Springer Point: Complex Outer Bank Dune Island EarthCache

There is NO PARKING AT THIS EARTH CACHE! Use parking coordinates and walk the 1 mile to this cache.

There are two types of barrier islands at the edge of North Carolina: simple and complex barrier islands. The history and development of the barrier islands has its roots tied directly to glaciers. Approximately 125,000 years ago, the earth was warm, the glaciers were at their minimum and the sea was at its highest level in history. Shorelines were much father in the coast than they present themselves today according to coastal geologists Orrin Pilkey and Stan Riggs. At that time, the climate started to shift cooler and the next ice age began.

As the ice accumulated over the poles and continents, the sea level dropped. When the last ice age reached its maximum advance nearly 75, 000 years ago, the ocean level had dropped nearly 150 feet. This drop in shorelines allowed for the complex river valley network to develop on the continental margin and slope. Over the next 65,000 years as glaciers melted, incredible canyons formed on the coast of North Carolina.

As sea levels began to rise once again to hold the melting glaciers, the river canyons and valleys began to flood making drowned river valleys. This up and down movement of sea level over time has moved sand closer then farther away and back closer to the present shore line.

The accumulation of sand produced a chain of islands called barrier islands. http://sallykneidel.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/outer-banks-again-965x1024.png Two types of barrier islands were developed in this up and down sea level process: simple and complex barrier islands.

Simple barrier islands are a single dune facing the ocean, an outwash plane and the back side or marsh side of the island. http://www.buyoceancitynewjersey.com/images/enviro_barrier-island-environment_clip_image001.jpg This type of barrier island is designed by nature to move in response of the ocean. During storm time, these islands erode, thin and even disappear. During times of calm weather, these islands build on their own and move. Openings in the island called inlets are common and will close over time in response to the moving island. These islands move in response to the rising and falling ocean levels due to the ice age episodes. High ocean level, islands move towards the continent. Low ocean level, islands move away from the continent.

A complex barrier island is a series of ridges and swales (hills and valleys) that change elevation no more than one to 4 feet above sea level. Swales will be standing fresh water at sea level and ridges will be the dry spots above that. Complex barrier islands have been built over the past 18,000 years and have remained in nearly the same spot over the many ice ages episodes. These changes allow for a variety of trees and plants to grow and establish a more permanent island. Trees father away from the salt environment are taller, more robust trees on the ridges. Higher elevations (2 to 4 feet) provide habitat for loblolly pine and live oak trees. Swales hold fresh water in ponds. These ponds provide drinking water for the wild animals and are host to a variety of freshwater plants.

You will be visiting Springer's Point Nature Trail. It is owned by the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust. For more information about the land trust visit: www.coastallandtrust.org/ or friend them on facebook NC Coastal Land Trust You will need to park in the public parking and walk to the cache. This is the reason for the terrain rating. It is about a 1 mile walk from parking to the park entrance. There are several neat cultural and historic spots along the way. On the way to the cache, for bonus points, take your photo in front of the landmark located at N 35 06.536 and W 75 59.160 There are fourteen stations to stop and gather information for this cache. This is the last remnants of a natural maritime forest on a complex barrier island.

Waymark 1: At the information sign, compared to the rest of Ocracoke Island, what is the elevation of Springer's Point?

Waymark 2: To whom is the trail dedicated and why?

Waymark 3: What type of habitat is Juncus roemerianus found?

Waymark 4: According to the sign, what was this lower coastal plain plant used? Why will this grow so abundantly on a complex barrier island and not as well on the mainland?

Waymark 5: For what did early settlers use this inland maritime forest tree? Why do you suppose that this tree is important to the geology of a complex barrier island?

Waymark 6: This plant is abundant in maritime coastal forests because it is calcium phyllic: thrives well where there is abundant calcium. What do you suppose provides the abundant calcium for this plant?

Waymark 7: Evergreen maritime forests are native, natural ways to do what to the shifting dunes?

Waymark 8: As you look at this invasive species, you will notice two remnants of the previous land owners. What is the large round, covered object near you and where does it get it's supply?

Waymark 9: What does the variety name of this tree species mean? Why does it look different than the relatives from the mainland?

Waymark 10: What is the nickname of this tree species? Why will this tree not grow closer to the shore? What is special of the location on the complex barrier island?

Waymark 11: As you stand out on the beach, you are overlooking "Teach's Hole" the infamous anchor spot of Edward Teach, aka Blackbeard the Pirate.

(OPTIONAL) Post a picture of yourself if you like with Teach's Hole in the background.

After absorbing this cultural moment, turn your back on the ocean and face the maritime forest. You will notice the forest has a 'dome shaped' appearance. Considering the elevation of the forest is only 4 to 6 feet above sea level, what force do you think caused the forest to get this characteristic shape? What direction is it coming from today? Note the direction the previous log and is it in the same direction?

Waymark 12: GZ: you will notice a man made attempt to protect the shifting portion of the shoreline. What was used? What is the condition of that method? What is happening to the shoreline?

Waymark 13: You are at a plant with a unique scientific name. Notice the condition of the path at this area. What is happening to the path? What can be done to change what is happening?

Waymark 14: Optional: take a photo of your gps unit at this location. Bonus points are awarded if you are included in this picture.

To log this cache, you must send an email with the answers to the posted questions. Do not post your answers in your log. The only answer that should be posted is to waymark 11.

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Congratulations to CellarSavers on the FTF