These photos represent the vast differences between Virginia’s five physiographic regions. The regions are: the Coastal Plains; The Piedmont Plateau; and the Appalachian Mountain Provinces, which are divided into three further sections. Each region lies on different rock types and has unique soil properties; and is further differentiated by elevation, rainfall, slope, climate, and interactions with other plants and animals around it. Excellent information on the regions can be found at the Virginia Natural Heritage Program.