Which region is underlain by ancient, flat-lying sedimentary rocks and contains significant coal deposits?

• A. Appalachian Plateau
• B. Piedmont
• C. Blue Ridge
• D. Valley and Ridge

Answer: (A)

This question hinges on identifying a region by its rock type and a key natural resource. The Appalachian Plateau fits because its ancient sedimentary rocks lie mostly in horizontal layers and have not been heavily deformed, preserving flat-lying beds. These horizontal sedimentary rocks host thick coal seams formed in Carboniferous swamps, making coal deposits a defining feature of this area.

In contrast, the Piedmont is dominated by older metamorphic rocks, the Blue Ridge is primarily metamorphic as well, and the Valley and Ridge consists of folded sedimentary rocks that create long ridges and valleys rather than flat, horizontal layers.