Moraine Formation

Oak Ridges Moraine Formation

The Oak Ridges Moraine is a geological landform left behind by a glacial retreat that occurred 13,000 years ago. As the glaciers began to retreat and melting progressed the ice over southern Ontario divided into 2 lobes, forming a distinct crack that ran along the future ridgeline of the Moraine. Torrential flood channels developed beneath this melting ice, carrying sediments and dumping them into the crack between the two lobes. These sediments of sand and gravel formed the initial core of the Moraine.

9000 years ago, after the ice sheets and giant glacial lakes seeped away from southern Ontario, the Moraine remained: up to 200 metres thick and rising to over 300 metres above Lake Ontario.

For more inforrmation on how the Oak Ridges Moraine came to be please view our Moraine formation video!

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