Cuyahoga Valley: Lake Plain Physiography

+ Lake Plain

The Lake Plain forms a wedge shaped area that extends from the bluffs along the lakeshore to the base of the Escarpment that marks the transition to the Allegheny Plateau to the south and east. This area was once the lake bottom of higher level lakes that proceeded the present day Lake Erie. Consequently much of the surface consists of lake bottom deposits.

Beach Ridges. The surface, except for the southernmost mile or so, is so level that drainage is poor. Another exception are a series of ridges that traverse the Lake Plain and which were once beaches of the ancient higher level lakes. These sandy and gravely beach ridges drained better than most of the surrounding land and offered better views of the neighboring countryside. These advantages made them natural travel corridors for the Native Americans that lived and hunted in the area.

The white settlers used these native trails as the basis for locating many of the main streets that traverse the Lake Plain. Euclid, Detroit and Lorain Avenues all follow routes of ancient beach ridges. Much of the City of Cleveland, including Downtown, is located on the Lake Plain.

Native Vegetation. The Lake Plain was originally covered by a mixed forest whose character varied with the topography, drainage and character of soil. On the better drained land and sandy beaches chestnut, black oak, white oak, white ash, beech and tulip were in the majority. In wetter places American elm, black ash, and silver maple or pin oak predominated. Some black walnut, butternut and sycamore could also be found in these wetter areas.

Drainage Channels. The area is noticeable for a lack of natural drainage channels and streams. Some streams did cut courses through the Lake Plain before emptying into the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie. Many of these original valleys have been filled and the water courses incorporated into the sewer system. Much of the area was developed early in the history of Cleveland and is served by combined sanitary and storm sewers.

The high cost of remediating combined sewers could be offset by a program of retrofitting properties to increase infiltration and provide increased amenities in the form of small parks and other public areas. Large paved areas, such as surface parking, could be retrofitted to infiltrate or store storm water beneath them. Green roofs on buildings are another alternative for reducing storm water runoff and reducing the effects of the urban heat island.

		Physiography, also called geomorphology, is the study of land surface features. The Physiographic Map shows the landform patterns that make up the Cuyahoga Valley and its surroundings.

		+ Lake Plain The Lake Plain forms a wedge shaped area that extends from the bluffs along the lakeshore to the base of the Escarpment that marks the transition to the Allegheny Plateau to the south and east. This area was once the lake bottom of higher level lakes that proceeded the present day Lake Erie. Consequently much of the surface consists of lake bottom deposits. Beach Ridges. The surface, except for the southernmost mile or so, is so level that drainage is poor. Another exception are a series of ridges that traverse the Lake Plain and which were once beaches of the ancient higher level lakes. These sandy and gravely beach ridges drained better than most of the surrounding land and offered better views of the neighboring countryside. These advantages made them natural travel corridors for the Native Americans that lived and hunted in the area. The white settlers used these native trails as the basis for locating many of the main streets that traverse the Lake Plain. Euclid, Detroit and Lorain Avenues all follow routes of ancient beach ridges. Much of the City of Cleveland, including Downtown, is located on the Lake Plain. Native Vegetation. The Lake Plain was originally covered by a mixed forest whose character varied with the topography, drainage and character of soil. On the better drained land and sandy beaches chestnut, black oak, white oak, white ash, beech and tulip were in the majority. In wetter places American elm, black ash, and silver maple or pin oak predominated. Some black walnut, butternut and sycamore could also be found in these wetter areas. Drainage Channels. The area is noticeable for a lack of natural drainage channels and streams. Some streams did cut courses through the Lake Plain before emptying into the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie. Many of these original valleys have been filled and the water courses incorporated into the sewer system. Much of the area was developed early in the history of Cleveland and is served by combined sanitary and storm sewers. The high cost of remediating combined sewers could be offset by a program of retrofitting properties to increase infiltration and provide increased amenities in the form of small parks and other public areas. Large paved areas, such as surface parking, could be retrofitted to infiltrate or store storm water beneath them. Green roofs on buildings are another alternative for reducing storm water runoff and reducing the effects of the urban heat island.