Stream piracy plays an important role in shaping the Blue Ridge. Piracy? Yes, as rivers flowing to the Atlantic cut back into the Blue Ridge, they cut into the gentler creeks and rivers on the plateau. When this happens, the upstream portions of rivers flowing to the Gulf of Mexico are captured and begin flowing to the Atlantic. These captured (or pirated) streams become energized, flowing more rapidly and cut more quickly into their beds as they tumble down the Blue Ridge to the nearby sea. They are rejuvenated as mountain streams and begin to carve back into the plateau.

The headwaters of the James and Roanoke rivers have captured portions of the New River on the northern side of the Blue Ridge. Thus, the Blue Ridge in more northern parts of Virginia is cut on both sides, creating the Blue Ridge Mountains. However, these rivers have not reached far south of Roanoke, leaving the Blue Ridge Plateau. In time, though, they will cut farther back into the plateau and the mountains will slowly extend southward.

Want to Know More?

See James S. Beard, "Time and the River," Virginia Explorer 9, no. 2 (Summer 1993): 2-7.