Alabama's Physical Diversity

Alabama’s vast natural resources and biodiversity are closely tied to its geologic history and physical diversity. Clarkson Bridge stands in the Cumberland Plateau, at the southernmost end of the Appalachian Plateau, where the landscape is marked by flat-topped high elevations and deep, steep valleys. The area contains abundant porous sandstone that is easily penetrated by water and has commonly been used in construction, including in the bridge pilings and nearby boulders, with additional sandstone exposed to the right of the bridge. Sedimentary rocks, especially shale and sandstone, are the most common rock types in this area, which is part of the Pottsville Geological Formation, and coal deposits also occur throughout the region.

Alabama · United States