PHOTO PATTERN DATA ELEMENTS: SANDSTONE
The Appalachian Plateaus- In this section is found a high, mountainous, ridge-like
plateau having the aspect of a broad valley. The Cumberland Plateau Section contains the
upper strata of formations of moderate to strong relief; bituminous coal beds are mined in
level tunnels rather than by shafts. Many valleys are flat-floored, separated by mesa-like,
flat uplands of sandstone capped ridges. (Humid)
Form
Upland, with coarse to moderately coarse texture, steep,
sharp-sloped ridges, jointed, angular, incised valley,
sandstone plain (plateau).
Drainage
Coarse but modified dendritic becoming subdendritic,
partly angular, jointed.
Gully Characteristics
V-shaped to sub-V-shaped or U-shaped.
Special Features
Steep rugged, sharp forested ridges of high porosity.
Color (Photo Gray Tones)
Light to medium grays; light grays found on upland
sandstones; darker grays to black are result of greater
density of vegetation.
Land Use
Rangeland and limited farmland, forested.
Vegetation
Forests, brush.
Source: Terrain analysis procedural guide for surface configuration, US Army engineer
topographic laboratories, p. 7-75