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Barrier Islands Trivia Quiz

Barrier islands buffer the mainland from storms. They are a valuable part of our environment, and are often asked to do things which go against their nature!

A multiple-choice quiz by catnippin. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Author
catnippin

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
49,761

Updated
May 12 23

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Tough

Avg Score
6 / 10

Plays
683

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. Barrier islands are found on coastlines all over the world. Where are they the most noticeable in North America? Hint

Atlantic coast

Gulf coast

Atlantic and Gulf coasts

Pacific coast

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Question 2 of 10

2. Barrier islands are long, narrow offshore deposits of sand or sediments that parallel the coastline.

True or false? They are permanent and never change.

True

False

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Question 3 of 10

3. Barrier islands are separated from the mainland by a shallow sound, bay, or lagoon. They are often found in chains and separated from each other by what? Hint

tidal inlets

barrier flats

condominiums

rivers

4. The structure of a typical barrier island consists of four zones or habitats. Starting from the ocean side, the first zone is the 'beach', which is the sand deposited by the actions of waves. Which of the following is the only plant life you'll find in the beach habitat? Hint

sea oats

sawgrass

cordgrass

algae

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Question 5 of 10

5. The second zone, or habitat, of a barrier island is the 'dune'. Dunes are formed from sand carried and deposited by ____.

Answer: (One Word- four letters)

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Question 6 of 10

6. Beyond the dunes is the third barrier island habitat, which is known as the 'barrier flat'. Which of the following is NOT another name for this habitat? Hint

mud flat

over-wash

backdune

delta

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Question 7 of 10

7. The sound-side of a barrier island is usually dominated by the 'salt marsh'. This zone is generally divided into high and low marsh areas. What is the difference between high and low marshes? Hint

High marsh areas get flooded twice each month with the spring tides, while low marsh areas get flooded twice daily with the high tides.

There is no difference.

High marsh areas get flooded twice daily with the high tides, while low marsh areas get flooded twice monthly with the high tides.

The difference is in the plant and animal life found in each.

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Question 8 of 10

8. The most dramatic changes to barrier islands are caused by storms, particularly hurricanes. The above-normal water level that results from low atmospheric pressure and high winds is known as what? Hint

storm surge

low tide

high tide

water surplus

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Question 9 of 10

9. It is OK for people to walk and drive vehicles on sand dunes?

Yes

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Question 10 of 10

10. What is the name for barrier islands which are attached to the mainland at only one end? Hint

barrier spits

tombolos

bay barriers

bay bars

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Barrier islands are found on coastlines all over the world. Where are they the most noticeable in North America?

Answer: Atlantic and Gulf coasts

They extend about 2,700 miles from New England down the Atlantic Coast, around the Gulf of Mexico and south to Mexico. About one-third of North America is bordered by barrier islands.

2. Barrier islands are long, narrow offshore deposits of sand or sediments that parallel the coastline. True or false? They are permanent and never change.

Answer: False

Barrier islands are fragile. They have constantly changing ecosystems.

3. Barrier islands are separated from the mainland by a shallow sound, bay, or lagoon. They are often found in chains and separated from each other by what?

Answer: tidal inlets

An example of a chain of barrier islands are the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Answer: algae

The beach habitat only has some algae that gets washed ashore.

5. The second zone, or habitat, of a barrier island is the 'dune'. Dunes are formed from sand carried and deposited by ____.

Answer: wind

Plants such as sea oats and bitter panicum provide stability to the dunes. Their root systems hold the sand in place and their shoots slow the winds, thereby allowing sand to be deposited.

6. Beyond the dunes is the third barrier island habitat, which is known as the 'barrier flat'. Which of the following is NOT another name for this habitat?

Answer: delta

The barrier flat is formed by sediments that get pushed through the dune system by storms such as hurricanes. Grasses grow and stabilize these areas.

7. The sound-side of a barrier island is usually dominated by the 'salt marsh'. This zone is generally divided into high and low marsh areas. What is the difference between high and low marshes?

Answer: High marsh areas get flooded twice each month with the spring tides, while low marsh areas get flooded twice daily with the high tides.

High marsh areas get flooded twice each month with the spring tides, while low marsh areas get flooded twice daily with the high tides.

Answer: storm surge

Storm surge can be especially damaging when a hurricane hits during high tide.

9. It is OK for people to walk and drive vehicles on sand dunes?

Answer: No

Protection from foot and vehicle traffic cannot be overemphasized! Visitors to barrier islands generally take the shortest and easiest path to the beach, often following existing trails over dunes. This destroys plants, and off-road vehicles damage grasses and can alter the dune's profile.

10. What is the name for barrier islands which are attached to the mainland at only one end?

Answer: barrier spits

A bay barrier, or bay bar, connects two headlands and encloses a pond, marsh, or other aquatic habitat. Tombolos are sand or gravel beaches which connect one or more offshore islands to each other or to the mainland.

Source: Author catnippin

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