Page 567 - Geosystems An Introduction to Physical Geography 4th Canadian Edition

Chapter 16 Oceans, Coastal Systems, and Wind Processes 531
visualanalysis 16 Coastal Processes and Barrier Islands
Over the past century, the Chandeleur Islands, an un- inhabited barrier chain in the Gulf of Mexico, have been migrating toward the mainland and shrinking in areal extent, largely as a result of coastal storms. Study the satellite images showing changes to these islands before and after Hurricane Katrina (2005).
1. How do erosion and deposition of coastal sedi- ments reshape barrier islands during a storm? Explain the exogenic processes causing the changes observed in these images.
2. What geomorphic features associated with bar- rier islands attract wildlife, leading to the desig- nation of this area as a national wildlife refuge?
3. Where does the sediment eroded from these islands accumulate? What are two sources of sediment that could potentially rebuild the island chain?
4. How will changes in sea level affect these islands in future decades?
(a)
(b) 1988
(c) September 16, 2005
[(a) USGS. (b) Erik Zobrist/nOAA Restoration Center Collection. (c), (d) Landsat-5, nASA.]
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30° Biloxi
MISSISSIPPI
LOUISIANA
0 30 60 KILOMETRES
New Orleans
90°
Gulf of Mexico