 |
Ecoregions of
|
| 46b. Turtle Mountains | Level IV Ecoregion |
| Home
46e. Tewaukon Dead Ice Moraine 46h. Northern Dark Brown Prairie 46l. Prairie Coteau Escarpment
|
The Northern Glaciated Plains
ecoregion is characterized by a flat to gently rolling landscape
composed of glacial drift. The subhumid conditions foster a grassland
transitional between the tall and shortgrass prairie. High concentrations
of temporary and seasonal wetlands create favorable conditions for duck
nesting and migration. Though the till soil is very fertile, agricultural
success is subject to annual climatic fluctuations.
The undulating landscape and abundant wetlands of the Turtle Mountains are similar to the Missouri Coteau (42a). However, the Turtle Mountains contain larger, deeper, and more numerous lakes. Additionally, this ecoregion receives about 10 inches more precipitation than the surrounding drift plains; thus, it supports a forest cover of aspen, birch, burr oak, elm, and ash. The forest soils are erodible and poorly suited for cropland, though there is some clearing for pastureland.
Physiography Area (square miles): 409 Geology Surficial Material and Bedrock Soil Order (Great Groups) Climate Precipitation - Mean annual (inches) Potential Natural Vegetation Burr oak dominant on side slopes, aspen on top. Other species present: green ash, paper birch, boxelder, sumac, serviceberry, snowberry. Land Use and Land Cover Native woodland and pasture clearings. Some hay and small grains on gentler soils. |
