The most significant geological event that contributed to the development of Iowa's physical characteristics is the glacial activity during the Ice Age. Around 2 million years ago, massive glaciers covered much of North America, including Iowa. These glaciers shaped the land through the process of glaciation, creating the flat and fertile landscapes, as well as the numerous lakes and rivers that are characteristic of Iowa today. The movement of glaciers also deposited rich layers of sediment, leading to the rich agricultural soils that make Iowa one of the most productive farming regions in the United States.
