In geography a dry point is an area of firm or flood-free ground in an area of wetland, marsh or flood plains. The term typically applies to settlements, and dry point settlements were common in history.
In the United Kingdom extreme examples of dry point settlements include Glastonbury, situated on a low hill in the marshy, and once frequently flooded, Somerset Levels, and Wareham in Dorset surrounded by flood plains to the west and Poole Harbour to the east.
A dry point has the advantages of flood protection, fertile soil (due to previous floodings which would have deposited silt on the land) and fairly flat land which is ideal for agriculture and building.
Famous quotes containing the words dry and/or point:
“Waters above! Eternal springs!
The dew that silvers the Dove’s wings!
O welcome, welcome to the sad:
Give dry dust drink, drink that makes glad!
Many fair ev’nings, many flow’rs
Sweetened with rich and gentle showers,
Have I enjoyed,”
—Henry Vaughan (1622–1695)
“No one can doubt the purpose for which the Nation now seeks to use the Democratic Party. It seeks to use it to interpret a change in its own plans and point of view.”
—Woodrow Wilson (1856–1924)