N

Evolution of

Jockey’s Ridge dunes

N

sand

pavement

vegetation

ocean

Computer Model of Jockey’s Ridge, 1999

0 500m

1879

The Nags Head area has a very rich history including a number of fascinating legends. While the past of Jockey’s Ridge is not entirely clear, it seems that the area has cycled between active dunes and forested hills. Layers of soil found in core samples of the dune confirm this cycle. Notice how locations and elevations of peaks have always been changing with Engagement Hill growing from 66 to 138 ft between 1917 and 1953.

1862

1917

Historical Maps of the Area

1953

0 1000m

N

Some new vegetation

Notice how in recent years vegetation has expanded, tying down sand that would otherwise blow to the top of the dune.

Almost all sand

1940

2003

Aerial Photographs

1932

Widespread vegetation

N

0 500m

1974: 110 ft

2001: 83 ft

1949: 138 ft

2001

1974

Models showing changes in elevation and shape

View from the ocean (east)

The dune migrates south at 3-6 yards/year. The main dune also rotates clockwise while its peak moves southeast.

N

0 500m

1974: peak at 108 ft.

2001: peak at 72 ft.

sand

gained

stable

sand

lost

a

b

c

d

e

a

b

c

d

e

Dune Migration

ft

Acknowledgement

Research was partially funded by NRC/ARO fellowship

Data:

NASA/NOAA/USGS ATMII LDART, NC Floodplain mapping program, Geodynamics llt.

Contributors:

North Carolina State University:

H. Mitasova, Department of Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, O.Mitas, Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, M. Overton, Department of Civil, environmental and Construction Engineering

U.S. Army Research Office: R. S. Harmon:

Thanks to the staff of Jockey’s Ridge State Park, the Friends of Jockey’s Ridge, NC State Parks, Dr. Tom Drake, and Dr. Gene Brothers for helping to make this work possible.

Digital elevation

model of the area

around Jockey's Ridge

state park.

N

PowerPoint Presentation

2005-10-11T14:19:00