Coastal Plain Soil Deposits

These coastal plain sediments, across Chesapeake Bay form Baltimore, were deeply eroded during the last glacial epoch when the ocean level fell 100 m. The valleys were then flooded as the water level rose with the melting ice. As seen in thumbnail 1, subsequent long shore drift has blocked off the embayments, which prevents circulation and promotes in filling with organic silts and clays ( a process called eutrophication). These coastal plain deposits are quite silty as indicated in thumbnail 2 by the extensive white fringes along the gullies. The overall dendritic drainage pattern reflects the uniformity of the deposit. Home