Understanding the Region Beneath Our Feet

The Southeastern United States is known for its mountains, rivers, wetlands, beaches, and coastal plains. What many people do not realize is that these landscapes are shaped by a variety of sediments that have been deposited over millions of years. From the rocky valleys of the Appalachians to the sandy shores of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, sediment influences soil quality, water movement, and ecosystem health. Understanding the different types of sediment found across the Southeast provides a look into the region's geological history and is a resource for landscaping today.