The length of the grass shoots varies systematically from the edge of the marsh. The longest shoots are found immediately adjacent to the lagoon and channels that drain the marshes. Here the shoots exceed 1m in length. As you approach the upland portion of the islands and mainland, Spartina alterniflora size decreases to less than 30 cm. The islands of this coast are highly dynamic.
Islands can gain or lose tens of meters of width in a matter of months.
This image shows at least three areas where dramatic changes are ongoing. First, the north end of Hog Island shows a major formation of off-shore bars that are driving a general expansion of the wide beach on that island. In contrast the southern end of the island is generally narrowing. Immediately north of Hog Island on Parramore Island, the southern portion of the island has been substantially reshaped over recent years with several different inlets cut through the island. An additional island that is undergoing major changes is Myrtle Island.