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Ecoregions of
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| 46k. Prairie Coteau | Level IV Ecoregion |
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46e. Tewaukon Dead Ice Moraine 46h. Northern Dark Brown Prairie 46l. Prairie Coteau Escarpment
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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 Prairie Coteau ecoregion, like the Missouri Coteau (42a), is the result of stagnant glacial ice melting beneath a sediment layer. The tightly undulating, hummocky landscape has no drainage pattern; it is perforated with closely spaced semipermanent and seasonal wetlands. However, the Prairie Coteau differs from ecoregion 42a in two ways. It has a chain of large lakes that were formed where there was little ice shear, and higher precipitation levels that allow widespread burr oak woodlands near wetland margins.
Physiography Area (square miles): 5229 Geology Surficial Material and Bedrock Soil Order (Great Groups) Climate Precipitation - Mean annual (inches) Potential Natural Vegetation Big and little bluestem, switchgrass, indiangrass, blue grama; woodland surrounding wetlands in northeast section. Land Use and Land Cover Rolling areas in pastureland. Flatter areas tilled for small grains, corn, and soybeans. |
