton County near the eastern border, Spruce Knob, is officially regarded as the tallest mountain in the Allegheny Mountains, a vast section of the Appalachians.[2] West Virginia covers an area of 24,229.76 square miles (62,754.8 km2), with 24,077.73 square miles (62,361.0 km2) of land and 152.03 square miles (393.8 km2) of water, making it the 41st-largest state in the United States.[3] Generally, it is divided into four geographical regions: Ohio River Valley, Allegheny Plateau, Allegheny Highlands, and Potomac Section.[4]

Climate

[edit]
Further information: Climate change in West Virginia
Köppen climate types of West Virginia, using 1991–2020 climate normals
West Virginia state-wide averages
Climate chart (explanation)
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
 
 
3.3
 
 
39
22
 
 
2.9
 
 
43
24
 
 
3.8
 
 
53
32
 
 
3.7
 
 
64
40
 
 
4.4
 
 
73
50
 
 
4
 
 
80
59
 
 
4.2
 
 
83
64
 
 
4
 
 
82
62
 
 
3.4
 
 
76
56
 
 
2.9
 
 
65
44
 
 
3.5
 
 
54
35
 
 
3.3
 
 
44
27
█ Average max. and min. temperatures in °F
█ Precipitation totals in inches
Source: West Virginia University data[citation needed]
Metric conversion
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
 
 
84
 
 
4
−6
 
 
74
 
 
6
−4
 
 
97
 
 
12
0
 
 
94
 
 
18
4
 
 
112
 
 
23
10
 
 
102
 
 
27
15
 
 
107
 
 
28
18
 
 
102
 
 
28
17
 
 
86
 
 
24
13
 
 
74
 
 
18
7
 
 
89
 
 
12
2
 
 
84
 
 
7
−3
█ Average max. and min. temperatures in °C
█ Precipitation totals in mm

The climate of West Virginia is generally a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification Cfa, except Dfb at higher elevations) with warm to hot, humid summers and chilly winters, increasing in severity with elevation. Some southern highland areas also have a mountain temperate climate (Köppen Cfb) where winter temperatures are more moderate and summer temperatures are somewhat cooler. However, the weather is subject in all parts of the state to change. The hardiness zones range from zone 5b in the central Appalachian mountains to zone 7a in the warmest parts of the lowest elevations.[5]

In the Eastern Panhandle and the Ohio River Valley, temperatures are warm enough to see and grow subtropical plants such as southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), crepe myrtle, Albizia julibrissin, American sweetgum and even the occasional needle palm and sabal minor. These plants do not thrive as well in other parts of the state. The eastern prickly pear grows well in many portions of the state.

Average January temperatures range from around 26 °F (−4 °C) near the Cheat River to 41 °F (5 °C) along sections of the border with Kentucky. July averages range from 67 °F (19 °C) along the North Branch Potomac River to 76 °F (24 °C) in the western part of the state. It is cooler in the mountains than in the lower sections of the state.[6] The highest recorded temperature in the state is 112 °F (44 °C) at Martinsburg on July 10, 1936, and the lowest recorded temperature in the state is −37 °F (−38 °C) at Lewisburg on December 30, 1917.

Annual precipitation ranges from less than 32 inches (810 mm) in the lower eastern section to more than 56 inches (1,400 mm) in higher parts of the Allegheny Front. Valleys in the east have lower rainfall because the Allegheny mountain ridges to the west create a partial rain shadow. Slightly more than half the rainfall occurs from April to September. Dense fogs are common in many valleys of the Kanawha section, especially the Tygart Valley. West Virginia is also one of the cloudiest states in the nation, with the cities of Elkins and Beckley ranking 9th and 10th in the U.S. respectively for the number of cloudy days per year (over 210). In addition to persistent cloudy skies caused by the damming of moisture by the Alleghenies, West Virginia also experiences some of the most frequent precipitation in the nation, with Snowshoe averaging nearly 200 days a year with either rain or snow. Snow usually lasts only a few days in the lower sections but may persist for weeks in the higher mountain areas. An average of 34 inches (860 mm) of snow falls annually in Charleston, although during the winter of 1995–1996 more than three times that amount fell as several cities in the state established new records for snowfall. Average snowfall in the Allegheny Highlands can range up to 180 inches (4,600 mm) per year. Severe weather is somewhat less prevalent in West Virginia than in most other eastern states, and it ranks among the least tornado-prone states east of the Rockies.

Climate data

[edit]
Climate data for Charleston (Köppen Cfa)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 81
(27) 		81
(27) 		92
(33) 		96
(36) 		98
(37) 		105
(41) 		108
(42) 		108
(42) 		104
(40) 		96
(36) 		87
(31) 		80
(27) 		108
(42)
Mean maximum °F (°C) 68.2
(20.1) 		70.6
(21.4) 		79.1
(26.2) 		86.8
(30.4) 		88.8
(31.6) 		92.0
(33.3) 		93.9
(34.4) 		93.1
(33.9) 		90.1
(32.3) 		84.5
(29.2) 		77.3
(25.2) 		69.1
(20.6) 		95.3
(35.2)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 43.9
(6.6) 		47.8
(8.8) 		56.8
(13.8) 		69.4
(20.8) 		76.2
(24.6) 		83.1
(28.4) 		86.0
(30.0) 		85.2
(29.6) 		79.5
(26.4) 		68.7
(20.4) 		57.3
(14.1) 		47.5
(8.6) 		66.8
(19.3)
Daily mean °F (°C) 35.0
(1.7) 		38.2
(3.4) 		46.0
(7.8) 		56.9
(13.8) 		64.7
(18.2) 		72.3
(22.4) 		75.8
(24.3) 		74.6
(23.7) 		68.3
(20.2) 		57.0
(13.9) 		46.4
(8.0) 		38.7
(3.7) 		56.2
(13.4)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 26.1
(−3.3) 		28.6
(−1.9) 		35.1
(1.7) 		44.5
(6.9) 		53.2
(11.8) 		61.5
(16.4) 		65.5
(18.6) 		64.1
(17.8) 		57.1
(13.9) 		45.3
(7.4) 		35.6
(2.0) 		29.9
(−1.2) 		45.5
(7.5)
Mean minimum °F (°C) 5.5
(−14.7) 		9.9
(−12.3) 		17.0
(−8.3) 		27.6
(−2.4) 		37.1
(2.8) 		48.8
(9.3) 		55.7
(13.2) 		54.1
(12.3) 		43.3
(6.3) 		30.4
(−0.9) 		20.6
(−6.3) 		12.9
(−10.6) 		2.3
(−16.5)
Record low °F (°C) −16
(−27) 		−12
(−24) 		−5
(−21) 		18
(−8) 		26
(−3) 		33
(1) 		46
(8) 		41
(5) 		32
(0) 		17
(−8) 		6
(−14) 		−17
(−27) 		−17
(−27)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 3.27
(83) 		3.36
(85) 		4.14
(105) 		3.56
(90) 		4.93
(125) 		4.72
(120) 		5.38
(137) 		3.75
(95) 		3.46
(88) 		2.91
(74) 		3.20
(81) 		3.56
(90) 		46.24
(1,174)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 10.3
(26) 		7.7
(20) 		5.9
(15) 		0.5
(1.3) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.6
(1.5) 		1.5
(3.8) 		5.0
(13) 		31.5
(80)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 14.8 13.7 14.8 13.4 14.1 12.5 12.8 10.6 9.0 10.1 11.0 14.2 151.0
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) 7.6 6.2 3.9 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 1.5 4.1 23.9
Source: NOAA[7][8]
Climate data for Huntington (Köppen Cfa)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 79
(26) 		81
(27) 		92
(33) 		92
(33) 		97
(36) 		105
(41) 		108
(42) 		107
(42) 		103
(39) 		95
(35) 		86
(30) 		80
(27) 		108
(42)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 43.2
(6.2) 		47.3
(8.5) 		56.8
(13.8) 		68.8
(20.4) 		76.2
(24.6) 		83.3
(28.5) 		86.4
(30.2) 		85.5
(29.7) 		79.6
(26.4) 		68.6
(20.3) 		56.6
(13.7) 		46.7
(8.2) 		66.6
(19.2)
Daily mean °F (°C) 34.8
(1.6) 		38.2
(3.4) 		46.4
(8.0) 		57.2
(14.0) 		65.2
(18.4) 		72.9
(22.7) 		76.4
(24.7) 		75.2
(24.0) 		68.7
(20.4) 		57.4
(14.1) 		46.6
(8.1) 		38.6
(3.7) 		56.5
(13.6)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 26.4
(−3.1) 		29.1
(−1.6) 		36.1
(2.3) 		45.5
(7.5) 		54.2
(12.3) 		62.4
(16.9) 		66.4
(19.1) 		64.8
(18.2) 		57.7
(14.3) 		46.1
(7.8) 		36.6
(2.6) 		30.4
(−0.9) 		46.3
(7.9)
Record low °F (°C) −21
(−29) 		−24
(−31) 		−2
(−19) 		15
(−9) 		27
(−3) 		39
(4) 		46
(8) 		43
(6) 		29
(−2) 		16
(−9) 		4
(−16) 		−14
(−26) 		−24
(−31)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 3.10
(79) 		3.37
(86) 		4.16
(106) 		3.91
(99) 		4.51
(115) 		4.20
(107) 		5.08
(129) 		3.95
(100) 		3.16
(80) 		3.02
(77) 		3.07
(78) 		3.57
(91) 		45.10
(1,146)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 6.0
(15) 		5.8
(15) 		4.3
(11) 		0.3
(0.76) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.2
(0.51) 		0.5
(1.3) 		2.7
(6.9) 		19.8
(50)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 13.4 12.2 13.5 13.1 13.7 12.5 12.2 9.9 8.3 10.2 10.3 12.8 142.1
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) 4.4 3.7 2.5 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.8 2.8 14.8
Source: NOAA[9][10]
Climate data for Morgantown (Köppen Cfa/Dfa)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 79
(26) 		80
(27) 		87
(31) 		93
(34) 		95
(35) 		99
(37) 		103
(39) 		105
(41) 		102
(39) 		94
(34) 		83
(28) 		77
(25) 		105
(41)
Mean maximum °F (°C) 66
(19) 		67
(19) 		75
(24) 		84
(29) 		88
(31) 		91
(33) 		93
(34) 		91
(33) 		89
(32) 		82
(28) 		75
(24) 		66
(19) 		93
(34)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 40.1
(4.5) 		43.7
(6.5) 		52.6
(11.4) 		65.2
(18.4) 		73.6
(23.1) 		80.9
(27.2) 		84.4
(29.1) 		83.1
(28.4) 		77.1
(25.1) 		65.9
(18.8) 		54.1
(12.3) 		44.3
(6.8) 		63.8
(17.7)
Daily mean °F (°C) 32.0
(0.0) 		34.8
(1.6) 		42.6
(5.9) 		53.8
(12.1) 		62.6
(17.0) 		70.3
(21.3) 		74.1
(23.4) 		72.8
(22.7) 		66.5
(19.2) 		55.3
(12.9) 		44.9
(7.2) 		36.4
(2.4) 		53.8
(12.1)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 24.0
(−4.4) 		25.8
(−3.4) 		32.6
(0.3) 		42.4
(5.8) 		51.5
(10.8) 		59.7
(15.4) 		63.8
(17.7) 		62.5
(16.9) 		55.9
(13.3) 		44.7
(7.1) 		35.8
(2.1) 		28.6
(−1.9) 		43.9
(6.6)
Mean minimum °F (°C) 3
(−16) 		7
(−14) 		14
(−10) 		26
(−3) 		36
(2) 		45
(7) 		53
(12) 		52
(11) 		42
(6) 		30
(−1) 		20
(−7) 		12
(−11) 		0
(−18)
Record low °F (°C) −20
(−29) 		−25
(−32) 		−4
(−20) 		6
(−14) 		25
(−4) 		30
(−1) 		40
(4) 		38
(3) 		30
(−1) 		15
(−9) 		−1
(−18) 		−16
(−27) 		−25
(−32)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 3.12
(79) 		2.81
(71) 		3.65
(93) 		3.87
(98) 		4.33
(110) 		4.07
(103) 		4.93
(125) 		3.65
(93) 		3.41
(87) 		3.09
(78) 		3.02
(77) 		3.20
(81) 		43.15
(1,096)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 9.1
(23) 		5.5
(14) 		7.0
(18) 		1.0
(2.5) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.1
(0.25) 		1.1
(2.8) 		3.8
(9.7) 		27.6
(70)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) 15.5 13.0 14.4 14.1 14.7 13.1 12.4 10.5 10.3 11.4 11.7 13.9 155.0
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) 6.1 4.3 3.3 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 1.1 3.5 18.8
Source: NOAA (snow 1981–2010)[11][12][13]

Geology

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Main article: Geology of West Virginia
A view of Blackwater Falls State Park

Historical Geology Summary[14]

Prior to one billion years ago, the geologic history of West Virginia is obscure. Sometime between about 1,100 and 800 million years ago, lava was deposited in the extreme eastern part of the State forming our oldest exposed rock, the Catoctin Greenstone. Later, perhaps about 800 million years ago, a narrow trough began to form in extreme eastern West Virginia. An arm of the sea entered and sediments accumulated. As time went on, this shallow sea transgressed westward. By the end of Cambrian time, about 300 million years later, this shallow sea covered essentially all of West Virginia. Marine deposition took place throughout most of this and the succeeding Ordovician Period. During this total interval of about 370 million years, most of the rocks exposed in Jefferson and eastern Berkeley counties and in scattered areas southwestward along the Virginia boundary were deposited. Rocks of the same age are found in abundance in the deep wells throughout the State.

The Taconic Orogeny near the end of Ordovician time formed a high mountainous area east of West Virginia. During Middle and Late Devonian time the Acadian Orogeny, with the main uplift to the northeast, resulted in a further source for the predominantly clastic marine deposits of these epochs. However, near the end of Devonian time, the sea was rapidly retreating westward and the continental red beds of the Hampshire Formation were being deposited over most of the State.

The sea made one more important intrusion into West Virginia during Middle Mississippian time, approximately 330 million years ago, resulting in the deposition of the Greenbrier Formation, predominantly limestone, the last marine deposit of significance in the State. At the close of Mississippian time, about 310 million years ago, West Virginia was essentially a land area, subject to erosion. Early in the succeeding Pennsylvanian Period, the area dropped to near sea level and for more than 50 million years continued to sink at about the same rate that deposition was taking place. Permian Period, roughly 270 to 225 million years ago, the Appalachian Orogeny began which played a major part in the formation of the Appalachian Mountains as we know them today. Never again has the sea invaded West Virginia.

The oldest evidences of life found in West Virginia occur in rocks about 600 million years old, in the Antietam Formation of Lower Cambrian age. However, in this formation they are abundant and of forms that had already developed through a substantial part of all evolution that has taken place during the history of the earth. Evidences of life in other parts of the earth are found in rocks at least 3 billion years old. Fossils are found in increasing abundance and increasing stages of evolutional development in the rocks of all ages since earliest Cambrian time.

Fauna

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Main article: Fauna of West Virginia

The life zones of West Virginia transitions from large low-land farming valleys bordered with forest and meadow to high-land ridge flats and heavy forestlands, some with rocky ridge-line peaks. The geology allows for a diversity of habitats. The "Mountain State" harbors at least 56 species and subspecies of mammals. The state has more than 300 types of birds and more than 100 species of fish. Many common Insects of the Eastern United States can be found in West Virginia. The state's beetle number about 15 species with more than 70 species of Odonate, some 18 species of spiders and a dozen species of Stonefly. There are about 17 Moth species. There are a little over seven dozen Cave invertebrate species. The West Virginia Division of Wildlife (WVDNR) uses hunting and fishing license fees for wildlife habitat conservation.[15]

Flora

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The Allegheny and Cumberland Plateaus of West Virginia are predominantly covered by hardwood forests, but along the Ohio River and its principal tributaries, the valuable timber has been removed and considerable areas have been wholly cleared over the centuries for farming and pasture lands. Among the most prevalent trees of this region are the chestnut oaks, the walnut, the yellow poplar, and the cherry. Southern West Virginia contains the largest reserve supply of timber. In the Ridge-and-Valley region of the Appalachian Mountains, the Eastern Panhandle and Potomac Highlands have a forest covering similar to that of the plateau region, however between these two areas of hardwood there is a long belt where spruce and white pine cover the mountain ridges. Other trees common in the state are the persimmon, sassafras, and, in the Ohio and Potomac Valley regions, the American sycamore. Hickory, chestnut, locust, maple, beech, dogwood, and pawpaw are widely distributed throughout the state as well. Among the state's common shrubs and vines are the blackberry, black and red raspberry, gooseberry, huckleberry, hazel, and wild grape. Ginseng is an important medicinal plant that is harvested primarily in West Virginia's southern regions. Wild ginger, elder, and sumach are common, and deep in the mountainous areas, rhododendrons, mountain laurel, and azaleas grow in abundance.

Geographical facts

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West Virginia state quarter

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Olson, D. M.; et al. (2001). "Terrestrial Ecoregions of the World: A New Map of Life on Earth". BioScience. 51 (11): 933–938. doi:10.1641/0006-3568(2001)051[0933:TEOTWA]2.0.CO;2.
  2. ^ "Allegheny Plateau". Infoplease. Retrieved 7 July 2010.
  3. ^ "Land and Water Area of States, 2000". Information Please. 2000. Retrieved 2010-07-07.
  4. ^ "Our State". North American River Runners, Inc. Archived from the original on 14 July 2010. Retrieved 7 July 2010.
  5. ^ "West Virginia USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map". plantmaps.com. Archived from the original on December 9, 2010. Retrieved November 11, 2010.
  6. ^ "West Virginia University data". West Virginia University Health Office. Archived from the original on May 31, 2008. Retrieved July 7, 2010.
  7. ^ "NowData - NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Archived from the original on May 1, 2021. Retrieved June 13, 2021.
  8. ^ "Station: Charleston Yeager AP, WV". U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991–2020). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved June 13, 2021.
  9. ^ "NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved June 5, 2021.
  10. ^ "Station: Huntington Tri State AP, WV". U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991–2020). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved June 5, 2021.
  11. ^ "NowData - NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
  12. ^ "Station: Morgantown Hart FLD, WV". U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991–2020). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
  13. ^ "Station: Morgantown Hart Field, WV". U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1981–2010). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
  14. ^ This article is provided by the 'West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey.' (adapted from an educational booklet by Dudley Cardwell, 1975 with additions from Ron McDowell, 2007) Permission to reproduce this material is granted if acknowledgment is given to the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey. West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey. Address: Mont Chateau Research Center, 1 Mont Chateau Road, Morgantown, WV 26508-8079 http://www.wvgs.wvnet.edu/www/geology/geolphyp.htm
  15. ^ West Virginia Division of Wildlife "West Virginia Division of Natural Resources". Archived from the original on 2008-04-12. Retrieved 2008-04-07.
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