Erosion has left striking rock formations throughout Arkansas.
Geographical features divide Arkansas into six natural regions. The southern and eastern areas of the state are lowlands, and highlands are located in the northwest. The natural formations of each region have influenced the development of communities and businesses. The geography of each of the natural divisions is tied to the economical success and hardships of Arkansas' cities throughout history.
Ozark Highlands
The Ozark Highlands are also known simply as the Ozarks. This region covers most of the northern border and a quarter of the western border. Scientists say the Ozarks' formation began millions of years ago during the Paleozoic Era, when Arkansas was covered by ocean. During collisions of land, the rock beneath the water's surface was forced upward. The result of this is seen today in the Ozarks' flat-top mountains. Limestone, shale and siltstone cover this area and make the soil rocky. Due to the rocky soil conditions and small plateau areas, this region provided few resources for agriculture.
Arkansas River Valley
The Arkansas River Valley sits directly south of the Ozarks. It has plenty of water and land suitable for agriculture. Scientists date the formation of the river valley to the Paleozoic Era, when rivers carried sediment into the area. The valley made transportation easy for both recreational and commercial uses. Because of the area's attractiveness, towns were quickly established. The valley today still grows in industry and population.
Ouachita Mountains
Directly below the Arkansas River Valley sits the Ouachita Mountains. This area consists of mountains covered with pine and oak trees. The vast amount of trees has provided the resources for a successful timber industry. Unlike the Ozarks, the Ouachita Mountain area supplied large valleys with rich soil. Agriculture was easily sustained here. Economic classes formed between those who lived and worked in the mountains and those settlers who profited greatly by farming.
The Coastal Plain
The Coastal Plain is the southernmost part of Arkansas. The area lies between the Ouachitas and the southern state border. The Red River provided earlier settlers with the resources for agriculture, mainly cotton farms. The majority of the the area is rich with pine trees. In time, settlers who maintained farms left agriculture for forestry. The amount of pine trees in the Coastal Plain support the timber industry locally and to the Ouachita Mountains.
Mississippi Alluvial Plain
The Mississippi Alluvial Plain is also known as the Delta region. This area covers one-third of Arkansas. It rests on most of the eastern border, from north to south. Within the Delta is the Grand Prairie, abundant with flowers and grass. The land was extremely fertile due to the rivers and flooding in the area. Settlers found rice cultivation successful in the Delta in the 1890s. By 1916, 100,000 acres of farmland were dedicated to producing just rice.
Crowley's Ridge
Crowley's Ridge is also known as Mississippi Valley Loess Plains. The term "loess" means "windblown soil." This type of soil is easily eroded and causes concern with any development of land. The ridge starts at the Delta's north border and continues south for 150 miles. Its height ranges from 200 to 300 feet. The ridge was formed by the Ohio and Mississippi rivers millions of years ago. Helena, Jonesboro and Forrest City were early settlements on the ridge.
Tags: also known, Arkansas River, Arkansas River Valley, Coastal Plain, Ouachita Mountains
