Roanoke Sound
By: Mallory Sudduth
Location
The Roanoke Sound lies off North Carolina's east coast and separates Roanoke Island from the barrier island beaches. North of the Roanoke Sound lies the Albemarle Sound and South of the Roanoke Sound is the Pamlico Sound.
Importance
Estuaries help control erosion and reduce flooding of the surrounding land. Sand bars help reduce the impact of waves, while plants and fish beds keep the shore secure against tides. Estuaries are also a type of filter because plants and animals in estuaries filter pollution out of the water. Estuaries can produce more food per acre than our most productive farmland and commercial fishing is important to the economy and food supply. About thirty fish species sold commercially live in North Carolina estuaries.
Beaches lie along the estuaries of North Carolina where many of us go every summer.5 Plants/Animals in the Roanoke Sound
1. Green Sea Turtle
2. Loggerhead Turtle
3. Sea Ducks
4. Piping Plover
5. Tall Grasses
2. Loggerhead Turtle
3. Sea Ducks
4. Piping Plover
5. Tall Grasses
3 Rivers, Streams, or Waterways that Feed Into the Roanoke Sound
1. Croatan Sound
2. Atlantic Ocean
3. Roanoke River
2. Atlantic Ocean
3. Roanoke River
Threats to NC Estuaries
- contamination
- suspended sediments harm wildlife
- global warming
- pollution
Cited Sources
nc.usharbors.com/harbor-guide/roanoke-sound-channel
http://www.outerbanks.com/roanoke-sound.html
http://www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/544
http://www.outerbanks.com/roanoke-sound.html
http://www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/544