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 Escarpment ecoregion, though small, is a distinctive ecosystem, rising 300 to 600 feet in elevation from the Minnesota River valley to the brow of the Prairie Coteau (46k). The elevation, broken topography, and sufficient precipitation favor dense deciduous forest growth in riparian areas. Cool, perennial streams flow off the escarpment, providing habitats and oxygenated water not found elsewhere in eastern South Dakota.

Physiography

Area (square miles): 415
Elevation/Local Relief (feet): 1250-2000/250-600
Glaciated. Dissected topography along face of 300-600 ft. escarpment, incised by high gradient perennial streams.

Geology

Surficial Material and Bedrock
Thin glacial till over Cretaceous limey shale (Niobrara Formation)

Soil

Order (Great Groups)
Mollisols (Argiborolls, Calciborolls)
Common Soil Series
Peever, Forman, Sieche, Buse
Temperature/Moisture Regimes
Frigid/Udic

Climate

Precipitation - Mean annual (inches)
20-22
Frost Free - Mean annual (days)
110-135
Mean Temp. - Jan. min/max; July min/max, (°F)
2/22;60/85

Potential Natural Vegetation

Burr oak, green ash, elm, aspen, basswood, chokecherry, sumac with openings of little bluestem, green needlegrass, western wheatgrass, and blue grama.

Land Use and Land Cover

Steepest areas in native woodland, used for pasture. Flatter areas tilled for small grains, corn, sunflowers, and alfalfa or used for pasture.

Ecoregions of North Dakota and South Dakota

Ecoregions of
North Dakota
and
South Dakota