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Coastal erosion is evident by the sharp scarps formed on the East
beach of Bald Head Island. Recent hurricanes and heavy winter storms are
to blame for the continuous undermining and erosion of sand along East
beach. In areas were vegetation cover is sparse or has been destroyed by
erosion, sand can no longer be held in place and localized sites of sand
removal, blowouts, may result. In areas subject to constant erosion and
high water, these blowouts sites may be vulnerable to overwash. Several
overwash fans are evident on Bald Head
Island. There have been several revegetation efforts with American
beachgrass to prevent further beach erosion.
Slacks are damp
or wet hollows that divide natural dune ridge
formations, were the groundwater reaches or approaches the surface of the
sand. Slacks are sheltered from the wind, seasonally flooded, and usually
have a water table within 1.0 m of the surface providing a fresh water
source. The presence of groundwater near the surface is the most important
factor in slack formation, vegetation establishment, and maintenance. Dune
slacks are rich in plant species with estimated counts of over 100 species
of vascular plants in some slack communities. Species presence, however,
is controlled by soil moisture.
The north end of
east beach runs into Ft. Fisher State Park. Prior to 1999, Bald Head
Island was separated from Ft. Fisher by Corncake Inlet. The hurricane
season from 1998 finally closed up the inlet, leaving a barren overwashed
area. Vehicles are allowed on Ft. Fisher year round, but they are not
allowed to be driven on Bald Head Island. |
Erosion
Overwash fan
American beachgrass
Corncake Inlet
(Overwash)
Vehicle tracks
Bald Head Island sign
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