Local relief generally is 50 to 100 m between ridgetops and the flood plains of local streams. The area is mostly hilly with broad undulating ridgetops on major divides. The flood plains and terraces of the Ohio River and its tributaries are nearly level to sloping. About 525 mm falls during the growing season. The variable snowfall averages 25 cm.
Water is abundant in most of the area.
In most years precipitation is adequate for crops. In some years, however, droughts reduce yields, and in others, too much rainfall delays planting or interferes with harvesting operations. The large streams and constructed lakes supply most of the urban water, and waterlines supply much of the water to nearby rural communities. Large quantities of ground water are available in the valley of the Ohio River and its major tributaries, but only small quantities are locally available throughout the rest of the area. They are medium textured and moderately fine textured.