Griswold Point provides one of the best examples of how natural forces can change a coastline. This is an undeveloped beach area known as a barrier spit that extends from Old Lyme, east into the mouth of the Connecticut River. Sand flows naturally from east to west in the Sound, building the beach over time. But flooding in the river and other events will cause natural breaches. The spit can then nearly disappear and then rebuild as the sand flows into it again.