Geography of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is one of the 50 states of the United States; the 2nd to be precise. It is located in the
Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the country, and is bordered by Maryland and Delaware to
the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York to the north, and New Jersey
to the east. Its capital is Harrisburg, while the largest city is Philadelphia. Other major cities include
Allentown, Erie, and Pittsburgh.
Geographical Expanse
With a length of 170 miles and width of 283 miles, it covers an area of 44,817 square miles. In terms
of area, it is the 33rd largest state of the United States. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is
divided into 67 counties for administrative purpose. It is the 6th most populous state in the US, with
a population of 12,448,279.
Mountains and Plateaus
The plains of the Great Lake and Appalachian
Plateau converge in the northwestern part of the
state. The Appalachian mountains diagonally
bisect the state from northeast to southwest. The
Allegheny plateau lies to the northwest of the
folded mountains. A number of water bodies
cutting through this plateau make it appear like a
mountainous range. The sedimentary rocks of
Mississippian age lie beneath. The region has rich
deposits of natural resources such as oil, coal, and
gas. Mount Davis, with a height of 3,213 ft., is the highest point of the state.
Rivers and Lakes
The state has a 45,000 mile river network, 50 natural lakes, and 2,500 man-made lakes. Rivers like
Delaware, Susquehanna, Monongahela, Allegheny, and Ohio are the major rivers of Pennsylvania.
Delaware and Susquehanna drain the eastern parts of the state, while Monongahela and Allegheny
drain the western part. Over the course, Monongahela and Allegheny join to form the Ohio river. The
river system adds to the beauty of the state by creating natural water gaps and passageways. It has
57-mile long shoreline along the Delaware River estuary. Lake Erie, the 4th largest of the five Great
Lakes, lies here. Other prominent lakes are Conneaut Lake, Porters Lake, Pymatuning Lake, and
Wallenpaupack Lake.
Climate
Pennsylvania is broadly divided into three climatic zones. The lower regions of the state experience a
moderate continental climate characterized by hot and humid summer, and cold winter. The
highland areas experience a severe continental climate with warm and humid summer, and cold and
snowy winter. The extreme southeastern part of the state experiences a humid subtropical climate
with hot and humid summer, and mild winter.
Flora
The forested area of Pennsylvania consists of trees like hemlock, maple, oak, pine, walnut, and birch.
Sweet gum species are more common in southwest, while red pine and paper birch are found in the
forested areas of north. Small trees like June berry and New Jersey tea are also found in abundance.
Northeastern bulrush species, which were once very commonly found in this area, are listed as
endangered today, while species like small whorled pogonia and Virginia spiraea are enlisted as
threatened.
Fauna
The white-tailed deer is the state animal of Pennsylvania, while the ruffed grouse is the state bird.
Black bear, gray foxes, musk rat, raccoon snowshoe hare, and flying squirrels are some mammals
common to this part of the world. More than 150 species of fish delve in the water bodies of this
American state; most common being the grass pickere, pirate perch, and white bass. Birds like
robin, cardinal, barn swallow, and the English sparrow are found here in abundance.
With its spectacular geographical features and abundant natural resources, Pennsylvania is one of
the most gifted places in the entire world.
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