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Links for Locations on Map
Savannah,
Tybee Island, Darien,
St. Marys - Cumberland Island,
Golden Isles - Jekyll Island, and
Georgia Barrier Islands |
Georgia's
Barrier Islands
Barrier islands are found along nearly the entire eastern seaboard of United
States. From Florida northward to Maine, they change dramatically in character.
Many of Georgia's barrier islands are among the most pristine anywhere.
Geologically these remarkable islands are considerably younger than the
mainland. Some came into existence approximately 30,000 years ago; others
emerged only within the last 5,000 years.
Barrier islands are not merely pieces of the
mainland surrounded by water. These landmasses are continually changing as the
powerful forces of winds, ocean currents, waves, storms and tides reshape them.
Tides have the greatest impact on the evolution of the barrier islands. The
eastern coastline of Georgia is the western end of a massive ocean funnel. Thus
tides here rise higher
(6'-8') and faster than anywhere else on the seaboard.
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