How geographic factors influenced where colonists built settlements?

The  geology of new england  includes many mountains, and it is thick with trees and rivers. the forest provided, large amount of lumber for new england and led them to specialize in the  shipbuilding  industry. however,the landscape was unsuitable for cereal crops, so they were imported from the other colonies.  originally this region had fertile soil, but during the  last glacial period, large glaciers scraped away the fertile soil and moved it south, leaving a rocky landscape that was not suitable for farming.  the new england region is located further north and it has longer winters and the coldest weather among the three regions. summer is mild and short. the growing season is short.        hope this : )