This book looks first at the geological aspects of this barrier-inlet system, which is very young in terms of the history of our planet, only about 3,000 years, appearing since the great glaciers melted and sea level reached near its present position. The great diversity in morphology of the system is amazing given the low wave energy and small tidal range of this coast. Hurricanes have had a significant impact on this coast although they are less frequent here than on most of the Gulf of Mexico. There are very few sand dunes on these flat, narrow islands. Each chapter focuses on two main factors: the type of barrier island and the level of human development on the island.