Roanoke Sound
A Very Important Part of the Outer Banks
This is A Super Important Estuary
Roanoke Sound is located between Nags Head and Manteo Island. It is hard to draw a distinct line showing where it cuts of because it is connected to other sounds like Croatian Sound, Pamilco Sound, and the Oregon Inlet. It is important that this is hear because it separates two relatively close islands. Also it is important for the wildlife that lives here. Some sea creatures or ocean vegetation depend on these estuaries to survive because they can grow here without the dangers of the ocean. This estuary is a back barrier sound which means it runs parallel to the ocean and a barrier island.
Plants and Animals That Live Here
There are many plants and animal that depend on this estuary to survive. Some are oysters and clams that attach themselves to rock or gravel. This also protects the sound floor from erosion. Stone crabs and grass shrimp hatch in these beds where they can grow. Fish like the spotted sea bass and the red drum grow here until they can go into the ocean.
Rivers, Streams, and Waterways
Some rivers, streams, and waterways that run into the Roanoke Sound are the Chowan River which then runs into the Albermarle Sound. Also the Curriluck Sound runs into the estuary.
Roanoke Sound Map
This is showing a two different maps of Roanoke Sound and the islands around it.
Roanoke Sound
This is a very pretty picture of a sunset over the sound.
Ship on the Sound
This is a ship that would have sailed on the sound many years ago.
Threats on the Sound
Some threats on the sound are the contamination of the water. Pesticides, chemicals, and other dangerous things run-off assault into river or the sound directly. Also, dredging near the sound could stir up the oyster beds which could cause harm to them. One last threat is global warming which is raising water levels and erodes the shoreline.