118 



CAPE COD GEOLOGY 



Cape Poge and at its south end to Wasque Point. Behind this beach lies a long 

 lagoon. The front of this beach is very straight and runs nearly due north and 

 south. 



Topographic Divisions 



Marthas Vineyard may be divided into three topographic areas, as follows: 



1. An area of hilly country, which occupies the western part of the island 

 and extends northward almost to its apex. 



2. A northeastern area, which lies between West Chop and Chappaquiddick. 



3. A great plain, which occupies the south-central part of the island. 



Fig. 4. — Outline map of Marthas Vineyard showing the three topographic areas. 



THE WESTERN AREA 



The western area has by far the most varied and rugged surface found on 

 the island, consisting largely of boulder-strewn ridges that run roughly parallel 

 to the shore (Plate 15, fig. 1, and Plate 16, fig. 1). Topography of this type ex- 

 tends from the east side of Chappaquonsett Pond southwestward to Gay Head 

 and the southwest shore, along which there are steep cliffs. Gay Head is justly 



