Image Index

On this field trip, we'll visit Bear Island and Bogue Banks.

Figure 1. The ridge in the distance is actually an ancient shoreline.

Figure 2. The vertical extent of Swansboro Ridge is evident in this sand pit.

Figure 3. High-volume dunes on Bear Island.

Figure 4. More high dunes on Bear Island.

Figure 5. Salt marsh and maritime forest behind the high dunes.

Figure 6. Sheltered by the high dunes, a maritime forest has begun to grow.

Figure 7. A tree stunted by salt spray.

Figure 8. Vegetation holds these dunes in place against strong ocean winds.

Figure 9. The bare sand behind the grassland is the overwash fan from a recent hurricane.

Figure 10. These dunes were destroyed by hurricanes.

Figure 10. A dune eroded by hurricanes.

Figure 11. This dune is being restored after a hurricane destroyed it.

Figure 12. Dunes at Fort Macon State Park on Bogue Banks.

Figure 13. Dunes sloping toward the sea on Bogue Banks.

Figure 14. A maritime forest grows on the slope of an old dune.

Figure 15. This dune was badly eroded by Hurricane Fran in 1996.

Figure 16. During a period with few hurricanes, this house was built on a broad beach.

Figure 17. Grasses like these can stabilize a dune and protect it from erosion.