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Town Analyses > South Burlington > Physical Landscape

Explore South Burlington's landscape:

Physical Landscape
Bedrock Geology
Surficial Geology
Soils
Hydrology

Cultural Landscape
Prehistory
Early Settlement Contemporary

Ecological Landscape
Plant Communities
Wildlife & Habitat
Phenology

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Video about Muddy Brook
Interviews
Rephotos
Maps - Google earth files

Educators' Guides
Leduc Farm (10mb)

Physical Landscape

The geology, surficial geology, soils, and hydrology of South Burlington make up the physical landscape. Its patterns and processes deeply affect the town's wildlife, vegetation and human activities.

Substrate refers to the underlying foundation -- the bedrock, surficial geology, and soils -- on which the natural communities, agricultural operations, and dwellings of South Burlington are built.

The substrate of South Burlington is not just a physical foundation, but an economic and ecological one as well: fertile farmland, productive quarries, and healthy natural communities all begin with the ground beneath our feet.

Scattered rocks like these are evidence of Vermont's recent glacial history. Click to view a larger image.

South Burlington has a wealth of wetlands and important hydrologic features. From Potash Brook to the Great Swamp, and to Muddy Brook and its many wetland areas, South Burlington's water resources are essential to the human and wild communities that depend on them.

Swale