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Carolina Bays on the Eastern Shore of Virginia
Author(s) -
Bliley D. J.,
Pettry D. E.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1979.03615995004300030025x
Subject(s) - bay , geology , shore , landform , silt , aeolian processes , loess , pleistocene , oceanography , pedogenesis , hydrology (agriculture) , soil water , geomorphology , paleontology , geotechnical engineering , soil science
Carolina bays were analyzed on the Eastern Shore of Virginia utilizing infrared imagery and pedologic techniques. Over 160 bays were delineated thus indicating they are major landforms in the area. Bays differed from those reported in other regions by being less elliptical, more westerly oriented, and lacking well‐developed rims in any specific quadrant. Bay location and size are apparently controlled by landscape and sandy parent materials as evidenced by association with less distinct natural depressions with similar orientation as the related geomorphic urface. Soils on bays of recent surfaces have weaker profile development compared to Pleistocene upland bays. More than one period of bay formation is suggested by differential pedogenic development and geomorphic positions. Data indicate Carolina bays were formed by the alteration of poorly drained areas on undissected Coastal Plain interfluves. Wind and waves are suggested as factors in bay formation based on well‐sorted sands of elevated rims, “dune‐like” character, and silt content of possible aeolian origin.