Shifting Sands and Rising Seas

“In a time of rising seas, it is senseless and dangerous to build on barrier islands.” World-renowned coastal geologist Orrin H. Pilkey and artist Mary Edna Fraser, an internationally recognized master of the textile art of batik, bring an understanding of coastal geology and global change to the public in a way that is scientifically astute and visually intriguing. By Celie Daily and Orrin Pilkey.

Our Expanding Oceans, and Global Climate Change: A Primer

Our Expanding Oceans exhibit is based on a new book, “Global Climate Change: A Primer,” written by renowned climate scientist Orrin Pilkey and son Keith Pilkey. To visually emphasize the effects of climate change, the book is illustrated with Mary Edna Fraser’s striking batik paintings. The exhibit featuring over 50 batiks on silk, opened at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.

Hundreds of Barrier Islands Newly Identified in Global Survey

Earth has 657 more barrier islands than previously thought, according to a new global survey by researchers from Duke University and Meredith College. Barrier islands help protect low-lying mainland coasts against erosion and storm damage, and can be important wildlife habitats.

Nile Delta Desert Islands: An Artist And A Scientist Symbiotic Point of View

Although remote and undeveloped, the Nile Delta desert islands reveal the critical state of the Nile River and its people. The Delta is sinking and the barrier islands are receding. World-renowned coastal geologist Orrin H. Pilkey and artist Mary Edna Fraser, an internationally recognized master of the textile art of batik, bring an understanding of coastal geology and global change to the public in a way that is scientifically astute and visually intriguing.

50 Houses on Kiawah Sand

A documentary about proposed development at south end of Kiawah Island, produced by Mary Edna Fraser and Celie Dailey. Includes interviews with Dr. Orrin Pilkey, Professor of Earth Scieces at Duke University, and Nancy Vinson, Coastal Conservation League’s Program Director for Air and Water Quality.

Sea Level Rise And The World’s Beaches, by Orrin H. Pilkey

Of all the various anticipated impacts of global climate change, sea level rise will likely be the first to produce a human catastrophe on a global scale. If our beaches are to survive for our grandchildren’s enjoyment, the time has come to plan the big withdrawal.

As Glaciers Melt, Science Seeks Data on Rising Seas

Researchers have recently been startled to see big changes unfold in both Greenland and Antarctica. The question is not whether the earth’s land ice is melting in response to the greenhouse gases people are generating, but whether it will happen much too fast for society to adjust.