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Waterfowl and Wetlands of Long Point Bay and Old Norfolk County

Formation and Dynamics of the Long Point Sandspit:

A glacial event that occurred approximately 10,000 years ago left massive quantities of glacial till along the north shore of Lake Erie. Prevailing winds and currents have been eroding and transporting this till from west to east along the north shore of Lake Erie ever since. The presence of an underwater moraine near the base of the present day Long Point slowed this littoral drift, and glacial till was deposited. This deposition started forming Long Point about 4,000 years ago and it continues to be essential for the maintenance and growth of the Point today. The Point limits the amount of wave energy in the Inner Bay. This, and the shallow, nutrient rich waters of the Bay, have facilitated the formation of the extensive wetlands that are so important to migratory waterfowl. The slender nature of the Point, and the fact that it is dependent on fluctuating water levels and sediment deposition to maintain its form and function, make this spit particularly susceptible to natural and human-induced changes in both water levels and sediment availability. Natural shoreline processes and water levels fluctuations must be maintained in order to assure that the unique sandspit dynamics of Long Point are perpetuated.

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