ASIS_Fall_Shorelines_201612

The dynamic nature of coastal barrier islands such as Assateague Island is a defining characteristic, influencing nearly every aspect of their ecology. Fundamentally disturbance driven systems, barrier islands and their endemic biota are continually shaped by physical forces on a time scale vastly accelerated in comparison to mainland systems. Because of the rapid pace and scope of change, long term monitoring is crucial towards understanding natural barrier island conditions as well as anthropogenic influences.