" These geologic formations formed from large chunks of ice that broke away from the glacier as it retreated. Much like an iceberg, but on the land, these chunks of ice eventually melted and formed small lakes in the indentation formed on the ground where they lay. The largest of the kettle lakes is Lake Ronkonkoma, which formed some 17,000 years ago. ("Formation of Lake Ronkonkoma.")

The most drastic effects on the geology of Long Island came after the last Ice Age and the ocean levels rose. The large amount of melt-water flowed into Long Island Sound, and the shores of Long Island became inundated with water. Also, "the action of the waves and currents aided by the wind have eroded and reshaped the soft glacial sediments to form numerous sandy shoreline features." ("Geology of Long Island") This has caused the formation of a number of islands including Fire Island,...
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