Estuaries
Pamlico Sound
The Pamlico Sound
The Pamlico Sound is the largest sound on the East Coast. The Pamlico Sound comprises the majority of the western Outer Banks coastline from Whalehead Junction at the edge of Bodie Island all the way to Portsmouth Island.
Source: http://www.outerbanks.com/pamlico-sound.html
Picture Source: http://www.outerbanks.com/pamlico-sound.html
Why Are Estuaries Important?
Estuaries have been called the "nurseries of the sea" because the protected environment and abundant food provide an ideal location for fish and shellfish to reproduce. Besides fish, many species of birds depend on estuaries for food and nesting areas. Marine mammals also use estuaries as feeding grounds and nurseries. Estuaries can filter sediment and pollutants from the water before it flows into the oceans. They can decrease the effects of flooding and storm surges. Estuaries are economically important and are a popular recreational destination.
Source: http://omp.gso.uri.edu/ompweb/doee/science/descript/whats.htm
Sources For Pictures
Pictures found on Google.
-Read more about things found in estuaries at: http://www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/544
Guaranteed to be the most beautiful place you've ever vacationed at!
Connections To The Pamlico Sound
The Croatan and the Roanoke Sound connects to the Pamlico Sound.
Croatan Sound
Roanoke Sound
Pamlico Sound
Threats To The Pamlico Sound
As land is developed for human habitation and use, roads, bridges, culverts, sewage systems, pipelines, and dams change the flow of water through the ecosystem. Threats to estuaries are as follows:
- Global warming is causing sea levels to rise. Rising sea levels threaten the swamp forests, which can withstand only temporary flooding.
- Fishing gear that digs into the floor of the estuary or channels cut for irrigation or flood control also increase water turbidity.
- Estuaries can suffer from an excess of nutrients.
- Wetlands were drained for logging and farming before the current restrictions on wetland development were enacted.