CAROLINA BAYS AND THEIR ORIGIN

Abstract

Research Article| February 01, 1952 CAROLINA BAYS AND THEIR ORIGIN W. F PROUTY W. F PROUTY 1W. F. Prouty passed away June 27, 1949. The article was complete with the exception of the abstract, summary, and conclusions, and the selection and arrangement of a few illustrations which was done by C. E. Prouty, University of Pittsburgh. Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information W. F PROUTY 1W. F. Prouty passed away June 27, 1949. The article was complete with the exception of the abstract, summary, and conclusions, and the selection and arrangement of a few illustrations which was done by C. E. Prouty, University of Pittsburgh. Publisher: Geological Society of America Received: 14 Sep 1949 First Online: 02 Mar 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-2674 Print ISSN: 0016-7606 Copyright © 1952, The Geological Society of America, Inc. Copyright is not claimed on any material prepared by U.S. government employees within the scope of their employment. GSA Bulletin (1952) 63 (2): 167–224. https://doi.org/10.1130/0016-7606(1952)63[167:CBATO]2.0.CO;2 Article history Received: 14 Sep 1949 First Online: 02 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation W. F PROUTY; CAROLINA BAYS AND THEIR ORIGIN. GSA Bulletin 1952;; 63 (2): 167–224. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0016-7606(1952)63[167:CBATO]2.0.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGSA Bulletin Search Advanced Search Abstract The Carolina Bays have a known distribution along the Atlantic Coastal Plain from northeast Florida to southeast New Jersey. Estimates based on actual counts in limited regions indicate a conservative figure of half a million bays in the entire area. Local areas show over 50 per cent coverage by bays.Statistical studies of orientation show a greater divergence of smaller bays from the mean than of larger bays. Smaller bays also show greater variation in ellipticity than do larger bays. Both facts are most satisfactorily explained by the meteoritic theory of origin. Multiple and “heart-shaped” bays overlap in patterns explained most logically by the impact of tandem meteorites, some likely explosive in nature. The probable mechanics of such phenomena is illustrated. Study of near-coast bays indicate that the bays are younger than the youngest Pleistocene terrace and some of the Coastal Plain drainage and older than at least one of the more recent marine transgressions.Magnetometer studies of 26 different bays all indicate associated spot highs, with no definite highs observed that are not readily associated with some bay.Laboratory experiments with projectiles involving simulated Coastal Plain conditions duplicate remarkably the cross-section and rim characteristics of the Carolina Bays and strengthen the meteoritic theory.Although the meteoritic theory in general is indicated by all critical analyses of the bays, a modified meteoritic theory (air-shock wave) is offered to better explain additional data. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.