Appalachian Curves
As the Appalachian Mountains roll southwestward from Virginia into Tennessee, the ridges spread and decompress. In the space between them, the creeks and rivers of the region grow more prominent and highlight the patterns of the wavelike ridges. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) dammed the Clinch River to make the Norris Reservoir in 1933. The curves of the river are still apparent in the winding form of Norris Lake. Even through the mid-day haze, we can see the reflections of clouds and sky in the clear crystal waters of the lake. The patterns of the clouds mimic the flow of the mountain range and, as we look up toward the aerial horizon, straight lines of fresh contrails provide a contrast to the graceful ancient curves of the landscape.
The Aerial Horizon 