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Narragansett/Bristol Lowland

Ecoregion in RI, MA

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The Narragansett/Bristol Lowland ecoregion includes the Narragansett Basin, a distinct unit of Pennsylvanian-age sedimentary rock (sandstone, graywacke, shale, conglomerate) that stands in contrast to the surrounding igneous and metamorphic rocks. The ecoregion is more extensive than the Narragansett Basin proper, extending south across some granitic rocks to Buzzards Bay. Bedrock outcrops are not common here, however, with an extensive covering of glacial till and outwash plains deposits. The western and northern boundaries of the ecoregion are tied closely to geology and topography, while the southeastern boundary with Cape Cod (84a) coincides more with changes in vegetation and soils. This lowland ecoregion has flat to gently rolling irregular plains with most elevations under 200 feet. Coarse-loamy and sandy, well-drained, mesic Inceptisols and Entisols are common soils on the low hills, ridges, outwash plains, kames, and eskers, with some poorly drained Inceptisols formed in glacial till. Histosols also occur. The vegetation is varied, with some of the oak-hickory and oak-pine forests having coastal influences. Land cover is mostly mixed forest with numerous wetlands and small areas of cropland and pasture. Cranberry bogs are abundant. The various types of wetlands provide important recharge to aquifers in the region. Surface water alkalinity is variable, with some acidic areas.

— EPA

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