Last week Ethan, Justin, and Taylor visited that washover fan on Onslow Beach that formed during Hurricane Irene to measure aeolian transport during a wind event. They noticed that backbarrier marsh and oyster reefs were being buried by wind-blown sand. Previously, we documented that wind-blown sand contributes to backbarrier marsh accretion (see our list of publications), but burial of an oyster reef by wind-blown sand is not a common occurrence. They did a great job documenting the burial event with video and photos. Every time we visit Onslow Beach there is something new to see and learn.
[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/68639297[/vimeo]