Lecture Notes: Barrier Islands and Geological Processes

Introduction

• Barrier Islands: Formed from the processes of weathering, erosion, and deposition.

Key Geological Processes

1. Weathering

   • Definition: The physical or chemical breakdown of rocks on Earth.
   • Types:
     • Physical Weathering: Breaking rocks into smaller fragments due to environmental factors.
       • Agents: Wind, water, waves, glaciers, gravity, and plants.
     • Chemical Weathering: Transformation of rocks into new substances or minerals.

2. Erosion

   • Definition: The process by which rocks and sediments are picked up and moved to another location.
   • Agents of Erosion:
     • Water: Rainfall causes erosion by washing sediment away; rivers and streams cause valley erosion by moving rock and sediment downstream.
     • Oceans: Act as a major force of erosion.
     • Wind: Dust storms significantly contribute to erosion.
     • Ice and Glaciers: Erode rocks as they move.

3. Deposition

   • Definition: Occurs when the agent of erosion slows down enough to deposit the sediment.
   • Examples:
     • Slowed water depositing rocks and pebbles.
     • Formation of sand dunes by wind deposition.
     • Creation of river deltas by river deposition.

Summary

• Process Sequence: Weathering creates sediment, erosion carries it, and deposition drops it.

Conclusion

• Reminder: "Kindness multiplies kindness. Be kind to someone today."