Barrier island migration refers to the landward, seaward, or alongshore translation of barrier island systems driven by sediment transport processes and relative sea-level change. It is governed by storm overwash, inlet formation and infilling, longshore sediment transport, and aeolian sand movement, which redistribute sediment across the shoreface, beach, dune, and back-barrier environments. Under rising sea level and high storm frequency, overwash and inlet breaching typically promote landward “rollover” of islands, while sediment surplus and progradation can drive seaward migration. Barrier island migration is a central topic in coastal morphodynamics, influencing shoreline resilience, habitat distribution, and coastal management strategies.
Scientists have spotted two humpback whales that made separate, record-breaking crossings between Australia and Brazil.
Plants & Animals
Jun 27, 2026
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There's a popular T-shirt on Hatteras Island on the North Carolina Outer Banks that says, "One road on. One road off (sometimes)"—poking fun at the constant battle between Mother Nature and a thin ribbon of pavement connecting ...
Environment
Aug 19, 2025
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Penn State Assistant Professor of Anthropology Jacob Holland-Lulewicz is among a group of archaeologists who have spent years conducting research on the barrier islands off the coast of Georgia. The islands have changed shape ...
Earth Sciences
Jul 25, 2025
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Driving through almost any coastal town, you'll notice staples of being at the beach: ice-cream stands, seafood shacks, bridges leading to the shore. But what if they all washed away?
Earth Sciences
Apr 15, 2025
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25
As climate change continues to drive global sea level rise, many people living in coastal areas are already seeing the effects. Coastal erosion is accelerating and shifting coastlines inland, and storm surges are getting ...
Earth Sciences
Mar 12, 2025
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