Tussocks and the Drifting Islands
Ever heard of Tussocks, Sudds, Floatons or Drifting Islands? For those who isn’t abreast with these things, simply put, they are Floating masses of mud, peat, and aquatic plants. Nutrient rubble and plant roots are also in the make up of these islands. Actually, the sizes of these drifting islands can be a few feet to 100’s of acres. This natural phenomenon is seen all around the globe. Tussocks are often found in lakes and marshlands.
Tussocks in the main are made from cattails, bulrush, sedge, and reeds leading from a shoreline of some sort of marshland area. Flora that hangs over the shoreline will frequently begin to build up. This could happen as a result of low water levels; water plant tips may try to reach the water, which results in hanging and finally separation. The area under the drifting mat is usually very rich with marine living organisms. The bulk will finally separate from the shoreline as a result of a storm or harsh weather. Then it starts to migrate and binds to another landform. This newly formed tussock then moves and attaches to another landform. Wind helps to move the bulk along, but anything to harsh can destroy the mountain. Some larger Tussocks are able to hold trees that grow up to 50 feet tall with diameters between 8-12 inches.
Tussocks are a symbolisation of the aging procedure of bodies of water. Tussocks are said to be a part of the shallow lakes in Florida. Droughts, fires and floods have greatly altered the number of existing Tussocks. Floods are the most standard mode of transfer for Tussocks. Most Tussocks have been deposited in downstream fens or upland areas.
Today, water levels are retained by man made devices such as wires, levees and dams. This binding prevents the creation of the Tussocks because the water level gets too high or too low in most places. Presently, most people do not admire these drifting islands. The island not only holds itself, but it might also carry many other creatures. Many times reptilians and amphibians hitch a ride on a Tussock. I personally don’t think someone would enjoy the arrival of a wide deadly gator beside their home. Drifting islands don’t just carry dangerous creatures; they can also bring helpful plants and herbs your way.
Tussocks are also responsible for another great problem. A floating island might block an access to an significant place such as a active port. This even can cause a lot of undue stress for business close or far away from the harbour. It is not uncommon for boats to be stopped or damaged by Tussocks. Irrigation systems can also become clogged by Tussocks. Many governments are wasting millions so that Tussocks don’t get in their way of having a happy life. Herbicides are used to control these structures. Some Tussocks have been controlled through costly methods like shedding and the use of a barge mounted track hoe.
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