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2011 Map of Howard Reef

Name: 2011 Topographic Map of Howard Reef
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2011
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2011

About this map

Ocracoke Island serves as the narrow threshold between the vast expanse of the Pamlico Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. This maritime landscape is defined by its shifting sands and coastal elevations, featuring landmarks like Parkers Hill, The Knoll, and the First Hammock Hills. These rises in terrain, along with the Knoll Cedars and Hammock Oaks, indicate the localized ecology of the Outer Banks, where maritime forests and high ground provide refuge from the surrounding waters.

Human presence is marked by small outposts along the sound side, including Cass Williams Camp and Dicks Camp near Quokes Point. Offshore, the shallow waters are articulated by Howard Reef and Clark Reef, which are critical features for coastal navigation and local fishing. The map details the delicate relationship between the land and the sea at this specific point on the North Carolina coast, documenting the topography of the barrier island system.