STRATIGRAPHY AND NEW OSL CHRONOLOGY OF A NORTHEASTERN SOUTH CAROLINA BARRIER SYSTEM: WAITES ISLAND

Waites Island is a complex barrier island located toward the center of the Long Bay compartment in northeastern South Carolina. Previous studies using ground penetrating radar and coring have identified a central island core overlain by eolian deposits and a seaward prograding shoreline. The shoreline has been extended to the south and north by spit and inlet sedimentation. While historical charts and aerial photographs provide strong age control along the northern section, similar age control is lacking southward. This study reports on three new optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) data collected along the core and its seaward shoreline. These new OSL ages will help to better understand coastal evolution of this Long Bay barrier island.