Geological Regions and Geology

Major Ecoregions of North Dakota.

North Dakota spans from longitude 97°W to 104°W and latitude 45°55'N to 49°N, making it the 19th largest state in the United States.

It stretches 211 miles from north to south and 340 miles from east to west, covering a total of 70,699 square miles.

The state is bordered by Minnesota to the east, Montana to the west, South Dakota to the south, and the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan to the north.

North Dakota’s highest point is White Butte in the southwestern part of the state, standing at 3,506 feet above sea level, while its lowest point, at 750 feet above sea level, is in the extreme northeast.

Red River Valley

The Red River forms North Dakota's eastern border, with the Red River Valley extending 30 to 40 miles on either side.

This flat plain was once the bed of the ancient Glacial Lake Agassiz, and much of the region is covered by silt and clay deposits typical of a lake bottom.

Beach ridges scattered throughout the valley trace the former shoreline of the massive lake at different points in time.

The valley gradually rises 500 feet over a bedrock escarpment, marking the natural boundary of the Red River Valley.

The fertile organic soil makes this region some of the best farmland in the world.

Drift Prairie

The Drift Prairie stretches diagonally from northwestern to southeastern North Dakota.

This glaciated landscape appears mostly flat with gentle, washboard-like undulations.

The soil and climate create a transition zone between shortgrass and tallgrass prairie species.

The region is dotted with a high concentration of seasonal and temporary wetlands.

While grain farming dominates the area, crops such as soybeans, dry beans, corn, and canola are also widely grown.

Missouri Coteau

The Missouri Coteau extends eastward from the Missouri River to the western boundary of the Drift Prairie, marking the western edge of North Dakota's glaciated terrain.

Wetlands are abundant along the eastern edge of the Coteau but become fewer towards the Missouri River.

The predominant land use in this region is a mix of small grain, corn, soybean, and sunflower farming, along with livestock ranching.

Missouri Slope

The Missouri Slope's sandstone and shale layers were mostly untouched by the glaciers that shaped eastern North Dakota.

The area features an irregular topography, with occasional buttes rising above the landscape.

Complex drainage systems create breaks in the terrain.

Livestock ranching dominates the region, although small grain, corn and sunflower farming is also practiced.

Badlands

North Dakota’s Badlands consist of a rugged landscape of buttes, rock outcrops, washouts, and hardwood draws along the banks of the Little Missouri River.

The region is defined by poor soils, steep slopes, high erosion, and shortgrass prairie.