NORTH BEACH- N0I 



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[1] P«ol Lay»f 



Figure 93. Scratigraphic cross section at Old North Beach, 

 overwash sand above salt-marsh sediments. 



overwash burial. In less than 200 years, dunes formed on the old washover, 

 and the oceanic shoreline retreated landward so that salt-marsh peat was near 

 the ocean beach. Therefore, the dune line was displaced landward by at least 

 its former width in less than 200 years. ihe presence of a preserved peat 

 layer indicated that recent landwaid migration on North Beach at this location 

 was preceded by overwash processes with upward sediment accretion on the 

 salt-marsh surface. 



3 . Historic Changes; Qualitative . 



a. Introduction . Maps, charts, and written descriptions of Nauset Spit 

 (1602 to 1868) were consulted to determine the historic evolution of the 

 barrier system. The older maps and charts were compiled primarily by early 

 French and English explorers Interested in nearshore navigation and anchorage 

 and sites for new settlements. Many of these charts did not take into con- 

 sideration features such as dunes, salt marshes, or washovers. Even when 

 physiographic features were clearly noted, quantitative measurements were not 

 possible because the map-making quality was inconsistent and accuracy varied 

 greatly. Early saps did, however, often indicate the general location of 

 important features such as inlets, dunes, salt marshes, and glacial remains, 

 which could be used to substantiate other research findings. 



Much of this information has been summarized by other investigators work- 

 ing in the Nauset Spit system (Mitchell, 1871, 1875; Johnson, 1925; Nickerson, 

 1931; Goldsmith, 1972; Giese, 1978; Onysko, 1978; McClennen, 1979; U.S. Army 

 Engineer Division, New England, 1979; Wright and Brennir.kjasyer, 1979). These 

 accounts were synthesized and new information was added to develop a complete 

 picture of the evolution of the Nauset Spit system since 1602. 



153 



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