An article on National Geographic titled “Rising Seas: Will the Outer Banks Survive?” discusses the uncertain future of the North Carolina’s barrier islands.  As temperature warm, sea level rises, and erosion occurs the once beautiful vacation spot is slowly disappearing.  The article states that the beaches on one part of Hatteras Island, Avon to Buxton, have receded 2500 feet in the last 150 years.  The picture below highlights how the shoreline has changed

Experts predict that some of the smaller, narrower islands, will eventually become little island remnants or shoals.  One of the reasons the barrier islands off of North Carolina are in such a fragile state, is man’s interference and stake in keeping them intact.  The islands formed an estimated 7000 years ago and in theory would evolve and move as conditions changed.  However, the natural process of sediment depositing, build up, and even flooding has not been allowed to occur because of human intervention.  Roadways, structures, and many other elements are keeping the islands anchored in place, and preventing the natural evolution of the islands.

Predictions indicate that the outer banks could be completely under water by 2100 and I wonder how this will affect the marine life in the Currituck Sound and the fresh water sources near the coast.  We learned in this week’s lesson the fragile ecosystems of inlets and bays, and how the salinity/fresh water balance is fragile and that small changes could have big impacts on the marine life in these locations.  Once the sea-levels rise and the barrier islands are no longer a barrier to rising seas, I imagine storm surge may have greater impacts on fresh water sources near the coast, and the life that depends on these fresh water systems.  The article discussed the huge economic impact that climate change will have on this popular vacation spot.  I do not believe tourism will be all that will suffer, locals will also see their food and water supplies change as sea water expands landward.

References:

Rising Seas: Will the Outer Banks Survive? (n.d.). Retrieved June 05, 2016, from http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/special-features/2014/07/140725-outer-banks-north-carolina-sea-level-rise-climate/