The Shifting Sands and Wild Spirits of the Outer Banks
Off the coast of North Carolina lies a narrow chain of barrier islands known as the Outer Banks. These thin strips of land separate the wild Atlantic Ocean from the calm inland sounds. What makes the Outer Banks truly unique is that they are constantly changing shape. Driven by wind, waves, and ocean currents, the sandy shores are perpetually shifting. Over time, sand dunes slowly crawl across the land, beaches erode away in some areas, and new land builds up in others.
Despite this harsh, ever-changing environment, life thrives on the islands. Among the most famous residents of the Outer Banks are wild horses, often called banker horses. Descended from Spanish horses brought by explorers over four hundred years ago, these hardy animals have adapted to island life. They roam freely along the beaches and salt marshes, feeding on coarse marsh grass. To find drinking water, they use their hooves to dig into the sand, uncovering fresh water hidden just beneath the surface.
- barrier islands:
- Long, thin islands running parallel to the mainland that protect the coast from open ocean waves.
- erode:
- To wear away land or soil gradually through the action of wind, water, or ocean currents.
- marshes:
- Low-lying wet areas of land usually covered with grass and flooded by water.
- sandbars:
- Ridges of sand built up in shallow ocean water by wind and currents.
- erosion:
- The natural process of wearing away soil, sand, or rock by wind and water.
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1What forces cause the Outer Banks to constantly change shape?
- 2Where did the wild banker horses originally come from?
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About this explanatory article passage for Upper Elementary
“The Shifting Sands and Wild Spirits of the Outer Banks” is a explanatory article reading passage about Outer Banks Coastline and Cape Hatteras, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 2 minutes to read (354 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.