Do you know what Tussocks, Sudds, Floatons or Floating Islands are? For those who arent intimate with these things, simply put, they are Drifting masses of mud, peat, and aquatic plants. The islands are also comprised of plant roots and other organic rubble. In reality, the sizes of these roaming islands can be a few feet to 100s of acres. This natural phenomenon is seen all around the world. They are more normally found in lakes and marshes.
Tussocks in the main are made from cattails, bulrush, sedge, and reeds extending from a shoreline of some sort of wetland area. Overhanging vegetation will build up around the shoreline. Low water levels in the root areas can result in water plant tips reaching for the water and then slowly hanging over the edge and eventually breaking from the shoreline. Generally the area right under the tussock is full of living aquatic organisms. Finally harsh weather or storms cause the overhanging portion to break from the shoreline. Then it starts to migrate and attaches to another landform. This newly formed tussock then drifts and bonds to another landform. The wind helps it to migrate, but sometimes the harsh weather totally demolishes it and mix it with the water. Large trees up to 50 feet tall and 8-12 inches in diameter have been seen growing on Tussocks.
Tussocks are a sign of healthy maturing in bodies of water. Individuals say that Tussocks are a part of Floridas shallow lakes. Droughts, fires and floods have greatly altered the number of existing Tussocks. Floods are the most familiar mode of transportation for Tussocks. Downstream marshes and upland are the most standard deposit areas for Tussocks.
Today, water levels are held by man made devices such as wires, levees and dams. This regulating prevents Tussocks from molding because of the flux in water levels. Presently, most individuals do not admire these drifting islands. The island not only carry itself but many times creatures too. Amphibians and reptiles do also come along. I personally dont think someone would enjoy the arrival of a huge deadly alligator beside their home. Floating islands dont just carry wild creatures; they can also bring helpful floras and herbs your way.
There is another big problem that is caused by these drifting islands. A floating island might stop an access to an significant place such as a busy port. This can cause a lot of worry for a business person who works no where near the water. It is not uncommon for ships to be stopped or damaged by Tussocks. Floating islands are also able to stop up the path of an irrigation system. Many governments are blowing millions so that Tussocks dont get in their way of having a happy life. herbicides have been used in an attempt to control the Tussocks. Some Tussocks have been checked through pricey methods like shedding and the use of a barge mounted track hoe.
About the Author:
Dave McNabb founded a full service aquatic maintenance company located in Lafayette, California in 1996. Dave started his aquatic career in 1980 with Aquatics Unlimited located in Martinez, California. In 1984 Dave became the very first Aquamog operator and has run the machines for the past 25 years.
