Piedmont (ecoregion)

The Piedmont is a physiographic province of the larger Appalachian Highlands division. Its name comes from the French word for "foot of the mountain," and it describes its location in relation to the Appalachian Mountains.

The Piedmont ecoregion is characterized by rolling hills, valleys, and relatively low-lying areas compared to the mountains to the west. Geologically, it is underlain by metamorphic and igneous rocks that are older and more resistant to erosion than the sedimentary rocks of the coastal plain to the east. This region typically has a moderate climate with distinct seasons.

The specific boundaries of the Piedmont can vary slightly depending on the context (geologic, ecological, or political). However, it generally lies between the Appalachian Mountains (to the west and northwest) and the Coastal Plain (to the east and southeast) in the eastern United States. States that contain portions of the Piedmont ecoregion include Alabama, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

Land cover in the Piedmont historically consisted of hardwood forests, but significant areas have been cleared for agriculture, urban development, and pastureland. Common tree species include oaks, hickories, and pines. The region is also home to a diverse array of animal life.

The Piedmont's soils are generally fertile, supporting agriculture, and the region has a history of intensive farming, particularly cotton cultivation in the southern portions. Rapid urbanization and suburbanization in recent decades have led to increased pressure on natural resources and water quality in the Piedmont.