ASSATEAGUE ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE

Park Ranger Christina Seelaus digs a small hole with young park visitors to look for layers of black sand. Dark, heavy minerals like magnetite (iron) are brought in from offshore deposits by big storm waves or very strong tides. Gentler waves then return large quantities of whiter 'sand' colored minerals like quartz, which the wind blows in layers over the black sand. The park regularly conducts beach explorations like this as part of its education programs and summer guided walks.

National Park Service photo by Larry Points.

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