= Barrier island
{wiki=Barrier_island}
A barrier island is a coastal landform that is typically a narrow strip of land situated parallel to the mainland coast, separated from it by a lagoon, bay, or estuary. These islands serve several important ecological and protective functions: 1. **Protection**: Barrier islands act as a buffer against storm surges and high waves, protecting the mainland from coastal erosion and flooding during severe weather events, such as hurricanes.
Back to article page