GH West Virginia Natural Resources 1

Question 1

West Virginia is sometimes called the 'Saudi Arabia of Coal' because it has among the largest reserves of which type of high-quality coal?

Accepted Answer

Bituminous coal

Answer

West Virginia holds vast deposits of bituminous coal, which burns hotter and cleaner than lower grades and has driven the state's economy for over a century.

Question 2

Which river system drains most of West Virginia and flows into the Ohio River?

Accepted Answer

Kanawha River system

Answer

The Kanawha River and its tributaries drain a large portion of West Virginia before joining the Ohio River at Point Pleasant.

Question 3

West Virginia's forests cover approximately what percentage of the state's land area?

Accepted Answer

About 78%

Answer

Approximately 78% of West Virginia is forested, making it one of the most heavily forested states in the eastern United States.

Question 4

Which valuable hardwood tree, prized for furniture-making, is native to West Virginia's forests?

Accepted Answer

Black walnut

Answer

Black walnut trees grow throughout West Virginia's forests and produce some of the most prized hardwood for fine furniture and gunstocks.

Question 5

The Marcellus Shale formation beneath West Virginia contains large deposits of which natural resource?

Accepted Answer

Natural gas

Answer

The Marcellus Shale is one of the largest natural gas formations in North America, and hydraulic fracturing has made West Virginia a significant gas producer.

GH - Golden Horseshoe Practice Test

GH - Golden Horseshoe Practice Test

GH West Virginia Natural Resources 1