By Associated Press - Sunday, May 3, 2015

MANTEO, N.C. (AP) - A scientific phenomenon called vertical land movement is causing the beach at Duck to sink faster than the ocean is rising.

The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk, Virginia, reported (https://bit.ly/1JJTFRI) that survey stations using satellites indicate that a thick layer of sand and sediment over the northern Outer Banks is settling more deeply than in other parts of the state.

That’s part of a report from a panel of scientists that shows that sea levels in the Duck area will most likely rise 5 to 6 inches over the next 30 years, more than anywhere else in the state.

The panel recently presented a final draft report to the state Coastal Resource Commission. The group will collect public comments through this year and present the results to the General Assembly next year.

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Information from: The Virginian-Pilot, https://pilotonline.com

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