Outer Banks, North Carolina, home washes away into ocean

Off the coast of North Carolina, the Outer Banks is a string of barrier islands that are quickly being consumed by the Atlantic Ocean. This area, historically a popular summer destination for beachgoers, is now facing the harsh reality of substantial coastal erosion. The Outer Banks are being washed away at an alarming rate, and the situation is only expected to worsen as sea level rise continues to accelerate.

The Outer Banks are comprised of a series of thin, sandy islands that are highly susceptible to erosion. This vulnerability is compounded by the fact that the islands are located in the path of the powerful Gulf Stream. The strong oceanic currents push waves against the shoreline, eroding away at the islands. Additionally, the naturally occurring forces of nature have been exacerbated by human activities such as land clearing, dredging, and construction of coastal structures.

In response to the erosion, the National Park Service has implemented a variety of strategies to manage the situation. In some areas, jetties and breakwaters have been built to help absorb the impact of waves. Additionally, sand has been added to the beaches in order to raise the elevation and protect against further erosion.

The efforts of the National Park Service have been met with mixed results, as the long-term effects of coastal erosion remain uncertain. The rate of erosion is expected to increase as sea level rise continues to accelerate due to climate change. The islands are also becoming more vulnerable to more powerful storms, which can result in more severe coastal erosion.

Without drastic intervention, the Outer Banks may eventually be lost to the sea. The fragility of the islands makes them particularly susceptible to the forces of nature. While the National Park Service has taken steps to protect the islands from erosion, the future of the Outer Banks is still uncertain.