Geography
Why Barrier Islands Migrate Landward Under Sea-Level Rise
Quick fact
Barrier islands can migrate landward by up to several meters per year through a process called 'barrier island rollover,' where waves and storms push sand over the island to its backside, effectively moving the entire island toward the mainland.
Why this is interesting
Have you noticed that when you walk on a beach, the sand might not be the same as it was last year? Barrier islands are not static; they are constantly on the move. What makes them shift, especially when sea levels rise?