PHOTO PATTERN DATA ELEMENTS: SANDSTONE/SHALE
The Appalachian Plateaus- It is often referred to as the Allegheny Plateau (Kanawha
Section). This is a mature, unglaciated region intricately dissected by tributaries of the
Ohio River System. The upland strata contain coal beds outcropping in horizontal beds.
Much of the area is forested. (Humid)
Form
Ridge, flat-toped, steeply-sloping interbedded layers with
sandstone capping, shale more gradually sloping.
Drainage
Dendritic (medium to coarse)
Gully Characteristics
Vary, sag-and-swell gullies indicative of cohesive soils.
Special Features
Steep slopes, heavily forested.
Color (Photo Gray Tones)
Sandstone appears lighter due to better drainage (dark
where forested), shale appears darker.
Land Use
Sandstone mostly forested, shale has some agriculture.
Vegetation
Mostly forested on sandstone, some cultivation on shale.
Source: Terrain analysis procedural guide for surface configuration, US Army engineer
topographic laboratories, p. 7-89