Geology

Jan 19, 2014 (Last modified Jan 21, 2014)
Created by 2C1Forest
Export
Open Map
Open Map
Description
Bedrock geology is the principle determinant of soil chemistry, texture, and nutrient availability.

Bedrock geology strongly influences area soil and water chemistry. Bedrock types also differ in how they weather and in the physical characteristics of the residual soil type. Because of this, local lithology is usually the principle determinant of soil chemistry, texture, and nutrient availability.

Over 250 bedrock and surficial geology classes can be found in the Northern Appalachian/Acadian Ecoregion that have been simplified here into 9 geological classes.

The rugged landscape has endured extensive periods of volcanic activity, mountain building, erosion, sedimentation, and at least four major glaciations. The last of these, ten to twelve thousand years ago, is responsible for the present land forms of sculpted mountains, flat plateaus and carved valleys. Elevation ranges from sea-level on the Maine and Maritime coast to over 5000 feet on a few isolated peaks. The extensive but ancient mountain ranges are composed of granites and metamorphic rocks overlain by a thin veneer of glacial till. Most of the glacially broadened valleys are plugged with deep morainal or outwash deposits giving rise to thousands of swamps, bogs, lakes and ponds. Additionally, the region includes in the US alone over 68,000 miles of rivers and streams and at least 8000 lakes and ponds covering over a million acres.
Location
Credits
The Nature Conservancy, Eastern Conservation Science and The Nature Conservancy of Canada: Atlantic and Quebec regions
Use Constraints
Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
This map is visible to everyone
Tags
geology, northern appalachians
Included in 1 Public Gallery

About the Map Author

2C1Forest
with Two Countries, One Forest

A Canadian-U.S. collaborative of conservation organizations, researchers, foundations and conservation-minded individuals. Our international community is focused on the protection, conservation and restoration of forests and natural heritage from New York to Nova Scotia, across the Northern...