geology: the scientific study of the history and physical nature of the earth.

geography: the study of the earth and its features, especially the shape of the land, and the effect of human activity on the earth.

ecosystem: a community of plants and animals living in the same area and relying on each other to survive.

endangered: a kind of plant or animal that is at risk of disappearing entirely.

In this book, youll learn about the geology and physical geography of the Eastern Region along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and part of the Gulf of Mexico. Youll read about the forces that have shaped the regions mountains, plains, rivers, weather, and ecosystems. And youll discover a lot of interesting facts about the area.

Did you know that alligators were once endangered, but now number in the hundreds of thousands? Or that the Great Smoky Mountains have fireflies that flash in unison? As you read through this book, youll get to try out experiments and projects. They will help you understand new concepts, like how rocks get folded in mountains, or how waterfalls can move up a river.

GEOLOGY: MORE THAN JUST ROCKS

Most people think of geology as the study of rocks. It certainly includes that, but its much more. When you look at a rock, you can describe its color and shape. But what is even more interesting is how that rock formed and how it got to its present location. That involves seeing the big picturethe picture of the whole earth.