Subsection is a high plateau formed from glacial outwash and end moraines.
Relatively high elevation and distance from the lake combine to give the subsection a more continental climate than the rest of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. The topography and soils are diverse enough to justify further dividing it into three sub-subsections, which have distinct glacial landforms and soils. Due to its inland location, northern latitude, and relatively high elevations, the subsection has the most severe climate in Lower Michigan. There is a great chance of late spring freezes. Further east, snowfalls are as low as 60 inches.