Other sites for the Islands

Beaches and Barrier Islands                                Louisiana

The barrier islands of Louisiana are located on the Gulf Coast of the central and southeastern parts of the state in the Gulf of Mexico. Why do barrier islands form?  These barrier islands formed as a result of the changing processes of the Mississippi River and it's Delta.

Some Barrier Beaches are found along the Gulf of Mexico.  They are a part of a complex integrated system of beaches, dunes, mashes, bays, tidal flats, and inlets. The barrier islands and beaches are constantly migrating, eroding, and building in response to natural processes and human activities.

Human activitiy is only one threat to the islands and perhaps the least devastating. Natural occurrences play a major role in the destruction of the islands and beaches.

WAVES

Deposit and remove sediments from the ocean side of the island

CURRENTS

Longshore currents hit the islands at an angle and deposit sand from one end of the island to the other.

TIDES

Move sediments into the salt marshes and fill them causing the sound sides to build as ocean sides erode.

WINDS

Blow sediments from the beaches forming dunes and into the marshes that build them up..

Sea Level Changes

Rising sea levels tend to push barrier islands toward the mainland.

Storms

Storms have the greatest effects on the islands by creating overwash areas and eroding beaches and other portions of the islands.

Chandeleur Islands.

Grand Isle

Isles Dernieres

Louisiana has 50 miles of beaches.  Wetlands are very important in providing a habitat for plants and animals, natural water treatment, and recreaction sites.  The Louisiana Coastal Zone is 9.5 million acres of marshes, swamps, and bottom land. The commercial and sport fishing industries are an economic benefit to Louisiana and brings in 1 billion dollars a year. A geographic area that has special ecological significance to the continued production of wildlife, fish, and other natural resources is a Gulf Ecological Management Site (GEMS).

All Along the Coast

Other sites for the Islands

Vegetation Grand Isle- supports a remnant maritime forest, data collected in mid 1800's indicates the area was mainly forested. Isles Dernieres-supports "black mangrove," on the bay side of the islands back from the beach.  The root penetrates rapidly so it is not swept away by the tide. Chandeleur Islands-include seagrass, which requires salt for growth.