Dynamic physical processes on a South Texas barrier island--Impact on construction and maintenance

North Padre Island, South Texas, is a characteristic Texas barrier island complex that is presently undergoing heavy development pressure for energy, recreational and residential uses. The island has a dynamic environment influenced by both short and long term geologic processes. Development usually recognizes the short term processes (hurricanes and storms) but does not consider long term geologic processes (aeolian transport and lagoonal wave erosion). Both natural and man induced erosion results in the loss of the beach and beachfront structures. The removal of beach sand through aerodynamically stable aeolian chutes causes serious sedimentation problems. Improper placement of dredge material alongside channels often results in rapid channel sedimentation. The interaction of man and active geologic processes appears to represent a significant threat to the financial success of island construction and development.