Barrier Islands

Barrier islands bear the full force of coastal storms and hurricanes, buffering the mainland coast. This often occurs at the expense of the island. Although the processes creating and maintaining barrier islands have been occurring for thousands of years, they have only become of concern in the last few decades. Billions of dollars worth of real estate development on barrier islands is now threatened by migrating beaches as sand continues to be reworked and transported by natural forces. Cities such as Miami Beach and Atlantic City are on barrier islands. Engineering efforts to stop erosion through beach nourishment projects, seawalls, and other means are merely temporary fixes against the powerful forces of nature. Some engineered structures can actually accelerate the rate of erosion.

Laws in some coastal states prohibit building between the sea and the dunes closest to the sea. Some laws prohibit the rebuilding of structures lost or damaged due to storms and erosion. Preservation may be the best long-term solution to ensure the future of these islands, but for many people the desire for beach resorts is a more immediate concern.