The stream had been captured by the polygonal pattern. Sea level rise is probably responsible for a gradual rise of the water table that eventually filled these depressions. Sea level rise is also responsible for the existence of stumps of Atlantic White Cedar in the intertidal zone at Hubbard County Park. It has also resulted in traces of freshwater peat on the beach at Hubbard. The white cedar grew at the freshwater-saltwater interface.
Habitats associated with the shoreline are transgressive habitats on Long Island.
Individual coastal plain ponds are relatively young, but the habitat type is old, and has migrated as sea level has risen. Continued global warming will cause sea level to continue to rise, and the habitats will continue to migrate.