Topographic change at Ocracoke Island, NC, after Hurricane Irene, 2011

Topographic change (difference) for a portion of Ocracoke Island, NC, after Hurricane Irene in 2011. The difference image shows erosion of the beach and dunes and deposition landward of the road, signs of overwash when waves overtop the beaches and dunes and drive sand inland. Red colors indicate erosion. For example, oranges and reds on the seaward side of the islands indicate wide-spread shoreline retreat. Blue colors show areas of accretion, such as overwash deposits where waves and surge have moved sand landward. (The Atlantic Ocean is on the bottom right.)