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Articles in regional publications that pertain to a wide range of North Carolina-related topics.

Storms of ’99 Could Signal Effects of Climate Change on Pamlico Sound

Record #:
34322
Author(s):
Abstract:
Following record rainfall along the North Carolina coast caused by three sequential hurricanes (Dennis, Floyd and Irene) in fall of 1999, scientists began analyzing the impacts of the freshwater inputs to Pamlico Sound and speculating about the ecological consequences. They found that after the three storms passed over the watershed, nutrient-laden floodwaters displaced a large volume of Pamlico Sound and stimulated phytoplankton growth in the system. Weather experts predict that climate change and an increase in hurricane activity could seriously disrupt ecosystems critical for fishery resources, economic development, and habitability of the coastal zone.