Browse Map

Explore away

Explore Map Collection

Check out our basemaps

Print a Map Plus

Generate a high-quality PDF

Field Guide

Discover local flora, fauna, geology, and more

Local Flora & Fauna

Learn the ecology of your area

Local Geology

Learn the geologic formation at your feet

Get Started or Sign In

Welcome

Continue with Apple

Already have an account? Sign In

MAP

Topo

Measure

Topo

Ecoregions

Public Lands

...

BASEMAPS

Default Weather

Temperature

Smoke

...

WEATHER

Glaciated High Allegheny Plateau

Ecoregion in Appalachian Mountains, Allegheny Plateau in PA

Print Map

Generate High-Quality PDF

The Glaciated Allegheny High Plateau ecoregion is a deeply dissected and forested highland composed of plateau remnants, rounded hills, low mountains, and narrow valleys. Locally, especially in the south, the terrain has been noticeably smoothed by glaciation. Here, many closed depressions and blocked valleys occur and contain small lakes or shallow ponds. Nearly horizontal, resistant strata of Mississippian to Devonian age underlie Wisconsinan drift and are responsible for the highland. The Burgoon Sandstone is a prominent ridge former. Hilltop elevations are commonly 1,900-2,300 feet (579-701 m), which is high enough to ensure a short growing season of 100-165 days. Local relief is about 300-700 feet (91-213 m) and reaches approximately 800 feet (244 m) in Pine Creek Gorge. Mean annual precipitation ranges from 33 to 39 inches (84-99 cm). Most of the soils are frigid Inceptisols, derived from acidic glacial drift, that are stony, acidic, low in fertility, and often steep (Ciolkosz, 1989; Cunningham and Ciolkosz, 1983; Higbee, 1967).

— EPA

Taxonomy

Classified As

Ecoregion