What Is A Flat?
A flat is a relitively flat surface of land within a reigion of varying elevations, such as hills or mountains. With a flat you can view a great distance, but can also see varying elevations in the distance.
What Are The Lindsay Flats?
As you drive through the Lindsay Township area on Highway 6 to Tobermory, you will have likely noticed a change in landforms and elevations along the route. The Lindsay Flats were formed during the Paleozoic Era. Back in the era, rivers flowing into this ancient sea carried sand, silt and clay to be deposited as thick layers of sediment. At the same time, lime-rich organic material from the abundant sea life was also accumulating. Over millions of years these materials became compressed into massive layers of sedimentary rocks and ancient reef structures now visible along the Escarpment. The sand silt and clay added up over the years on the Bruce Penisula, which in time created the Lindsay Flats. While along time ago they did not look like they do now (Flat, Grassy Farm Fields) it would have been more of a flat, clay and silt deposit. It is neat to see how the impact of geology can benefi the wellbeing of the ecosystem in the area.
Questions:
Q1. What do you believe the Lindsay Flats looked like when they were first formed in the Paleozoic era?
Q2. What does the topography look like in the area?
a) Rocky and flat b) Hilly with sand d) Other: Explain
Q3. Why do you think the built up clay and silt would benefit farming activites in the area?
Q4. Could this area be classifed as an alvar? Why or why not? (an alvar is a biological enviroment, based on a limestone plain with little to no soil, and with sparse grassland vegetation, that can often see some flooding in the spring)
Q5. Why do you think sediment settled in this area in particular? What is the elevation, how does it support your thinking?
Optional: Take a photo in the area.