Though Woodbury of the present day is the exact representation of the ordinary, its geological structure may reveal the mysteries that will shed some light onto the prehistoric life on the continent and the evolution of the species, as well as the changes that North America has been undergoing since the era when it emerged as a continent.
Though Woodbury is quite different from the rest of the Connecticut areas due to the peculiar sediments, it shares a range of features with the famous Connecticut Valley, which allows for assuming that the geological processes occurring in Woodbury are similar to those that take place in the Connecticut Valley. Unfortunately, unlike the Connecticut Valley, which is located in the area that allows for minimizing the effects of soil erosion, the Woodbury area is exposed to the process of erosion entirely (Lutgens and Tarbuck “Geologic Time” 304).
Apart from the aforementioned elements, which can be easily found in the Woodbury area, such elements as gravel, loam and stone are typically found in the vicinity of the Woodbury, as well as within the area.
Therefore, the soil of the region in question cannot be considered rich; quite on the contrary, it seems rather hostile, especially in the light of the fact that it is prone to erosion and weathering. Herein the key to the environmental sustainability strategy adopted by the Woodbury authorities lies: little to no mining is allowed within the area, not to mention the fact that maintenance of the existing water reservoirs, such as ponds, lakes, etc., is highly encouraged (Lutgens and Tarbuck “Volcanoes and Other Igneous Activity” 275).
Speaking of the sediments that can be found in the vicinity, one must mention the fact that the Woodbury region, much like Southbury, has several small areas that are occupied by the rocks, which share similar characteristics with the Connecticut Valley. In other words, a small part of Woodbury, in fact, consists of the same steep cliffs of basalt as the Connecticut Valley is. With quite tangible touches of erosion over its surface, these Woodbury regions are the exact representation of the Connecticut Valley.
Much like the Connecticut valley, the Woodbury region also contains layers of sand and silt deposited into the impression due to the massive floods. As a result, most of the fossils that can be found in the Woodbury area were formed in mud flats, just like it was with the Connecticut Valley. Technically, though, the geological structure of Woodbury is somewhat more complicated than a combination of mud flats.
In the eastern part of the area, calciferous mica schist can be found, whereas in the west, clay slate and talcose schist are located. In the southeast, the calciferous mica schist is mixed with granite. Apart from the above-mentioned elements, amphibolites and intrusive pegmatite can be identified in the sediment of the Woodbury area. However, the specks of pegmatite are very scanty.
Therefore, Woodbury can be considered a rather fragile environment, which is not quite rich in minerals. With little to no protection against the natural processes of erosion and weathering, the area is becoming increasingly deprived of minerals. The fact that the area can be described mostly as flat does not add to the few benefits that Woodbury has. Therefore, the area clearly needs a specific treatment which can be designed with the adoption of the sustainability policy as the key to the local land use.
Works Cited
Lutgens, Frederick K. and Edward J.Tarbuck. “Geologic Time.” Foundations of Earth Science (7th Edition). Prentice Hall. 2014. 285–310. Print.
—. “Volcanoes and Other Igneous Activity.” Foundations of Earth Science (7th Edition). Prentice Hall. 2014. 243–284. Print.