STRATIGRAPHY OF A TRANSGRESSIVE BARRIER-TO-STRAND TRANSITIONAL SHORELINE ALONG NORTHEASTERN SOUTH CAROLINA

The northeastern South Carolina coastline, located along the southern portion of Long Bay, consists of the 75 km long Grand Strand resulting from the modern transgressing shoreline intersecting the landward paleo-Myrtle Beach barrier system. To the north and south of the Grand Strand, the coast is characterized by modern barrier islands, which are still located seaward of the paleo-barrier terraces. This study examines the stratigraphic architecture of the transitional zone between the strand and barrier systems of the north end of the Grand Strand where the transgressing shoreline has created shore-parallel coastal lakes and wetlands between itself and the emergent terraces. Using ground penetrating radar (GPR) data, the study has identified landward dipping reflectors infilling the channels and uneven topography within the low between the transgressing shoreline and landward terrace. Newer core data provides for ground truth of these GPR units. Study of this transitional system allows for a better understanding of shoreline retreat within Long Bay.