During a period of prolonged dryness in the Maritimes this year, Sable Island remained unaffected due to its abundant underground reservoir of fresh water. Located 290 kilometers southeast of Halifax, the island possesses a unique water source that sets it apart from the surrounding region.
Describing the phenomenon, Audrey Levesque, a Parks Canada visitor experience co-ordinator on Sable Island, explained that beneath the island lies a vast dome of fresh water floating above the denser saltwater of the ocean. The island’s sandy terrain, highly permeable, functions like a massive sponge, allowing rain and snowfall to swiftly seep underground rather than forming visible streams.
Over time, this process results in the accumulation of a substantial underground freshwater layer, potentially exceeding 30 meters in depth according to some studies. Levesque visualizes this reservoir as a rounded mass of water, thickest at the center and tapering towards the island’s periphery.
While this water retention phenomenon is not unique to Sable Island and is observed in various coastal areas, it provides a crucial resource for the island’s wildlife. Sable Island boasts 21 permanent ponds, ensuring a year-round water supply for its inhabitants. Notably, the island’s renowned horses have adapted to the environment by digging wells into the sand to access water in places where ponds are not readily available.
For the small human population on the island, a dedicated well serves as their fresh water source, surpassing the quality of mainland water. Despite facing a dry spring, Sable Island remained unaffected by the water scarcity issues experienced by neighboring regions in Nova Scotia.
Levesque emphasized the consistency of rainfall on the island and the continuous monitoring of the water level in the well to ensure a stable water supply. This proactive approach prevented any concerns about water scarcity on Sable Island, contrasting with the challenges faced by other areas in the region.
In conclusion, Sable Island’s unique water system, characterized by its underground freshwater reservoir, highlights the resilience of its ecosystem and its ability to thrive even during periods of drought.
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