Cyclic geomorphic patterns of washover on a barrier Island in southeastern North Carolina |
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Authors: | Paul E Hosier William J Cleary |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, 28401 Wilmington, N.C.;(2) Marine Science Research Program, University of North Carolina, 28401 Wilmington, N.C. |
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Abstract: | A detailed analysis of historic aerial photographs provided the data for determining the magnitude and importance of oceanic
overwash on Masonboro Island, southeastern North Carolina. Overwash, which is both temporally and spatially distributed, produces
a suite of physiographic features on the subaerial portion of the island. Four physiographic types are recognized including:
A) small coalescing loosely vegetated dunes, B) intact, well-vegetated dunes and terraces, C) individual, isolated washover
fans, and D) washover terraces. Vegetation patterns, including shrub thickets and black needle rush marshes are related to
old fan sites. Sites dominated by saltmeadow cordgrass and goldenrod are associated with recent overwashes. A process-response
model, which synthesizes the physiographic types and vegetation patterns, provides input for a management program for the
island. Five sections on Masonboro Island are delineated on the basis of washover history and potential for future washovers.
The response of Masonboro Island to overwash is similar to that observed on Core Banks, North Carolina; however there are
several differences, probably because of the rapidity with which dune ridges redevelop after washovers. |
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