The influence of coastal dynamics on freshwater wetland hydrology on Shackleford Banks: An evaluation of freshwater availability for ecosystem services

Freshwater wetlands, open water bodies and ground water sources are all potentially threatened by rising sea level, changing precipitation patterns and overwash from strong storms. These freshwater sources are the only ones for the fauna of Shackleford Banks, including the horse herd. We intend to determine changes to these freshwater resources, including changes to the plant communities present. Saltwater intrusion into freshwater systems is increasingly becoming a problem on barrier islands. The Cape Lookout NS wants to determine the extent of saltwater impacts and if the availability of freshwater is trending to becoming a problem for the island's faunal species.

Scholars @ ECU