Physiographic Regions of Iowa

These regional and subregional maps of Iowa delineate areas that share common landforms, geologic histories, and surface processes, providing a geographic framework for understanding how geomorphology (i.e., the physical form and evolution of landscapes) influences soil properties, hydrology, and land‑use patterns across the state. By distinguishing these interrelated attributes, the maps support land‑management planning, conservation assessment, environmental education, and scientific research, offering a unified spatial framework for interpreting Iowa’s environmental diversity and integrating geological, pedological, and hydrological information in both applied and academic contexts.