Barrier Island

This is the coastal feature called a barrier island. Barrier islands are long, narrow, and run parallel to a coastline. A lagoon typically separates barrier islands from the mainland. As the name suggests, these islands serve as barriers against ocean waves and storms, protecting the coastline and creating unique ecosystems. Barrier islands form from the accumulation of sand and sediment, transported along the coast by ocean currents and waves. Over time, these sediments build up and create a submerged sand ridge, which then becomes exposed when sea level changes. This barrier island is Galveston Island, in the state of Texas.