Champlain Sea, Prehistoric sea in northeastern North America.
The Champlain Sea was an ancient saltwater body that once covered parts of present-day Quebec, Ontario, New York, and Vermont. Today, clay deposits left behind form the foundation of the landscape throughout the St. Lawrence and Ottawa River valleys.
When glaciers retreated about 13,000 years ago, the Atlantic Ocean flooded the low areas and created this sea. The water receded roughly 3,000 years later, leaving behind the clay and geological marks that shape the region today.
Marine fossils discovered in the region show the types of animals that once lived in these waters, such as seals and whales. Museums in the area display these remains, helping visitors understand what the ancient sea supported.
Spring through fall offers the best conditions for exploring the region and viewing related exhibits in local museums. Many sites along the river valleys have easy walking paths and interpretive displays about the ancient sea and its fossils.
In 1849, workers in Charlotte, Vermont discovered a complete beluga whale skeleton that provided concrete proof of the ancient sea. This finding was one of the earliest tangible pieces of evidence showing that marine life once inhabited this inland area.
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