Barrier islands are low and narrow sandykstands that form a rim offshore from a coastline. These islands protect inland shores from the surf, especially during storms. These islands are becoming increasingly developed because people want to live by the open ocean, yet the islands themselves are not permanent. Why aren't the islands permanent?
O Offshore earthquakes cause the islands to sink below sea level.
O Development companies mine the sand for use in Inland construction projects,
O The wind and the waves are constantly redistributing the sand
O People develop the islands and remove sand during housing construction