Albemarle Sound

Related Category: U.S. Physical Geography

large inland body of generally fresh water, c.55 mi (90 km) long, from 3 to 14 mi (4.8–22 km) wide, NE N.C. Shallow and tideless, the sound is separated from the Atlantic Ocean by a long, narrow barrier island. The Chowan and Roanoke rivers are the largest of many streams flowing into the sound. Albemarle Sound forms a vital link in the Intracoastal Waterway; canals connect it with Chesapeake Bay. Fort Raleigh National Historic Site on Roanoke Island and Wright Brothers National Memorial at Kitty Hawk are at the western end of the sound (see National Parks and Monuments, table).