Background
The east of the Mississippi River is home to a variety of landforms. From the coastal lowlands in the east to the ancient Appalachian Mountains in the west, the land stretching east of the river is one of great diversity. In the east of the Mississippi, one will find miles of flat coastal terrain, surrounded by bays, inlets and barrier islands. In the central part of the region, rolling hills and woodlands are found, while in the Appalachian region rugged mountain terrain greets the traveler. Each landform offers something special and beautiful, but they are connected by the themes of diversity and beauty.
Geology
The landform east of the Mississippi River has been shaped largely by its underlying geology. In the low-lying coastal areas, several bedrock formations are found, often covered by sand, silt and other sedimentary deposits left by retreating glaciers during the last Ice Age. This flattish terrain is broken up by bays and lagoons, inlets and barrier islands, which provide a unique landscape full of marshlands and other wetland environments. Further inland, there are rolling hills and deep valleys, more of a result of plate techtonics and geological forces that formed the Central Appalachian folded mountains.
Topography
The topographic features east of the Mississippi River range from flat coastal plains in the east to rolling hills and woodlands in the central region to towering mountain ranges in the far west. The flat coastal lands are found mainly in the states of Delaware, Maryland and Virginia, with a few remaining pockets in North Carolina and South Carolina. These areas are characterized by wetlands, inlets, bays, estuaries and barrier islands. Further inland, the rolling hills and woodlands dominate, particularly in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York, while the Appalachian Mountain range, made up of the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Plateau, run from Pennsylvania down to Georgia.
Climate
As with all landforms, the climate east of the Mississippi River is highly dependent on the underlying geography. Generally, the coastal areas tend to experience more mild winters and more humid summers, while the interior regions experience cooler winters and more seasonal extremes of temperature and precipitation. The coastal areas are also vulnerable to hurricanes and other tropical storms, due to their low-lying nature. The topography of the Appalachian region does a lot to modulate the climate, with higher elevations providing colder microclimates and cooler temperatures year-round compared to the other regions.
Vegetation
The vegetation that grows east of the Mississippi is largely dependent on the underlying climate. Coastal areas experience a variety of shrub and grasses, while the inland regions experience more of a forested landscape. Forests in the inland areas are characterized by a variety of hardwood trees such as oaks, maples and hickory. In the Appalachian region, hemlock and other conifers are found in higher elevations, providing a unique and diverse mix of vegetation.
Wildlife
The variety of landforms east of the Mississippi River has created a diverse and rich wildlife habitat. Coastal areas are home to a variety of birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish, while the inland areas are home to mammals, birds and fish. The Appalachian Mountains provide habitat for elk, deer and bears, while also providing nesting sites for a variety of birds. The wetlands in the coastal region offer breeding grounds for a number of amphibian and reptilian species, while the woodlands in the inland areas provide seasonal habitat for turkeys and a variety of other wildlife.
Cultures
The landforms on the east of the Mississippi River have long been a source of cultural heritage and tradition. For thousands of years, Native American civilizations have called this area home, with many of their ancestors’ stories still in the oral tradition. The coastal areas were highly sought after by colonial settlers and were one of the first areas to experience European influence in the early colonial period. Today, the east of the Mississippi River is a culturally diverse region, with many ethnic and religious groups making up the population.
Tourism
Given the variety of landforms east of the Mississippi River, tourism is a thriving industry in the region. From the beaches and barrier islands in the east to the Appalachian Mountains in the west, this landform is a popular destination for tourists year-round. The coastal areas provide recreation opportunities including fishing, boating, swimming, and bird-watching, while the Appalachian Mountains are known for camping, hiking and spectacular views. There are also a variety of cultural experiences in the interior, ranging from Native American arts and crafts to European-influenced architecture in the more urban areas.
Restoration
In recent years, the east of the Mississippi River has seen an increase in restoration efforts to preserve and protect the landforms and wildlife that inhabit the region. Many areas, including the coastal wetlands, are now being protected by various conservation organizations, and there is a push to create more trails and outdoor recreational experiences for visitors. There has also been an increased focus on conservation of Native American cultural artifacts, as well as restoration of endangered species in the region.
Urbanization
In contrast to the focus on preservation and restoration, the region east of the Mississippi River has also become increasingly urbanized in recent decades. Cities in the region, such as Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York, have seen steady growth in the population and business hubs, while the coastal areas have become a popular vacation destination as well. This growth has brought with it both benefits and risks to the environment, but it also serves to highlight the importance of keeping the landforms and wildlife that make this region so special.
