Carolina BaysCarolina Bays
Carolina Bays are oval or elliptical, depressional wetland features enclosed by a low
sandy ridge. The depth of Carolina Bays varies depending on their size and land use history, . The depth of Carolina Bays varies depending on their size and land use history,
most average about 5-15 feet deep; however, some have been measured with depths greater most average about 5-15 feet deep; however, some have been measured with depths greater
than 30 feet . Sand rims enclosing the Carolina Bays also vary in size, range from 5-15 feet.than 30 feet . Sand rims enclosing the Carolina Bays also vary in size, range from 5-15 feet.
The origin of Carolina Bays: Most Geologists agree that they are The origin of Carolina Bays: Most Geologists agree that they are eolian landformeolian landforms. Carolina s. Carolina
Bays were formed Bays were formed 100,000-30,000 years ago100,000-30,000 years ago, during the Quaternary and occur through the , during the Quaternary and occur through the
coastal plain of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland.coastal plain of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland.
Carolina Bays occur in varying stages of flooding dependant on their land-use history, rainfall, Carolina Bays occur in varying stages of flooding dependant on their land-use history, rainfall,
and connection to ground water. Carolina Bays can be dry, temporarily flooded, or support a and connection to ground water. Carolina Bays can be dry, temporarily flooded, or support a
permanent lake.permanent lake. Most Carolina Bays have their longest axis oriented from northwest to
southeast, although there are a few oriented in other directions. The sand
rims are largest along the southeastern edge, but in some cases may be
completely lacking. Many Carolina Bays have been drained to support
agriculture. Undisturbed Carolina Bays contain unique assemblages of
wetland plants and aquatic organisms. This aerial image contains 4
Carolina Bays, three of which support agriculture and one, Woods Bay,.
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A Carolina Bay extensively drilled in South Carolina revealed that its
formation was the result of dissolution of a carbonate coral head
and subsequent subsidence of the overlying materials creating the
depression in land surface. Within the center of the bay there was no
carbonate material detected. Near the rim of the bay, extremely
weathered remnants of coral were penetrated and represented the
lateral limits of the coral head.