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Cumberland Mountain Thrust Block

Ecoregion in Appalachian Mountains in KY, TN, VA

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The mostly forested Cumberland Mountain Thrust Block ecoregion contains high, steep ridges, hills, coves, narrow valleys, and the Pine Mountain Overthrust Fault. Maximum elevation is greater than elsewhere in Kentucky. Forests are usually more mesophytic than in the Dissected Appalachian Plateau (69d) but forest composition is highly variable and controlled by aspect, slope position, past usage, and degree of topographic shading. Components of the bird, amphibian, small mammal, and plant assemblages are also distinct from Ecoregion 69d. The Cumberland Mountain Thrust Block (69e) is mostly underlain by Pennsylvanian shale, siltstone, sandstone, conglomerate, and coal. Sedimentation from coal mines, coal washing, and logging as well as acidic mine drainage have decreased the biological integrity and productivity of surface waters. Small streams are common and have high gradients, waterfalls, many riffles, few pools, and cobble or boulder substrates. Nutrient and alkalinity levels are lower, thermal regimes are cooler, and fish populations are less diverse than in Ecoregion 69d.

— EPA

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