Burton Township Land Use Plan - 7D Buried Valleys

7D Buried Valleys

This hydrogeologic setting is characterized by thick deposits of sand and gravel that have been deposited in a former topographic low (usually a pre-glacial river valley) by glacial meltwaters. These deposits are capable of yielding large quantities of ground water. The deposits may or may not underlie a present-day river and may or may not be in direct hydraulic connection with a stream. Glacial till or recent alluvium often overlies the buried valley. Usually the deposits are several times more permeable than the surrounding bedrock. Soils are typically a sandy loam. Recharge to the sand and gravel is moderate and water levels are commonly relatively shallow, although they may be quite variable.