Central Alabama
From Biocrawler, the free encyclopedia.
Central Alabama is the region in the state of Alabama that stretches approximately 170 miles from the western border with Mississippi to eastern border with Georgia and 136 miles from the northern border of Cullman County to the Alabama River in southern Autauga County.
Geography
The geography of the Central Alabama is considered to the second most rugged in Alabama compared to that of North Alabama. The southernmost end of the Appalachians are located in the region.
The main foothills of the Appalachians such as ridges as Red Mountain, Sand Mountain, Beaver Creek Mountain, Shades Mountain, and Coldwater Mountain are co-located in this region primarily around Greater Birmingham, Gadsden, and Anniston. The easternmost portions of Central Alabama around Anniston is the most ridged and elevated of the region. Coldwater Mountain and Mount Cheaha makes up the highest of the mountain ridges that are located in the eastern portion of the region. The Coosa River divides the easternmost portion of the region from the central portion with the Birmingham area. The westernmost portion of Central Alabama is relatively a flat region with very fertile black soil, i.e. "The Black Belt". The Black Warrior River and its tributaries contribute to the very fertile land of the area, and also serve as a demarcation line between the western and the central portions of the region. The central portion of Central Alabama is mainly the region that varies from rugged to the east to flat to the west. There are numerous valleys that are scattered throughout this region between the mountain ridges including Jones Valley and Shades Valley. Jones and Shades Valley are the largest and the most densely populated of the valleys that are scattered around Central Alabama. Though the central portion is more rugged compared to the westernmost portion of Central Alabama, it is actually the most flood-prone. Urban sprawl has exacerbated the risk of flooding in this area of alternating ridges and valleys.
The Black Warrior, Cahaba, and Coosa Rivers and their tributaries are among the many waterways that snake their way through the region. Other major waterways that run through the area include Chocolocco Creek, Shades Creek, and the Little Cahaba River
Large deposits of iron ore, limestone, and coal are chief among the plentiful mineral resources found in the region. The coincidence of these three in close proximity was a major incentive for the development of industry in the Birmingham District.
Important Central Alabama Cities
Economy
The economic engine of the region ranges from the diversified economy of Greater Birmingham, to the college town of Tuscaloosa, to heavy industrialized economy of Anniston.
