ACE Basin Reserve, South Carolina

Ace Basin Reserve, South Carolina

Geology

The ACE Basin Reserve lies within the Coastal Plain physiographic region, which is sedimentary in nature. Approximately 3,500 feet of sediment overlie the crystalline bedrock in the lower South Carolina Plain. The bedrock is uplifted beneath the central and south coast in two structural features: the Cape Fear Arch and the Yamacraw Uplift. The geologic structure of the region is characterized by inclined beds that slope seaward - a feature likely caused by the Cape Fear Arch.

Soil Types

The soils of the mainland, the sea islands and some of the barrier islands, were deposited during the Pleistocene period at least 25,000 to 35,000 years ago. Most barrier island soils are of more recent origin, having been laid down during the Holocene period within the last 4,000 to 5,000 years. These soils vary from sand-clay mixtures with distinct horizon development to soils of predominantly quartz sand with indistinct horizon development.