Correlation of Residual Erosion Surfaces in the Eastern Appalachian Highlands

Abstract

Introduction The numerous interruptions in the erosional history of the Atlantic Slope recognized in recent years has emphasized the importance of a correct correlation of the remnants of the erosion surfaces that were produced during the successive interrupted cycles. Several years ago the writer made some detailed studies of the topography in the region between the New Jersey Highlands and Catoctin Mountain, in Maryland, on the one side and the western border of the Coastal Plain on the other side. These studies showed that there exists in the highlands of the region a series of level terrace-like surfaces, and that these surfaces bevel the upturned underlying rocks. Moreover, in the lowlands flat-topped hill summits of accordant elevation, which also bevel the underlying structure, are obviously remnants of old surfaces of low relief into which the present streams have incised their meandering course. The large number of residual erosion surfaces thus . . .