Pamlico Sound

Pamlico Sound is a massive estuarine lagoon located in North Carolina.

An estuary is a place where freshwater from rivers meets saltwater from the ocean. This specific lagoon is the largest along the North American East Coast. It is a central part of the Albemarle-Pamlico sound system. This system includes several other lagoons like Albemarle, Currituck, and Croatan Sounds. It also includes Roanoke, Bogue, Back, and Core Sounds. The entire interconnected network covers over 3,000 square miles. This makes the combined estuary the second largest in the United States, following only Chesapeake Bay.

The sound is separated from the Atlantic Ocean by the Outer Banks. These are a row of low, sandy barrier islands. Notable areas within these islands include Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Cape Lookout National Seashore. The sound also contains the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.

The map shows how the sound and its watershed are laid out. To the north, the Pamlico Sound connects to Albemarle Sound. This connection happens through passages in the Roanoke and Croatan Sounds. At its narrow southern end, the sound meets Core Sound.

Water enters the sound from several different directions. From the west, the Neuse and Pamlico rivers flow into the estuary. The Pamlico River is actually the estuary of the Tar River. From the east, the sound receives water from the Atlantic Ocean. This happens through three main openings called inlets. These are Oregon Inlet, Hatteras Inlet, and Ocracoke Inlet. These inlets provide a way for water to move between the ocean and the sound. The hydrology, or movement of water, is complex here.

The water in Pamlico Sound is not as salty as the open ocean. Scientists measure saltiness using parts per thousand, or ppt. The average salinity in the sound is 20 ppt. In comparison, the Atlantic Ocean averages about 35 ppt. The Currituck Sound to the north is much fresher, at only 3 ppt. The sound is also known for being quite shallow. Most depths range between 0 and 10 feet. The deepest hole in the entire estuary is located within the Pamlico Sound. These shallow waters can be dangerous for large vessels due to shoaling, which is the buildup of sand. Wind and barometric pressure can also cause tidal fluctuations. In tributary rivers, water levels can change by two feet in just three hours when winds are strong.

History shows how vast the sound appears to travelers. In March 1524, the Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano arrived here. He mistook the wide expanse for the Pacific Ocean. He did not realize the Outer Banks were separating him from the Atlantic. The sound's name comes from the Pamlico people. They lived along the mainland banks. Early records from the Raleigh expeditions around 1584 referred to them as the Pamouik. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, the United States Atomic Energy Commission considered this area for atomic bomb tests. They eventually chose Nevada instead. In 1987, Congress officially declared the Albemarle-Pamlico Sound an estuary of national significance.

Wildlife is abundant throughout the various habitats of the sound. Many waterfowl use nesting sites at Pea Island and Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge. Dolphins and sea turtles are very common in these waters. Even harp seals occasionally visit in early January or February. Various cetaceans, or whales and dolphins, pass through the area. These include rare species like fin whales, Cuvier's beaked whales, and orcas. The North Atlantic right whale is also present, though it is critically endangered. Other large visitors include whale sharks and basking sharks. The sound supports many fish, such as red drum, speckled trout, and striped bass. Shellfish populations like blue crab, shrimp, and oysters are also healthy.

Human activity is a major part of the sound's modern identity. It is often called a "watersports playground" for vacationers. People visit to enjoy kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding. In 2012, tourism in the Albemarle-Pamlico Sound area exceeded $1.3 billion. The area is also vital for the economy through commercial fishing. About 90% of all commercial fishing catches in North Carolina come from the Pamlico Sound. This industry generates nearly $100 million every year. Some parts of the sound are also used by Camp Lejeune for bombing and training ranges.