Carolina Environmental Diversity Explorations

Large sand volume barrier islands · By Dirk Frankenberg

Back-barrier salt marsh

Back-Barrier Salt Marsh

Figure 5. Salt marsh and maritime forest behind the high dunes. (Photograph by the author. More about the photograph)

Figure 5 shows the back-barrier salt marsh with a dune crest visible on the right and an area of maritime forest in the left background. This will allow you to confirm your estimate of the height of the dunes and the role these high dunes have in protecting areas from the full force of ocean wind and salt spray. The protected habitat behind these high dunes allows the growth of mature forest trees, including both pines and live oaks.

Definitions

back-barrier adj.
Of or pertaining to the area of land between the barrier islands and the mainland.
salt marsh n.
A low coastal grassland frequently overflowed by the tide.
maritime forest n.
A forested community affected by salt spray, usually located on the mainland side of a barrier beach or island. [more]