Surface waters are highly alkaline. This area drains to the Deerfield and Connecticut River basins. This area includes the most hilly areas of the central upland with a few high monadnocks and mountains. Forests are transition hardwoods and some northern hardwoods. Forested wetlands are common.
Surface waters are acidic.
Many major rivers drain this area. The borders of this region are easily defined by the bedrock geology. It has rich soils, a mild climate and low rolling topography. The valley floor is primarily cropland and built land. Central hardwoods and transition hardwood forests cover the ridges.