ERDC/CHL CHETN-II-47
March 2004
Figure 10. Hot spot location at four projects along the North Carolina coast (a) Bogue Banks at Morehead
City near Cape Lookout, NC, (b) Wrightsville Beach, (c) Carolina Beach and (d) Kure Beach
just north of Cape Fear, NC (courtesy of John McCormick, Wilmington District)
A beach nourishment project exists along the town of Wrightsville Beach, located along the North
Carolina coast about 40 km (25 miles) north of Cape Fear. The project began in the mid-1960s and
extends about 4.8 km (3 miles) north from Masonboro Inlet to Mason Inlet with a 4-year
renourishment cycle. One hot spot is associated with this project and appears to be related to the
location of the historic Wrightsville Inlet that is now closed (Figure 10b). There are no modifications
to fill placement due to the hot spot. The underlying geology of this former inlet may influence the
location of this hot spot.
The Carolina Beach nourishment project and the adjacent Kure Beach nourishment project have
existed since 1964. The Carolina Beach project involves a 3-year renourishment cycle. Both projects
are located south of Carolina Beach Inlet. A hot spot is located just south of a fishing pier where a
seawall has been constructed to protect the upland development (Figure 10c). Remedial efforts
include placement of more renourishment sand in the hot spot area. The Kure Beach hot spot is
located at the southern end of the project where a natural coquina beachrock outcrop is exposed
(Figure 10d). This rock exposure results in longshore drift interruption and possible localized wave
focusing to create a hot spot as well as a shoreline orientation change to the south. A rock revetment
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