1. UNIT #1 Geography NOTES Wisconsin’s Landforms

2. Chapter UNIT #1 Geography NOTES Wisconsin’s Landforms Glaciers -Nearly 3/4 of Wisconsin was glaciated (covered by glaciers) until around 10,000 BCE -As the ice sheets moved they pushed and collected rock and soil -As the earth ’ s temperature increased glaciers began melting, leaving behind glacial drift (soil and rock that had been trapped in the ice) -This reshaped Wisconsin ’ s surface and transformed the contents of the soil -The portion of the state, not glaciated-the Driftless Area, has rock formations not smoothed by the glacial drift Page 1

3. Chapter Effects of Glaciers -The northern and eastern halves of Wisconsin were glaciated -These areas have abundant lakes and a lack of rock formations Page 2 UNIT #1 Geography NOTES Wisconsin’s Landforms

4. Chapter Page 3 UNIT #1 Geography NOTES Wisconsin’s Landforms

5. Chapter Physical Regions of Wisconsin -Wisconsin ’ s regions are based on elevation and bedrock type, which dictates how rivers run and land drains 1.Lake Superior Lowlands -Slopes toward Lake Superior -Rivers cut deep lowlands in hills -Fertile soil -Long growing season near lake 2. Northern Highlands -Gently rolling landscape -Landscape is higher in the middle of the region -Contains iron and copper ore Page 4 UNIT #1 Geography NOTES Wisconsin’s Landforms

6. Chapter Continued … 3. Central Plains -Extremely flat in the west -Stony hills and glacier-made kettles (low spots) in the east -Sandy soils limit crop species 4. Eastern Ridges and Lowlands -Glacial deposits create the richest soil -Mild climate and long growing season -Many rivers 5. Western Upland -Few lakes -Fertile valleys and rock overhangs -Large deposits of lead and zinc Page 5 UNIT #1 Geography NOTES Wisconsin’s Landforms