Hanging Pothole on Moss Island

Provided by: Stephanie Burns, Connetquot High School
Summary authors & editors: Stephanie Burns

Moss Island is located in Little Falls, New York, between the Mohawk River and the Erie Barge Canal, at Lock 17. Here the river drops approximately 40 feet (12 m) in elevation draining to the east. The glacial potholes on this small island are enormous, some reaching to impressive depths of 40-45 feet (12 -14 m)! A lucky glance found this circular, hanging pothole ground into the Precambrian gneiss that the island is composed of. This area is excellent for hiking and rock climbing, but you must have permission from the town hall before climbing. Photo taken on July 5, 2007.

Related Links:

• Geologic Time
• About Gneiss
• Metamorphic Rocks
• Roadside Geology Books
• Geologic Glossary