PHOTO PATTERN DATA ELEMENTS: SANDSTONE/SHALE/LIMESTONE
The Appalachian Plateaus- this mature, dissected area is located in the Allegheny
Mountain Section and is characterized by its rocks of near vertical attitude, numerous
valleys, strong relief and mesa-like elements. (Humid)
Form
Ridge/Valley, massive thick ridge formers, angular,
dissected, strong relief sloping to undulating valleys.
Drainage
Dendritic to trellis on broad scale, parallel gullies along
and/or opposite to ridges.
Gully Characteristics
V-shaped, wind and water gaps. Broad U-shaped in soft
shale valleys; sink holes, saucer-shaped in limestone
valleys.
Special Features
Sharp ridges.
Color (Photo Gray Tones) Light to medium gray, dark where forest covered.
Land Use
Agriculture on shale and limestone slopes; forest cover and
orchards on ridges. Quarrying in sandstone and limestone.
Vegetation
Deciduous trees, sloped areas are cultivated. Forest cover on
sandstone ridges.
Source: Terrain analysis procedural guide for surface configuration, US Army engineer
topographic laboratories, p. 7-93