Great Hill (Massachusetts) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Great Hill |
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 Great Hill
Location in Massachusetts
Great Hill
Location in the United States
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 128 ft (39 m) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Cape Cod, Massachusetts |
| Topo map | USGS Chatham |
Great Hill is a small mountain or hill located in Barnstable County, Massachusetts. It stands at about 128 feet (39 meters) above sea level. This makes it more of a large hill than a towering mountain.
Great Hill is found on Cape Cod, a famous arm-shaped peninsula in southeastern Massachusetts. It is specifically located about 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) southwest of a place called Chatham Port. This area is part of the Town of Chatham. Another nearby hill, Cannon Hill, is situated to the northeast of Great Hill.
Contents
What is a Hill?
A hill is a landform that is higher than the land around it. It is smaller than a mountain. Hills usually have rounded tops, unlike the often sharp peaks of mountains. Great Hill is a good example of a hill on Cape Cod.
How Hills are Formed
Hills can be formed in many ways. Some are created by erosion, where wind or water wears away softer rock, leaving harder rock behind. Others are formed by Earth's plates pushing against each other, causing the land to fold upwards. Some hills, especially on Cape Cod, were formed by glaciers during the last Ice Age.
Glacial Hills on Cape Cod
Many of the hills on Cape Cod, including Great Hill, were shaped by huge sheets of ice called glaciers. As these glaciers moved, they picked up rocks, sand, and soil. When the glaciers melted, they left behind piles of this material, forming hills. This process is called glacial deposition.
Exploring Great Hill
Even though Great Hill is not very tall, it is part of the natural beauty of Cape Cod. Areas like this are important for local wildlife and offer places for people to enjoy nature.
Local Environment
The area around Great Hill is part of the unique ecosystem of Cape Cod. This region is known for its sandy beaches, salt marshes, and forests. These different habitats support a variety of plants and animals.
Plants and Animals
You might find different types of trees, shrubs, and wildflowers growing on and around Great Hill. The area could also be home to various birds, small mammals like rabbits or squirrels, and insects. Protecting these natural spaces helps keep the local wildlife healthy.
