Life Cycle of the Large Clay Borrow Pit Pond

Life Cycle of the Large Clay Borrow Pit Pond. . The Large Clay Borrow Pit Pond was created in 1975. The pond was created when clay like soil was excavated and used to line the bottom and sides of the first cell of the Glenridge Quarry Landfill Site. , This pond has a surface area of five hectares and has a maximum depth of approximately five metres. , Large Clay Borrow Pit Pond: The Large Clay Bow Pit Pond serves as an important part of the "groundwater recharge" process. Water seeps out the bottom of the pond to the water table and recharges the groundwater. , The square metal tubes visible on the north shore of the pond a groundwater monitors. These metal tubes are located atop wells that assist in the sampling of groundwater. The wells are monitored regularly to assess the overall quality of the groundwater and insure the safety of the ecosystem. , Pond Succession: Initially, the Large Clay Borrow Pit Pond was just a man-made pit, or hole, in the ground. The water originates from rain and snow falling directly onto the pond and runoff from the fields to the south and east. Seeds and fish eggs carried on the feathers of birds and in the the fur of land animals has dropped to the pond. Over time, this pond has evolved into a productive ecosystem. Plants and fish are flourishing in this new environment. This process, called "pond succession", occurs in several stages. , Pond Timeline , - Excavation of the pit , - Rainwater and run-off fills the pit , - Wildlife flourish in the new ecosystem ,