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The role of backbarrier infilling in the formation of barrier island systems

By: , , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.1142/9789814355537_0091

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Abstract

Barrier islands develop through a variety of processes, including spit accretion, barrier elongation, and inlet filling. New geophysical and sedimentological data provide a means of documenting the presence of a paleoinlet within a barrier lithosome in the western Gulf of Maine, illuminating the process of backbarrier infilling and its effect on barrier and tidal inlet morphodynamics. The transport of sediment into the backbarrier through tidal inlets as well as sediment contribution from nearby rivers led to bay infilling, formation of tidal flats and marshes, and a vast reduction in the bay tidal prism. Using existing marsh stratigraphy and high resolution imaging of a paleo inlet, this study investigates the effects of this diminishing tidal prism and inlet closure process. Chronostratigraphic reconstructions and digital backstripping of the backbarrier explain rates and timing of infilling and eventual conversion of an open water lagoon to the modern high marsh and tidal creek system.

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Publication type Conference Paper
Publication Subtype Conference Paper
Title The role of backbarrier infilling in the formation of barrier island systems
DOI 10.1142/9789814355537_0091
Volume 2011
Year Published 2011
Language English
Publisher World Scientific
Contributing office(s) Eastern Geology and Paleoclimate Science Center, Florence Bascom Geoscience Center
Description 14 p.
Larger Work Type Book
Larger Work Subtype Conference publication
Larger Work Title The Proceedings of the Coastal Sediments 2011
First page 1203
Last page 1216
Conference Title Coastal Sediments 2011
Conference Location Miami, FL
Conference Date May 2-6, 2011
Country United States
Other Geospatial Gulf of Maine
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