TNTennessee Geography

Geography overview

Tennessee occupies the 36th largest area among US states. Located in the South region, specifically the upland south subregion, its physical geography reflects its position on the North American continent. The state is landlocked with no ocean access.

Geographers typically think about a state's geography in five dimensions: location (where it is relative to other places), place (the physical and human characteristics), region (how it groups with others), movement (the flow of people, goods, and ideas), and human-environment interaction (how people have shaped and been shaped by the environment). This page touches on all five.

Topography and landforms

• Mountain ranges: appalachians
• Appalachian Mountains
• Crossed by the Mississippi River
• Notable cave systems

Topography refers to the physical features of the land — mountains, valleys, plains, plateaus, basins. Tennessee's topography was shaped over millions of years by tectonic activity, glaciation, erosion, river systems, and (in some regions) volcanic activity. Understanding the topography helps explain everything from where cities developed historically (typically near reliable water sources and navigable rivers) to modern climate patterns (mountains create rain shadows, for instance).

Rivers and waterways

The mighty Mississippi River borders or flows through Tennessee. At 2,340 miles, the Mississippi is the second-longest river in the United States (after the Missouri) and historically the principal trade route of the early Republic. The river drains 31 US states and 2 Canadian provinces.

Mountains, elevation, and relief

The appalachians mountain range(s) define much of Tennessee's topography. Mountain regions create distinct climate zones, agricultural patterns, and recreation economies (skiing in winter, hiking and camping in summer).

Climate and time zone

Tennessee observes Eastern Time (the state spans multiple time zones — a small portion may differ). Seismic activity is notable in parts of the state.

National parks and protected areas

The National Park Service manages many sites in Tennessee — national parks, national monuments, national forests, national wildlife refuges, and historic sites. Tourism, particularly to natural areas, is a major part of the state economy.

Wildlife and biodiversity

Tennessee's wildlife reflects its geography. Forests, plains, rivers, and (where applicable) coasts support a wide range of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians. Protected populations of native species are maintained through state and federal wildlife management agencies. State parks and refuges protect critical habitats; hunting and fishing license fees fund much of the wildlife conservation work.

Climate zones within the state

Even within Tennessee's moderate area, microclimates vary by elevation and terrain. Coastal regions (where applicable) typically have milder, more humid climates than interior areas. Mountain regions are colder and snowier. Desert regions are hot and dry.

Geology — what made Tennessee the way it is

Tennessee's present-day geography is the result of geological processes operating over hundreds of millions of years: plate tectonics, volcanic activity, glaciation, erosion, sedimentation. Most of the state's bedrock is sedimentary (limestone, sandstone, shale) or metamorphic (where heat and pressure transformed older rocks), with igneous rocks (granite, basalt) more common in mountainous areas. The last Ice Age (which ended approximately 11,000 years ago) reshaped much of the northern US and shaped lake basins, river valleys, and soil distribution.

Tennessee notable firsts

• Birthplace of one or more US presidents

Tennessee vs similar states

How does Tennessee compare with 3 other states in the same region and size category?

State	Capital	Pop	Area rank	Admitted
Tennessee	Nashville	5 to 10 million	#36	1796
Alabama	Montgomery	1 to 5 million	#30	1819
Arkansas	Little Rock	1 to 5 million	#29	1836
Florida	Tallahassee	over 10 million	#22	1845

Bordering states (8)

Tennessee shares borders with 8 other US states, listed alphabetically below. Each link goes to the dedicated state page.

Similar states to Tennessee

If this page interested you, you may also want to explore states with similar geography, history, or culture. These states share Tennessee's region (South) and similar size category:

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