Currituck Sound facts for kids
Currituck Sound is a large, shallow body of water, like a big lake, located in the northeastern part of North Carolina. A small part of it also reaches into southeastern Virginia. It's known for its calm waters and natural beauty.
About Currituck Sound
Currituck Sound is about 36 miles (58 km) long from north to south. At its widest, it stretches about 8 miles (13 km) across. This shallow body of water is filled with many small islands. It is separated from the Atlantic Ocean by a narrow strip of land called the Currituck Banks Peninsula. This land is part of the famous Outer Banks of North Carolina.
The sound reaches Back Bay in northeastern Virginia Beach, Virginia. On its northwest side, a channel connects to the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal. This canal is part of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. It links Currituck Sound to Hampton Roads and the Chesapeake Bay. The water in the sound is quite shallow, usually only 1 to 3 feet (0.3 to 0.9 meters) deep.
Water Characteristics
Long ago, Currituck Sound had direct connections to the Atlantic Ocean. However, these connections have all closed over time. This means the sound no longer has a direct opening to the ocean.
Because of this, the water in Currituck Sound is not very salty. It has very low salinity levels. This is different from the ocean, which is very salty. The only way water from the sound can reach the ocean now is through the Albemarle Sound. The Albemarle Sound connects to Currituck Sound in the south.
Since there are no direct ocean connections, Currituck Sound does not have regular ocean tides. Instead, the wind is the main force that moves the water around. Strong winds can push the water from one side of the sound to the other.
Wildlife and Activities
Currituck Sound is a very important place for wildlife. Several wildlife refuges are located along its shores. These include Currituck County's Mackay Island and Currituck National Wildlife Refuge. In Virginia Beach, you can find the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park. These areas are important winter homes for many birds. They are part of the Atlantic Flyway, a major bird migration route.
The sound is also a popular spot for many fun water activities. People enjoy parasailing, sea kayaking, and riding jet skis. The area is also famous for hunting ducks and geese, especially in the barrier beaches nearby.
