Progradational Depositional System and Facies Model for

Shackleford Banks, NC

Nidhi Patel
Abstract

Shackleford Banks is an island that is part of the Outer Banks of North Carolina. It

consists of different depositional environments and is characterized by distinct

lithofacies. The objective of the study was to analyze the different facies present on the

island and develop a model for a progradational nearshore system. The barrier-island
complex which consists of three main environments; the dunefield, offshore/nearshore

zones and the backbarrier zone is also made up of multiple subenvironments. The

depositional environments and different facies at Shackleford Banks were observed and

analyzed in order to create a facies model for a progradational system. The facies model

shows that there is an upward coarsening trend until the dunefields and then the

sediments start to decrease in size. The offshore/nearshore environments are influenced

by waves and the dunefields are influenced mainly by wind processes. The backbarrier is

defined as a low energy zone which has a high potential of preservation due to the

protection by the island from the seaside. Further study of the Outer Banks region is

recommended in order to analyze other nearshore systems.

Introduction

The goal of the study was to develop a model for a progradational nearshore system

by analyzing depositional environments and facies present at Shackleford Banks.

Shackleford Banks which is located near Beaufort, NC is part of the Outer Banks of

North Carolina (Fig. 1).

Figure 1 shows location of Shackleford Banks along the coast of North Carolina (Heron et el. 1984).

The Outer Banks are a 320km stretch of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina

which separate the Pamlico and the Albemarle Sound from the Atlantic Ocean. They are

defined as a cusp-shaped wave-dominated microtidal barrier island system.

Shackleford Banks which is 1.6km and 14.5km long island with a maximum elevation

of 10.7m above sea-level is oriented in the northwest-southeast direction (Rigsby 2008

handout). The island is a low wave energy island that is impacted by southernly onshore

waves and by storm-generated waves. Some prominent features along the island are

dunes, overwash fans, the backbarrier, the shoreface, marsh and tidal flat (Fig 2). The

mean tidal range is 0.89m; the tides are responsible for the transport of sediments on the

island (Rigsby 2008 handout). Analysis of the depositional environments and the

different facies that are present gives us information about the barrier island. Due to the

similarity of nearshore systems, one can develop a model for a progradational system

from the information collected at Shackleford Banks.

Figure 2 shows map of Shackleford Banks and the different sites visited. The sites are labeled by the

yellow numbers; 1 are the dunes, 2 is the freshwater pond and interdune area, 3 is the backshore, 4 is the

washover deposit site, 5 is the marsh and 6 is the tidal flat.

Methods

This study analyzed the characteristics of the different facies and structures present at

Shackleford Banks, NC.

Observations about the surface features of sediments and the different sedimentary

structures with the aid of trenches were made on the western end of the island. Grain

samples were observed on the different beds and units along each site. Sediment textures
and composition as well as chemical and biological characteristics were compared and

contrasted with respect to each site. The physical, chemical and biological characteristics

were described at each location. The north side was examined during low and high tides.

Because Shackleford Banks is a National Park, no samples were taken from the island.

Lithofacies Description

The barrier-island system is made up of multiple environments that are characterized by

distinct lithofacies. The environments consist of the dunefield, the nearshore/offshore and

the backbarrier. These environments are also divided into subenvironments (Fig 9).

Dunefield

The dunefield consists of dunes, the interdune area, the freshwater pond and washover

deposits.

Dunes

Dunes on the lagoon side and the seaside were observed. The dunes consisted of fine to

very fine-grained sand with two distinct bands of heavy minerals and shell fragments (Fig

3). The sand is mostly subroundedquartz. The heavy mineral layer which has garnet is

finer than the quartz layer. The dunes ranged from 1.5 to 4.5 meters tall and had

Pennyworts, Sea Oats and Crab Grass on the top. Bioturbation due to vegetation and

burrowing animals was present. The dunes consisted of planar laminated bedding with

cross-lamination present on the top. Because the dunes on the seaside were closer to the

sea, more shell fragments were present there as opposed to the dunes on the lagoon side.
The dunes on the seaside were also higher and thicker compared to the dunes on the

lagoon side. Sea Oats, grasses and trees surrounded the dunes; dead trees were also

present in the dunes.

Figure 3 are pictures of a dune with the distinct heavy metals and shell fragment layers visible (Rigsby

2008 fieldtrip pictures).

Interdune
The interdune area stretched from the backshore to the backbarrier (Fig 4). The sediments

in this area consisted of three layers: shell fragments, heavy minerals and fine to very

fine-grained brown quartz sand(Fig 4). The layers of dark, heavy minerals were finer than

the rest of the sediments. The top layer was silty, with bits of organic matter. Lenses of

quartz and shell fragments were also found within the layers. Discontinuous laminations

due to bioturbation were present. This area had Pennyworts and Wax Myrtles growing on

it.

Figure 4 shows the interdunearea and a cross section of a trench dug in that area. Note the layers of

heavy minerals and shell fragments in the trench (Rigsby 2008 fieldtrip pictures).

Freshwater Pond

A freshwater pond was examined in the interdune area. The pond is located on top of a

lens of fresh water; it is lower than the water table. The sediment in the pond consists of

very fine-grained sand composed mostly of quartz and organic matter. Grass and plant

matter are found on the top layer of the pond (Fig 5). The dark, organic matter which
covers 9-10 cm of the top has a foul odor. The bottom layer of the pond consists of light

colored, sub-rounded sediment. Wax Myrtle and Black Needle Rush are present on the

sides of the pond.

Figure 5 shows sediments from the freshwater pond which is located in the interdune area. Note the

organic layer (Rigsby 2008 fieldtrip pictures).

Washover

The washover is an area of deposition that is present in the interdune area (Fig 6). It starts at the

seaside and extends through the interdune area. Fine-grained to very fine-grained sand is found

here. Planar stratification is dominant in this area (Walker 1984). Accumulation of heavy

minerals was also found in some areas.

 Figure 6 shows the washover deposit which

is abundant in fine-grained and medium-grained sediments (Rigsby 2008 fieldtrip pictures)

Nearshore/Offshore

This area consists of the Offshore, Shoreface, Foreshore and Backshore. It ranges from a

high energy area to a medium-low energy area.

Figure 7 shows the different zones; offshore, shoreface, foreshore and backshore. These zones are divided

into subzones (Elliot 1986).

Offshore

The offshore starts at the end of the shoreface and continues towards the sea (Fig 6). Small-scale

asymmetric ripples are found here. This bioturbated area consists of fine-grained sand and silt

(Rigsby 2008).

Shoreface

The shoreface consist of the low tide mark to a depth of 15m (Fig 6). This area is

characterized by upper and lower shoreface. Grain size increases as one goes towards the

beach. Some bioturbation due to marine organisms is present here. As sediment grains

become coarser, bioturbation decreases and physical sediment structures such as

asymmetrical ripples and trough crossbedding are present.

Foreshore

Surf Zone

The surf zone is an area between the swash zone and the shoreface (Fig 6). This area is

characterized as a high energy zone that consists of well defined sedimentary structures.

Lunate megaripples are present here. This zone lacks in bioturbation.

Swash Zone
The swash zone is located between the surf zone and the backshore (Fig 6). The swash

zone has fine to medium-grained sand and is marked by planar beds. Bioturbation is also

lacking in this zone.

Backshore

This area is found between the foreshore and the dunefield (Fig 6 ). Three main layers

were found; shell fragments, heavy minerals and quartz sand. Continuous laminations

with abundant shell fragments are present. Crossbedding is also present here; some beds

are dipping towards the sea and others are dipping towards land. Medium to coarse sand

that is moderately sorted is found here. Coarser sediment is found at the toe of the beach.

Backbarrier

This zone consists of marshes, tidal flats and lagoon. This area has an abundant amount

of bioturbation and vegetation. It is protected from the seaside by the barrier island.

Marsh

The marsh is located in the backbarrier next to the tidal flats and the dunefield (Fig 8).

The marsh sediment range from fine-grained sand to silt. Junkus grass and Marsh Fiddler

Crabs are found in the area. Fecal matter is also present here. This environment has a foul

odor and is a low oxygen environment with stagnant water.

Figure 8 shows the marsh at Shackleford Banks. Note the abundant vegetation and stagnant water (Rigsby

2008 fieldtrip pictures).

Tidal Flats

3 dimensional ripples and quick lateral changes in facies are found here (Fig 9).. The tidal

flat consists of fine-grained sand. Shell fragments as well as snails, crabs and other

organisms are found here. Burrowing organisms and oysters are found here because of

the low energy.

Figure 9 shows the tidal flats. Note the 3 dimensional ripples on the surface (Rigsby 2008 fieldtrip).

Lagoon

The lagoon is located between the barrier island and the mainland. This area is dominant

in fine-grained sediments such as silt and very fine sand.

Marsh and tidal flat deposits are present here (Davis 1983).

Figure 9 shows the locations and environments of the barrier-island complex (Walker 1984).

Lithofacies Deposition

Dunefield

The dunes in the dunefields are formed by wind processes. The interdune area is not as

much influenced by the wind as the dunes because it is protected by the dunes.
Dunes

The dunes found at Shackleford Banks are the result of wind reworking sand placed on the shore

by storm waves. Sediment is transported via high tides/storms and then reworked by winds and

washover fans (Fig 9). The layer of heavy minerals is heavier and denser than the other layers;

therefore it is formed by high energy processes such as storms and strong winds. Dunes are

disturbed and reworked by root growth and other biological activities (Walker 1984). The

prevailing wind direction contributes to the erosion on the dunes.

Interdune/Freshwater pond

This area is influenced by the wind. The swale is protected from the waves by the dunes;

this allows vegetation to grow in the area. Sediment is disturbed/reworked via vegetation

and bioturbation. Since this is a low spot, the water table is closer to the ground. The

freshwater pond which is stagnant is due to the groundwater which is present year round

unless there is a drought (Rigsby 2008 notes). The foul odor is due to decaying organic

matter and some oxidation.

Washover

The planar stratification in the washover deposits are the result of a storm surge cutting

through the dunefield. Heavy minerals were deposited here due to high energy heavy

storms and winds (Davis 1983).

Offshore/Nearshore

This area consists of different subenvironments and is influenced by waves and tides. The

amount of energy is directly related to the depth and the tide mark. Due to low

bioturbation and high wave action, many physical structures are present here.

Offshore

The landward velocity component of the wave orbitals plays a large role in this zone where the

waves begin to feel the bottom (Rigsby 2008). This causes small-scale asymmetric ripples. Some

structures maybe distorted due to bioturbation.

Shoreface

Waves have a large influence on this area. The amount of wave energy dissipating on the

bottom decreases with increasing depth. This environment is divided into lower and

upper areas. The wave energy is low in the lower shoreface and no physical sedimentary

structures are present due to bioturbation. The upper shoreface consists of a high energy

zone in which physical sedimentary structures are present. (Walker 1984).

Foreshore

Surf Zone

This zone is characterized by complex sedimentary structures generated by plunging

waves; hence, this is a high energy zone. It is highly influenced by storm activity and

seasonal changes in wave energy (Davis 1983).

Swash Zone
Return flow, flow to the sea dominates this area. This zone is defined by the water caused

by incoming plunging breakers in the surf zone. It is characterized by planar, seaward

dipping beds. This area has a change in slope as the base and the top of the zone (Walker

1984).

Backshore

This area is characterized by waves and wind processes. Sediment is transported to

the zone via high spring tides or storms. Horizontal to landward dipping beds as well as

small scale trough crossbedding are present here. Due to the berms, some beds are

dipping towards the sea and some beds are dipping towards the dunefield.

Backbarrier

A low energy zone defines this area. There is abundant biological activity, hence, physical

structures are rarely found here.

Marsh

The marsh is a low energy, anoxic environment. The chemical process here consists of hydrogen

sulfide eventually turning into pyrite. Oxygen, Nitrogen, Manganese, Iron and Sulfide are being

reduced here .

Tidal Flats

This area is a low energy area found in the backbarrier part of the island. It is influenced

by flood and ebb flows and the different tide cycles. The sediments deposited here are
dependent upon wave climates and inlet conditions (Walker 1984). Because this is a low

energy area, many organisms are found here.

Lagoon

This area is located in the backbarrier side of the system. The tidal inlet influences

deposits in this area. This area also has much bioturbation, which distorts any standing

physical structures (Walker 1984).

Figure 10 shows a facies model for a progradational system.

A Progradational Nearshore System

The vertical/lateral scope and facies of Shackleford Banks are dependent upon tidal

currents and wave-generated processes. Preservation of barrier facies is dependent upon

factors such as sea-level fluctuations, sediment supply, inlet conditions and wave climate.

The shoreline migration towards the sea is known as prograding or regression (Davis

1983).

A facies model for a progradational nearshore sequence is made up of distinct

lithofacies (Fig 10). This model consists of one unit; as the island builds up, more units

are present. The lowest section of the model is known as the offshore whichis

characterized by fine-grained sediments and asymmetrical ripples. The shoreface at

Shackleford Banks consists of two zones; the lower shoreface has fine-grained sediments

as opposed to the upper shoreface which has coarse grained sediments. Some

bioturbation is present in this area. The upper shoreface also consists of trough

crossbedding and planar crossbedding. The section above the shoreface is the foreshore.

This area is defined by the swash and surf zone. Both the zones consist of fine-grained to

medium-grained sand and the surf zone also consists of lunate megaripples. The

backshore lies on top of the foreshore and has coarser grained sediments than the

foreshore. Washover deposits are found next in the sequence. They have planar bedding

and consist of fine to medium grained sediments. The next section up is the dunefield.
This area is characterized by large scale trough bedding; coarse-grained sediments along

with planar/cross bedding are also present. Vegetation is abundant in this area. Dead trees

which are found in the aeolian dunes tell us that Shackleford Banks is moving. The

dunefields are topped by the marsh/tidal flats. This area is abundant in bioturbation, roots

and other organic debris. The upper most section is known as the lagoon area which

consists of fine-grained sediments. Some bioturbation is also present here. This facies

model coarsens upward until the dunefields and then the sediments start to decrease in

size. As the grain size increases upward, bioturbation decreases. As bioturbation dies

down, physical features become more dominant.

Some facies within a progradational nearshore sequence have a higher potential for

preservation due to their vertical and lateral position relative to the wave and tide

dominated coast. The tidal flats at Shackleford Banks have a high preservation potential

due to their situation in the protected backbarrier region. Facies in the lagoon area are

protected by the island so therefore they also tend to have a high preservation potential.

(Walker 1984). The dunes in the dunefields do not have a high preservation potential.

They are not protected and are vulnerable to many forces such as the wind and the waves.

The height of the dunes and the high erosion potential also plays a negative role in

preserving them. The main factor in the development for a prograding sequence is the

abundance of sediment supply which is provided by the coastal setting. Erosion also

plays a factor in defining different barrier systems. If Shackleford Banks undergoes

erosion and if more sediment is eroded as opposed to deposition then the barrier island

complex is defined as a transgressive system.

Summary

The different depositional environments studied in the barrier-island complex at

Shackleford Banks are the offshore/nearshore zones, the dunefields and the backbarrier

environments. The offshore/nearshore zones are high in energy with a coarsening

upwards trend. The dunefields are mostly comprised of sand, shell fragments and heavy

minerals. Due to the low energy environment in the backbarrier, there is abundance in

biological activity. These environments and the different facies were observed and

analyzed in order to create a facies model for a progradational nearshore system. The

dunes and the offshore/nearshore facies do not have a high preservation potential because

they are located in a high energy area and are vulnerable to many forces. The backbarrier

has the highest preservation potential because it is protected by the island and is located

in a low energy area.

References

Elliot, T., 1986, Siliclastic shorelines IN, Reading, H.G., ed., Sedimentary Environments and
Facies, Blackwell Scientific Publ., pp. 113-154.

Davis, Richard., 1983, Depositional Systems. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall

Heron Jr., S.D., Moslow, T.F., Berelson, W.M., Herbert, J.R., Steele III, G.A., and Susman,
K.R., 1984, Holocene sedimentation of a wave-dominated barrier-island shoreline: Cape
Lookout, North Carolina: Marine Geology, v. 60, p. 413-434.

Payne, Thomas, et el., 1974, Facies and the Reconstruction of Environments.Oklahoma: AAPG.
Rigsby (2008) handout

Rigsby (2008) notes

Rigsby (2008) fieldtrip pictures

Walker Roger., 1984, Facies Model. Ontario: Geological Association of Canada.