Glossary

ancestral adj.

Of, relating to, or evolved from an ancestor, which is something (a person, object, process, location, etc.) that preceded, came before, or existed before. For example, your great grandfather is your ancestor.

back-barrier adj.

Of or pertaining to the area of land between the barrier islands and the mainland.

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.

bluff n.

A steep headland, promontory (a high ridge of land or rock jutting out into a body of water), riverbank, or cliff.

dichotomy n.

Division into two usually contradictory parts or opinions.

dune blowout n.

A gap in a dune caused by strong winds blowing sand out from under and around the vegetation, typified by loss of vegetation and loose sand, which can result in greater erosion of the dune during storm events.

dune restoration n.

The restoration of a natural or artificially constructed dune through the addition of sand and planting of native dune vegetation.

embankment n.

A mound of earth or stone built to hold back water or to support a roadway.

flank n.

The side of something; for example, the flank of a mountain means the side of a mountain.

forest canopy n.

The uppermost layer in a forest, formed by the crowns of the trees.

fortuitous adj.

Happening by accident or by chance.

hummocky dune n.

An uneven hill or ridge of wind-blown sand.

lee n.

Shelter from the wind provided by a neighboring object, such as a land formation.

longshore current n.

The current located in the surf zone and running parallel to the shore as a result of waves breaking at an angle to the shore.

maritime forest n.

A forested community affected by salt spray, usually located on the mainland side of a barrier beach or island. [more]

organic adj.

Of, relating to, or derived from living organisms: organic matter; relating to or belonging to the class of chemical compounds having a carbon basis, for example, hydrocarbons are organic compounds.

overwash fan n.

A break in a continuous dune line or line of vegetation where storm tides carried sand from oceanside, to estuaries, great ponds, and bayside; often clears a vegetation-free path from ocean to inner water body.

peninsula n.

A piece of land that projects into a body of water or is nearly surrounded by water.

salt marsh n.

A low coastal grassland frequently overflowed by the tide.

sprig v.

To grow a small shoot or twig of a plant.