Huntsville, Alabama

Huntsville is the county seat of Madison County, Alabama. As of the 2000 census, the population of the city proper was 158,216, with a metropolitan statisical area population of 342,376. The current mayor is Loretta Spencer.

Geography

Huntsville is located at 34°42' North, 86°35' West (34.7, -86.6){{GR|1}}.

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According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 451.8 km² (174.4 mi²). 450.8 km² (174.1 mi²) of it is land and 1.0 km² (0.4 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.22% water.

Related Topics:
U.S. Census Bureau - Km² - Mi²

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Huntsville is located in the Tennessee River Valley. Several mesas and large hills partially surround the city. These mesas are associated with the Cumberland Plateau, and are locally called "mountains." Monte Sano is the most notable, and is east of the city along with Burritt, Huntsville and Green Mountains. Others are Wade Mountain to the north, Rainbow Mountain to the west, and Ward and Madkin Mountains on the Redstone Arsenal in the south. Brindley Mountain is visible in the south across the Tennessee River.

Related Topics:
Tennessee River - Mesas - Cumberland Plateau - Monte Sano - Redstone Arsenal - Brindley Mountain

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As with other areas along the Cumberland Plateau, the land around Huntsville is karst in nature. Huntsville was founded around Big Spring, which is a typical karst spring, and many caves perforate the limestone bedrock underneath the city, as is common in karst areas. The headquarters of the National Speleological Society are located in Huntsville.

Related Topics:
Karst - Caves - National Speleological Society

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