Historical changes in the Mississippi-Alabama barrier islands and the roles of extreme storms, sea level, and human activities

Considering the predicted trends for storms and sea level related to global warming, it is clear that the barrier islands will continue to lose land area at a rapid rate without a reversal in trend of at least one of the causal factors.The reduction in sand supply related to disruption of the alongshore sediment transport system is the only factor contributing to land loss that can be managed directly.This can be accomplished by placing dredged material so that the adjacent barrier island shores receive it for island nourishment and rebuilding.