Barrier Island Dynamics

Examples from Virginia's Eastern Shore

Cedar Island: Landward Migration

The wholesale migration of Cedar Island on Virginia's Eastern Shore is clearly evident in this time-lapse video of satellite imagery from 1984-2016. Field studies by researchers at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science show that Cedar Island's visible shoreline is a thin bar of sand (~1-meter thick) washing up and over the back-barrier marsh.

Smith Island: Landward Migration

The wholesale migration of Smith Island on Virginia's Eastern Shore is clearly evident in this time-lapse video of satellite imagery from 1984-2016.

Parramore Island: Shoreline Retreat

Field studies show that what appears to be landward migration of Parramore Island between 1984-2016 is actually shoreline erosion. VIMS research shows that Parramore Island is underlain by a wide sand body that has been partially drowned and covered with marsh. As the modern beach washes over this thin marsh, it exposes the underlying sands, making it appear as if the beach is maintaining its width.