Glossary

accretion n.

A slow addition to land by deposition of water-borne sediment; an increase of land along the shores of a body of water.

algae n.

Any of various chiefly aquatic organisms that have chlorophyll and can manufacture their own food through the process of photosynthesis. [more]

barrier island n.

A long, relatively narrow island running parallel to the mainland, built up by the action of waves and currents and serving to protect the coast from erosion by surf and tidal surges.

berm n.

A terrace formed by wave action along the backshore of a beach.

calcareous adj.

Composed of, containing, or characteristic of calcium carbonate, calcium, or limestone; chalky.

dissipate v.

To cause to separate and go in various directions; dispel, disperse, scatter.

dune n.

A hill or ridge of wind-blown sand.

impediment n.

A hindrance or obstruction; an obstacle, barrier, obstruction.

infrastructure n.

The basic facilities, services, and installations needed for the functioning of a community or society, such as transportation and communications systems, water and power lines, and public institutions including schools, post offices, and prisons.

intertidal adj.

Of or being the region between the high tide mark and the low tide mark.

laterally adv.

By the side; sidewise; toward, or from, the side.

maritime adj.

Of, relating to, or adjacent to the sea.

oceanography n.

The study of the seas and oceans.

phenomena n.

Occurrences, circumstances, or facts that are perceptible by the senses; observable events.

precarious adj.

Dangerously lacking in security or stability; subject to chance or unknown conditions; lacking stability; insecure, shaky, tottering, unstable, unsteady, unsure, weak, wobbly.

ridge (and runnel) n.

In beach topography, an area that is raised above the adjacent shore and dips into a runnel, which is a narrow channel or course, as for water.

runnel n.

The lower surface over which water flows laterally along a beach.

salt marsh n.

A low coastal grassland frequently overflowed by the tide.

topography n.

The surface features of a place or region; the character, natural features, and configuration of land; terrain.

trough n.

A long, narrow depression, as between waves or ridges.

turbulence n.

The condition of being physically agitated; a state of violent or agitated behavior in a fluid.

washover event n.

Accumulation of sand on the landward side of a barrier island that is deposited by storm waves which overtop the island.