Eventually, of course, the dunes might migrate the entire length of the Neck and again be blown into the sea, which would carry the sands farther south, mayhap to become part of Coffin and Wingaersheek Beaches. In fact, we might expect the eventual removal of the entire Neck if sand wasn’t constantly being added from similar erosion going on farther north. Obviously there is a very delicate balance here, adding and subtracting sand. The future of Castle Neck is entirely dependent upon the sand supply from the north. Too little may eventually diminish Crane’s Beach; while an increase could create an even larger and more beautiful Neck. Actually, it is impossible to predict the future of a beach, at the mercy, as it is, of changes in any of the several factors controlling its form—sand supply, waves, currents, and position of sea level. Anyway, what has been so long taking shape will not be altered drastically overnight. As a matter of fact, if you really wish to know the future of Crane’s Beach, you will have to be patient. Another million and a half years will probably tell the story!
GEOLOGICAL DISCOVERIES YOU CAN MAKE
Ventifacts
These small, faceted pebbles found in the dunes have been blasted by the windblown sand. They show the powerful abrasive action of the wind. Most of those you will find here were faceted just after they had been deposited by retreating glacial ice. A migrating dune or a blowout in the sand has left them uncovered.
Erratics
Large rocks occasionally found in the dunes are called “erratics.” In this world of tiny particles they appear very much out of place, but they were carried here by the glacier a million years ago. They have been uncovered by the migration of some dune.
Fulgurites
Occasionally lightning strikes the sand, fusing it into a little tube or ball of glass. These fulgurites have been found here but are very rare and a real “discovery.”
Glacial Till
The original soil deposited by the glacier may be seen by digging into the sand at the drumlin. Such rocky soil is quite surprising to people who think the beach is nothing but a big “sand pile.”