The salt ponds are a string of coastal lagoon estuaries formed after the recession of the glaciers 12,000 years ago.  Piled sediment called glacial till formed the rocky ridge, or moraine, running along what is today Route 1.  Irregularities along the coastline were formed by the deposit of the glaciers, which formed peninsular shaped outcroppings, which are now known as Point Judith, Matunuck, Green Hill, Charlestown Beach, Quonochontaug, Weekapaug, and Misquamicut. 

Sand from the ocean floor was carried along by the waves and deposited along the peninsula like areas and shoreline.  Energy from the wave action scuffed-up the sand and held it in suspension, the waves broke, sand settled out creating beach areas.  Long shore currents deposited sand across the outcroppings forming sand bars, which ultimately separated the salt ponds from Block Island Sound.

These salt ponds are called estuaries because they are where the fresh water (rivers or brooks) meets the sea.  Ecologically they are a nursery ground for many fish and serve as a habitat for shellfish, migratory fish and birds.  For humans, they are an important source of seafood and recreation. Please click below for more info.