the forces that formed the outer banks

large sand dune
Jockey's Ridge, the highest sand dune on the East coast. Photo Jockey's Ridge State Park

We think this description of the forces that have formed these barrier island makes for an excellent read. The article by Jared Lloyd writing for the Coastal Review Online takes readers on a fascinating journey along the Outer Banks.

Jockey's Ridge State Park, showing effects of wind on the dunes.
Jockey’s Ridge State Park, showing effects of wind on the dunes.

“I am hunting down a ghost story. I am making my way north of the last outpost of civilization on this end of the Outer Banks, where the paved roads give way to open beaches. With tires slacked down to a mushy 15 psi, I navigated my Land Cruiser through the deep ruts and sugar-soft sand along the base of the dunes. This narrow strip of beach, roughly 15 feet wide, was all I had been left to work with as a strong northeast wind was driving an angry sea well up the shore.

Cutting the steering wheel to the left, I pull myself out of the ruts that I had been following. The engine groans as I begin to crawl my way up and over a ramp through the dunes. This ridge of sand stands guard between the rest of the island and Poseidon’s unbridled wrath; and behind it lies a network of sand trails that lace this part of the Banks and leads to the rental homes here.”

[box type=”bio”] Read the rest of this fantastic description on the Coastal Review Online.[/box]