The Driftless Area or Paleozoic Plateau is a region in the American Midwest noted mainly for its deeply carved river valleys. While primarily in southwestern Wisconsin, it includes areas of southeastern Minnesota, northeastern Iowa and extreme northwestern Illinois. This region includes elevations ranging from 603 to 1,719 feet (184 to 524 m) and covers an area of 16,203 square miles (42,000 km2). This region's peculiar terrain is due to its having escaped glaciation in the last glacial period. The term "driftless" indicates a lack of glacial drift, the material left behind by retreating continental glaciers.
In southwestern Wisconsin there is a more pastoral, semi-wooded landscape with many prosperous farms along rural by-ways. The portion of the Mississippi River that flows through the region is noted for its high bluffs and dramatic river scenery. In Iowa, it takes the appearance of low rugged hills covered with pine woods, a landscape not usually associated with that state.
Around 85% of the Driftless Area lies within Wisconsin. The border is defined by the catchment of the Chippewa River on the north, and somewhat west of the north-south line of the Wisconsin River. Where the Wisconsin River turns west to join the Mississippi, the area to the south, to include the whole of Grant County as well as most of Lafayette County are included.
The highest point in the Driftless area is West Blue Mound, with an elevation of 1,719 feet (524 m).The feature is located in Blue Mound State Park, in Iowa County.
This location shows an easily accessible and excellent example of the terrain of the Driftless Region. Deep ragged valleys and old, weathered peaks.
T0 VERIFY(WHICH YOU CAN DO BY DRIVING BY)TELL ME HOW MANY COLORS OF SEDIMENTARY ROCK THERE ARE.
WHATS THE ELEVATION OF GZ AND GUESTIMATE HOW MANY FEET IT IS TO THE TOP.
