District 570 is divided geologically and topographically into two Units:
571 Mulgrave Plateau
572 St. Marys Fault Block

Geology and Landscape Development
From the Strait of Canso across the southern side of the Pictou-Antigonish Highlands to the southern border of the

Economy River, Colchester County Click to enlarge

Cobequid Hills, Devonian and Carboniferous strata form a rather featureless central axis to Nova Scotia. South and west of the Salmon River in Guysborough County, the boundaries of this block are the major faults that cross the province from east to west. To the north is the Chedabucto Fault, which extends from Cooks Cove across southern Pictou County, merging with the Cobequid Fault along the southern border of the Cobequid Hills. To the south, the St. Marys Fault extends from eastern Guysborough County across to the Stewiacke Valley. The southern district boundary continues along the Cobequids as the Portapique Fault. The area from Salmon River northward to the Strait of Canso is the extension of this band of rocks on the northern side of the escarpment of the Chedabucto Fault.

Scenic Quality
This District is generally of medium scenic quality, being undistinguished in terms of relief, lacking extensive agricultural settlement, and with few lakes (except for the area east of Highway 7, and the lakes inland from the Strait of Canso). There is stronger relief along the Canso Strait shoreline, Milford Haven-Roman Valley, portions of the Chedabucto and St. Marys faults, and in the upper Stewiacke valley. Settlement tends to occur along these same relief lines, which further increases their attractiveness. Milford Haven and the Canso Strait shore are particularly scenic.

Associated Topics
T2.1 Introduction to the Geological History of Nova Scotia