Terrain Features: Patch

A “patch” is a geographic terminology that usually refers to a small, distinct area of terrain or vegetation that differs from its surroundings. They are important features because they highlight localized variations in land cover, soil, or coastal conditions that influence both ecology and human use.

Patches result from vegetation, soil, or geology differences; where as reefs form from resistant rock or sediment deposition.

Note: Not all Terrain Features have official place names. Even there are many Patches located throughout Pictou County, very few have names included in the Canadian Geographic Names Database., if you know of some with local names that we have missed, then we encourage you to share that information with us so we can add the info to the atlas.

Some official place names in the Pictou County Atlas related to Patches include:

Rocky Patch is located in Merigomish Harbour just east of Point Betty on Olding Island.