14
These islands are large deposits of sand that are separated from the
main land by the water of estuaries , bays , and lagoons.
Prime examples are the barrier islands that stretch along the Atlantic ,
Pacific , and Gulf coasts of the united states.
Storm effects :
The strong onshore winds that accompany storms drag and stack water
against the ocean side of the barrier island , creating a storm surge , an
extraordinarily high water level that floods the shore.
Low-lying and flat coastal areas are particularly susceptible to damage
by such flooding , especially if the storm surge coincides with a high
spring tide when the total rise of sea level may be between 2 and 10
meters above normal.
Furthermore , storm surges create water that is much deeper than normal
in the nearshore zone , enabling large waves , which would normallly
break offshore , to break directly on the beach and at times even to
breach the island.
Cliffed coasts :
Perhaps the most spectacular and emotionally energizing sight along a
stretch of coastline is the cliff under storm attack .
From a cliff top , you can experience the raw , primordial energy
unleashed by storm waves as they batter the base of hillside outcrops.
Impact of people on the coastline :
Daily , seasonal , annual , and even longer cycles of sand erosion and
deposition affect beaches. They are never stable for long . shorelines
worldwide are migrating landward as a result of the Holocene rise of
sea level .
The coast is exciting and scenic
, and it provides recreational
opportunities as
(swimming , boating…) . consequeently , it is a
desirable area for habitation by people and hence a prime target for realestate development.