Physiographic Areas Subdivisions

Boundary of Level-3 subdivisions of the Rensselaer Plateau region as physiographic units. Physiography represents the study of landforms at regional levels, usually addressing combined patterns of topography, geology, soils, and dominant vegetation types. Level-3 subdivisions of the Rensselaer Plateau, one of multiple minor subdivision types, include 8 minor escarpments of the Rensselaer Plateau Escarpment subregion and 2 floristic zones of the Central Rensselaer Plateau subregion, all roughly reflecting different Northern Appalachian versus Central Appalachian forest zones. The minor escarpments, like Level-2 (major) escarpments but at finer scales, are divided and delineated based on slope aspect (direction), steepness (degree slope), erosion patterns, landforms (e.g., hollows), and roughly correlated floristic patterns (e.g., forest types). The two forest zones of the Central Plateau seem best distinguished by community types, then secondarily by topography (especially elevation). The Central Plateau was generally not divided any further than its Level-2 floristic types (Hemlock-Beech Matrix and Spruce-Fir Core), although it may have additional distinct Level-3 subdivisions comparable to those of the Rensselaer Plateau Escarpment.