Barrier island
a broadened barrier beach, habitable in places, that provides a measure of protection for the mainland, as during hurricanes and tidal waves.
Historical Examples
This species has not been reported previously from the barrier island of Tamaulipas.
Vertebrates from the Barrier Island of Tamaulipas, Mxico Robert K Selander
This subspecies is presumably confined in distribution to the barrier island of Tamaulipas.
Vertebrates from the Barrier Island of Tamaulipas, Mxico Robert K Selander
He did not visit the barrier island or the Laguna Madre de Tamaulipas.
Vertebrates from the Barrier Island of Tamaulipas, Mxico Robert K Selander
Dr. Marshall Johnston kindly identified specimens of plants from the barrier island.
Vertebrates from the Barrier Island of Tamaulipas, Mxico Robert K Selander
barrier island
(bār’ē-ər)
A long, narrow sand island that is parallel to the mainland and serves to protect the coast from erosion. Barrier islands typically have dunes along the exposed outer side, zones of vegetation in the interior, and swampy areas along the inner lagoon.
Any low sandy island that is parallel to the mainland and protects it from storms. (See Cape Hatteras.)
Note: Barrier islands normally change location every ten to thirty years, a fact that makes coastline management a major problem in environmental policy.
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