The term “sound side of the beach” refers to the shore adjacent to a body of water known as a sound, a common geographical feature along coastlines protected by barrier islands. This water body and its shoreline exist on the landward side of the island chain, facing the mainland rather than the open sea. This unique coastal geography creates a setting dramatically different from the more familiar ocean-facing beaches.
Defining the Sound and Barrier Islands
A sound, in the context of barrier islands, describes a lagoon or estuarine system formed when a long, narrow barrier island runs parallel to the mainland coast. The barrier island acts as a natural buffer, separating the sound from the open ocean. Barrier islands are dynamic landforms composed of sand and sediment deposited by wave and tidal action.
The water within the sound is typically brackish, a mixture of fresh and salt water. Rivers flowing from the mainland contribute fresh water, while ocean water enters through inlets, creating a varied salinity gradient. The shore along this inner water is the sound side, facing the mainland, while the ocean side of the island faces the sea.
Key Differences from the Ocean Side
The sound side environment is defined by its sheltered location, resulting in significant differences from the exposed ocean side. Water movement is drastically reduced, characterized by calm, flat water instead of the continuous, powerful surf generated by ocean swells. Waves that form in the sound are primarily wind-driven, and water levels are more influenced by wind direction than by astronomical tides.
The water in the sound is substantially shallower, often maintaining depths where a person can stand far from the shore. This gradual slope and minimal wave action are ideal for families with young children. Salinity is lower than the ocean, supporting the brackish mix, though the water can appear murkier due to less circulation and river runoff.
The shoreline sediment also differs; instead of the firm, packed sand of the ocean beach, the sound side often features softer, muddier sand mixed with marsh materials, shells, and occasionally submerged grasses.
Activities and Unique Ecosystem
The unique characteristics of the sound side make it a preferred location for specific types of water recreation and provide habitat for a distinct ecosystem. The calm, shallow conditions are ideal for flat water activities:
- Kayaking
- Paddleboarding
- Canoeing
- Windsurfing
- Kiteboarding
The sound side is ideal for fishing, crabbing, and clamming in the tidal flats and shallows. Its sheltered environment supports extensive habitats, including salt marshes, tidal flats, and submerged seagrass beds. These areas serve as significant nursery grounds for the juvenile stages of numerous marine species. Additionally, the westward-facing orientation provides unobstructed views of sunsets over the mainland, contrasting with the sunrise views found on the ocean side.