Have you ever heard of
Tussocks, Sudds, Floatons or Drifting Islands? For those who aren’t abreast with these things, simply put, they are Floating masses of muck, peat, and marine floras. plant roots and other organic detritus also helps make these islands. These islands can be a few square feet in size or a a number of hundred acres in size. These naturally occurring islands can be found everywhere. Tussocks are often found in lakes and marshlands.
Tussocks are made frequently of cattails, bulrush, sedge and reeds that have extended from the shoreline of a marshland area. Overhanging vegetation will build up around the shoreline. This sometimes happens because the water level might be low in the root area so the tip of the floras tries to reach the water by hanging and soon afterward, separating. In general the area right under the tussock is full of living marine organisms. The mass will eventually break from the shoreline as a result of a storm or harsh weather. The mass begins to migrate and finally clings onto another landform. Strong winds may aid in the transmigration, but harsh weather can destroy and mix the tussock with the water. Some larger Tussocks are able to hold trees that grow up to 50 feet tall with diameters between 8-12 inches.
Tussocks have been a symbol of the maturing process of water bodies. People say that
Tussocks are a part of Florida’s shallow lakes. Droughts, fires and floods have greatly altered the number of existing Tussocks. Floods are thought to carry most of the floating islands. Downstream marshes and uplands are places the floods have transported many Tussocks.
Today, water levels are held by man made structure's such as wires, levees and dams. This regulating stops Tussocks from forming because of the flux in water levels. Presently, most individuals do not admire these floating islands. The island not only carries itself, but it might also carry many other animals. Many times reptilians and amphibians hitch a ride on a Tussock. I personally don’t think someone would enjoy the arrival of a huge deadly gator beside their home. Drifting islands don’t just transfer hazardous creatures; they can also bring helpful plants and herbs your way.
There is another big problem that is caused by these drifting islands. A
floating island might stop an approach 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 harbor. Boats can be stopped and damaged by it. It might also block the paths of irrigation systems. Many governments are wasting millions so that Tussocks don’t get in their way of living a happy life. weed killers have been used in an attempt to control the Tussocks. Pricey methods like shredders and flatboat mounted track hoes have been implemented to gain control.
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.
