The North Carolina Shore and Its Barrier Islands

The North Carolina Shore and Its Barrier Islands PDF

Author: Orrin H. Pilkey

Publisher: Duke University Press

Published: 1998

Total Pages: 348

ISBN-13: 9780822322245

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

The North Carolina Shore and Its Barrier Islands is the latest volume in the series, Living with the Shore. Replacing an earlier volume, this thoroughly new book provides a diverse guide to one of America's most popular shorelines. As is true for all books in the series, it is based on the premise that understanding the changing nature of beaches and barrier islands is essential if we are to preserve them for future generations. Evidence that the North Carolina shore is changing is never hard to find, but recently the devastation wrought by Hurricane Fran and the perilous situation of the historic lighthouse at Cape Hatteras have reminded all concerned of the fragility of this coast. Arguing for a policy of intelligent development, one in which residential and commercial structures meet rather than confront the changing nature of the shore, the authors have included practical information on hazards of many kinds--storms, tides, floods, erosion, island migration, and earthquakes. Diagrams and photographs clearly illustrate coastal processes and aid in understanding the impact of hurricanes and northeasters, wave and current dynamics, as well as pollution and other environmental destruction due to overdevelopment. A chapter on estuaries provides related information on the shores of back barrier areas that are growing in popularity for recreational residences. Risk maps focus on the natural hazards of each island and together with construction guidelines provide a basis for informed island management. Lastly, the dynamics of coastal politics and management are reviewed through an analysis of the controversies over the decision to move the Cape Hatteras lighthouse and a proposed effort to stabilize Oregon Inlet. From the natural and historic perspective of the opening chapters to the regional discussions of individual barrier islands, this book is both a primer on coastal processes for the first time visitor as well as a guide to hazard identification for property owners.

The Battle for North Carolina's Coast

The Battle for North Carolina's Coast PDF

Author: Stanley R. Riggs

Publisher: UNC Press Books

Published: 2011-09-05

Total Pages: 160

ISBN-13: 0807878073

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

The North Carolina barrier islands, a 325-mile-long string of narrow sand islands that forms the coast of North Carolina, are one of the most beloved areas to live and visit in the United States. However, extensive barrier island segments and their associated wetlands are in jeopardy. In The Battle for North Carolina's Coast, four experts on coastal dynamics examine issues that threaten this national treasure. According to the authors, the North Carolina barrier islands are not permanent. Rather, they are highly mobile piles of sand that are impacted by sea-level rise and major storms and hurricanes. Our present development and management policies for these changing islands are in direct conflict with their natural dynamics. Revealing the urgency of the environmental and economic problems facing coastal North Carolina, this essential book offers a hopeful vision for the coast's future if we are willing to adapt to the barriers' ongoing and natural processes. This will require a radical change in our thinking about development and new approaches to the way we visit and use the coast. Ultimately, we cannot afford to lose these unique and valuable islands of opportunity. This book is an urgent call to protect our coastal resources and preserve our coastal economy.

The Nature of North Carolina's Southern Coast

The Nature of North Carolina's Southern Coast PDF

Author: Dirk Frankenberg

Publisher: Univ of North Carolina Press

Published: 2012-03-12

Total Pages: 273

ISBN-13: 0807872369

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

For some years, The Nature of North Carolina's Southern Coast has stood as an essential resource for all who treasure our coastal environment. In this book, Dirk Frankenberg describes the southern coast's beaches, inlets, and estuaries and instructs readers in the responsible exploration and enjoyment of some of North Carolina's most precious natural areas. From Ocracoke Inlet to the South Carolina border, this field guide provides a close-up look at a complex ecosystem, highlighting the processes that have shaped, and continue to shape, North Carolina's southern coast. Frankenberg identifies over 50 different areas of interest along 180 miles of coastline and presents images to help identify natural processes, plants, and plant communities. In addition, he addresses threats to these fragile coastal areas and possible solutions for these threats. Tom Earnhart's new foreword brings the book up to date, helping us appreciate why a deeper understanding of this environment is crucial to its continued enjoyment. Southern Gateways Guide is a registered trademark of the University of North Carolina Press

North Carolina's Barrier Islands

North Carolina's Barrier Islands PDF

Author: David Blevins

Publisher: UNC Press Books

Published: 2017-02-08

Total Pages: 200

ISBN-13: 1469632500

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

In this stunning book, nature photographer and ecologist David Blevins offers an inspiring visual journey to North Carolina's barrier islands as you have never seen them before. These islands are unique and ever-changing places with epic origins, surprising plants and animals, and an uncertain future. From snow geese midflight to breathtaking vistas along otherworldly dunes, Blevins has captured the incredible natural diversity of North Carolina's coast in singular detail. His photographs and words reveal the natural character of these islands, the forces that shape them, and the sense of wonder they inspire. Featuring over 150 full-color images from Currituck Banks, the Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout National Seashores, and the islands of the southern coast, North Carolina's Barrier Islands is not only a collection of beautiful images of landscapes, plants, and animals but also an appeal for their conservation.

Seacoast Plants of the Carolinas

Seacoast Plants of the Carolinas PDF

Author: Paul E. Hosier

Publisher: UNC Press Books

Published: 2018-06-13

Total Pages: 957

ISBN-13: 1469641445

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

This accessibly written and authoritative guide updates the beloved and much-used 1970s classic Seacoast Plants of the Carolinas. In this completely reimagined book, Paul E. Hosier provides a rich, new reference guide to plant life in the coastal zone of the Carolinas for nature lovers, gardeners, landscapers, students, and community leaders. Features include: * Detailed profiles of more than 200 plants, with color photographs and information about identification, value to wildlife, relationship to natural communities, propagation, and landscape use. * Background on coastal plant communities, including the effects of invasive species and the benefits of using native plants in landscaping. * A section on the effects of climate change on the coast and its plants. * A list of natural areas and preserves open to visitors interested in observing native plants in the coastal Carolinas. * A glossary that includes plant names and scientific terms. With a special emphasis on the benefits of conserving and landscaping with native plants, this guide belongs on the shelf of every resident and visitor to the coasts of the Carolinas.

An Outer Banks Reader

An Outer Banks Reader PDF

Author: David Stick

Publisher:

Published: 1998

Total Pages: 344

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

For nearly 50 years David Stick has been writing about the fragile chain of barrier islands off the North Carolina coast known as the Outer Banks. Six years ago, Stick began searching for examples of what others have said about the region. The result is this rich and fascinating anthology that spans more than four and a half centuries.