What is the Outer Barrier, and what geographical features does it comprise?

The Outer Barrier, also known as the Long Island and New York City barrier islands, is a string of barrier islands that separate the lagoons south of Long Island, New York, from the Atlantic Ocean. These islands include Long Beach Barrier Island, Barnum Island, Jones Beach Island, Fire Island, and Westhampton Island.

How long is the Outer Barrier, and what is its geographical extent?

The Outer Barrier extends for 75 miles (121 km) along the South Shore of Long Island. Its extent ranges from the Rockaway Peninsula in New York City to the eastern end of Shinnecock Bay in Suffolk County.

What bodies of water are enclosed by the Outer Barrier islands?

The lagoons enclosed by the barrier islands include Jamaica Bay, Brosewere Bay, Hewlett Bay, Reynolds Channel, Middle Bay, East Bay, South Oyster Bay, Great South Bay, and various arms of Great South Bay such as Great Cove, Nicoll Bay, Patchogue Bay, Bellport Bay, Narrow Bay, Moriches Bay, Quantuck Bay, Tiana Bay, and Shinnecock Bay.

What inlets pierce the Outer Barrier, and what is their significance?

The inlets that pierce the barrier islands are East Rockaway Inlet, Jones Inlet, Fire Island Inlet, Old Inlet, Moriches Inlet, and Shinnecock Inlet. These inlets form the individual sandy islands and connect the bays to the Atlantic Ocean.

What types of communities and recreational areas are found on the Outer Barrier islands?

The Outer Barrier islands host resort communities such as Atlantic Beach, Long Beach, and Westhampton Beach. They also contain significant recreational areas like the Fire Island National Seashore, Robert Moses State Park, and Jones Beach State Park.

What are the primary geological vulnerabilities of the Outer Barrier islands?

The low-lying islands are susceptible to wave erosion. During storms, they can be inundated and sometimes cut through, highlighting their dynamic and vulnerable nature.

Which islands historically formed the westernmost part of the Outer Barrier in New York City?

The westernmost Outer Barrier islands in New York City historically included Coney Island, Plumb Beach, Barren Island, several smaller islands within Jamaica Bay, and parts of the Rockaway peninsula. Coney Island was the westernmost of these.

What happened to many of the westernmost Outer Barrier islands in the early 20th century?

In the early 20th century, most of these westernmost islands were either connected to the mainland of Long Island or merged with each other.

Describe the geographical layout and communities of Long Beach Barrier Island.

Long Beach Barrier Island is situated off the south shore of Long Island. It is shared by the hamlet of Atlantic Beach to the west, the city of Long Beach in the central part, and the hamlet of Point Lookout at the eastern end. The city of Long Beach spans the island's entire width, fronting both Reynolds Channel and the Atlantic Ocean.

How is Long Beach Barrier Island connected to mainland Long Island and other islands?

Long Beach Barrier Island is connected to Island Park via the Long Beach Bridge (a drawbridge). The Atlantic Beach Bridge connects it to Lawrence on Long Island to the west. To the east, the Loop Parkway connects it to Jones Beach, linking Lido Beach and Point Lookout.

What is Jones Beach Island, and what is its significance?

Jones Beach Island is a barrier island off the southern coast of Long Island, named after the father of historian Thomas Jones. It is sometimes called Oak Beach Island and is separated from mainland Long Island by Great South Bay. It includes the census-designated places of Gilgo, Oak Beach, and Captree, and is home to Jones Beach State Park, a major recreational destination.

Which counties does Jones Beach Island straddle?

Jones Beach Island straddles the county line between Nassau County and Suffolk County in New York.

What are the primary access routes to Jones Beach Island from mainland Long Island?

Access to Jones Beach Island from mainland Long Island includes the Meadowbrook Parkway (to Merrick), the Loop Parkway (to Long Beach), and the Wantagh Parkway (to Wantagh). The Robert Moses Causeway, via the Great South Bay Bridge and State Boat Channel Bridge, links its eastern end to Babylon and Fire Island.

What is Fire Island, and what are its key geographical characteristics?

Fire Island is a barrier island approximately 31 miles (50 km) long and varying in width from about 0.1 to 0.25 miles (160 to 400 m). It is located southeast of Long Island in Suffolk County, New York, separated from the mainland by Great South Bay.

What was the reported permanent population of Fire Island as of the 2000 census, and what is its seasonal population like?

As of the 2000 census, Fire Island reported a permanent population of 491 people. However, it experiences a significant influx of hundreds of thousands of summertime residents, groupers, and daytrippers.

What are the main communities on Fire Island?

Fire Island is composed of several communities. The largest is the unincorporated Fire Island CDP, which spans portions of the towns of Babylon, Islip, and Brookhaven. Other communities include the oceanfront villages of Saltaire and Ocean Beach, as well as Davis Park and Watch Hill.

How are Fire Island's oceanfront communities typically accessed?

Many oceanfront communities on Fire Island, such as Davis Park and Watch Hill, are accessible primarily by private boat or by seasonal ferry service originating from Long Island's mainland.

What is the significance of Fire Island Inlet?

Fire Island Inlet is an inlet on the south shore of Long Island that connects Great South Bay with the Atlantic Ocean. It passes between Robert Moses State Park on Fire Island and Oak Beach and Captree State Park on Jones Island. Its formation and maintenance have been influenced by natural processes like longshore drift.

How has the Fire Island Lighthouse's position changed relative to Fire Island Inlet?

The Fire Island Light, built in 1858, was originally located at the mouth of the inlet. Due to natural processes like longshore drift, it is now situated six miles east of the current inlet.

What is Westhampton Island, and how did it become distinct from Fire Island?

Westhampton Island is the easternmost outer barrier island in the Town of Southampton. It was originally part of Fire Island until a nor'easter in 1931 created Moriches Inlet, separating it. The 1938 New England hurricane later created Shinnecock Inlet, further defining Westhampton Island as a distinct landmass.

What is Moriches Inlet, and what geographical oddity is associated with it?

Moriches Inlet is an inlet that connects Moriches Bay to the Atlantic Ocean. Its creation by a 1931 storm resulted in a geographical situation where the Town of Brookhaven (on mainland Long Island) has jurisdiction over land west of West Hampton Dunes, despite requiring a long drive through Southampton to access it.

What is Shinnecock Inlet, and what event led to its formation?

Shinnecock Inlet is the easternmost of the major inlets piercing the barrier islands along Long Island's south shore. It was formed by the Great Hurricane of 1938, which permanently broke through the island in Hampton Bays, New York.

Why is Shinnecock Inlet actively maintained, and what controversy surrounds it?

Shinnecock Inlet is kept dredged and open because it aligns with the Shinnecock Canal, saving boaters significant travel time to the Atlantic Ocean. However, its maintenance has been controversial due to concerns that it contributes to beach erosion on Fire Island.

What are the westernmost Outer Barrier islands located within New York City?

The westernmost Outer Barrier islands within New York City included Coney Island, Plumb Beach, Barren Island, several smaller islands in Jamaica Bay, and portions of the Rockaway peninsula. Many of these were connected to the mainland or merged by the early 20th century.

Which specific communities are located on Long Beach Barrier Island?

Long Beach Barrier Island is home to the hamlet of Atlantic Beach, the city of Long Beach, and the hamlet of Point Lookout. Atlantic Beach, Lido Beach, and Point Lookout are administratively part of the town of Hempstead.

What is the role of Jones Beach State Park in relation to Jones Beach Island?

Jones Beach State Park is situated on the western tip of Jones Beach Island and serves as a significant summer recreational destination for the New York City area.

What is the Fire Island National Seashore, and where is it located?

The Fire Island National Seashore is a protected area located on Fire Island, one of the barrier islands off the south shore of Long Island, New York.

What is the approximate land area of Fire Island?

The land area of Fire Island is approximately 8.687 square miles (22.5 km²).

What is the relationship between the Town of Brookhaven and the area west of West Hampton Dunes?

Due to the location of Moriches Inlet, the Town of Brookhaven has jurisdiction over land west of the village of West Hampton Dunes, even though accessing this land from other Brookhaven territory involves a lengthy drive through Southampton.

What natural event is credited with forming Shinnecock Inlet?

Shinnecock Inlet was formed by the Great Hurricane of 1938, which caused a permanent breach through the island in the Hampton Bays area.

What is the purpose of the Ocean Parkway on Long Island?

The Ocean Parkway connects the causeways leading to Jones Beach Island and runs the length of the island, providing access along the barrier islands.

What is the general characteristic of the islands that make up the Outer Barrier?

The islands that form the Outer Barrier are sandy barrier islands.

What is the geographic relationship between Long Island and the Outer Barrier islands?

The Outer Barrier islands are located off the southern coast of Long Island, New York, acting as a natural barrier between the mainland and the Atlantic Ocean.

What is the primary function of the lagoons separated by the Outer Barrier?

The lagoons separated by the Outer Barrier serve as protected bodies of water between the mainland of Long Island and the barrier islands themselves.

What is the significance of the Fire Island Lighthouse's current position relative to Fire Island Inlet?

The Fire Island Lighthouse, built in 1858, is now six miles east of Fire Island Inlet, indicating significant geological changes and land movement over time due to processes like longshore drift.

What is the role of inlets like Moriches Inlet and Shinnecock Inlet in shaping the Outer Barrier?

Inlets like Moriches and Shinnecock, formed by storms, physically separate sections of the barrier island chain, creating distinct islands such as Westhampton Island and influencing the geography and administration of the surrounding areas.

What types of protected areas are mentioned in the context of the Outer Barrier islands?

The text mentions the Fire Island National Seashore, Jones Beach State Park, Robert Moses State Park, and Cupsogue Beach County Park as protected or recreational areas located on the Outer Barrier islands.

What is the general nature of the communities located on the Outer Barrier islands?

The communities on the Outer Barrier islands range from resort towns and cities like Long Beach and Westhampton Beach to smaller villages and unincorporated areas, many of which are heavily populated during the summer season.

What is the 'Long Island and New York City barrier islands' also referred to as?

The 'Long Island and New York City barrier islands' are also referred to as the Outer Barrier.

Which specific barrier islands are mentioned as being part of the Outer Barrier?

The specific barrier islands mentioned as part of the Outer Barrier are Long Beach Barrier Island, Barnum Island, Jones Beach Island, Fire Island, and Westhampton Island.

What is the geographical feature that lies to the north of the Outer Barrier islands?

To the north of the Outer Barrier islands lies the South Shore of Long Island, separated by various bays and channels.

What is the geographical feature that lies to the south of the Outer Barrier islands?

To the south of the Outer Barrier islands lies the Atlantic Ocean.

What is the primary characteristic of the islands that constitute the Outer Barrier?

The islands that constitute the Outer Barrier are primarily sandy barrier islands.

How do inlets like Jones Inlet and Fire Island Inlet affect the structure of the Outer Barrier?

Inlets such as Jones Inlet and Fire Island Inlet pierce the continuous string of barrier islands, effectively dividing the Outer Barrier into separate, individual sandy islands.

What is the significance of the '1938 New England hurricane' in relation to Westhampton Island?

The 1938 New England hurricane played a role in shaping Westhampton Island by creating Shinnecock Inlet, which further defined this easternmost outer barrier island.

What is the relationship between the Shinnecock Canal and Shinnecock Inlet?

Shinnecock Inlet is geographically aligned with the Shinnecock Canal, which connects Shinnecock Bay to the Peconic Bay. This alignment offers a direct route for boaters from the bays to the Atlantic Ocean.

What is the 'Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex' mentioned in the navbox?

The 'Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex' is a collection of National Wildlife Refuges located on Long Island, including specific sites like Amagansett, Conscience Point, Elizabeth A. Morton, Oyster Bay, Sayville, Seatuck, Target Rock, and Wertheim National Wildlife Refuges, as well as the Lido Beach Wildlife Management Area.

What are some of the State Parks located on or near the Outer Barrier islands?

Several State Parks are mentioned in relation to the Outer Barrier, including Jones Beach State Park, Robert Moses State Park (on Fire Island), Captree State Park, and Cupsogue Beach County Park (on Westhampton Island).

What is the 'Fire Island National Seashore'?

The Fire Island National Seashore is a protected area established on Fire Island, a barrier island off the southern coast of Long Island, New York, preserving its natural and historical features.

What does the 'Long Island Sound' refer to in the context of Long Island's geography?

The Long Island Sound is a body of water located north of the eastern part of Long Island, separating it from Connecticut.

What is the 'Coastal Barrier Resources Act' mentioned in the text?

The Coastal Barrier Resources Act is a piece of legislation related to the protection and management of coastal barrier areas, as indicated by its mention in the 'See also' section.

Outer Barrier Wiki: The Outer Barrier: Long Island's Coastal Defense

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The Islands

Defining the Outer Barrier

The Outer Barrier, also referred to as the Long Island and New York City barrier islands, constitutes a significant geological feature. It is a continuous string of barrier islands that demarcates the southern coastline of Long Island, effectively separating the mainland from the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. This natural formation plays a crucial role in the region's coastal dynamics and ecosystem.

Geographic Extent

This extensive chain of islands stretches approximately 75 miles (121 km) along the South Shore of Long Island. Its western terminus is situated at the Rockaway Peninsula in New York City, extending eastward to the vicinity of Shinnecock Bay in Suffolk County. This considerable length underscores its importance as a continuous coastal defense system.

Lagoonal Systems

The presence of the Outer Barrier creates a series of sheltered lagoonal systems on the mainland side. These include prominent bodies of water such as Jamaica Bay, Reynolds Channel, Great South Bay, and numerous smaller bays and coves that are integral to the region's estuarine environment and biodiversity.

New York City Islands

Westernmost Reaches

The westernmost segments of the Outer Barrier system are associated with New York City. Historically, islands such as Coney Island, Plumb Beach, Barren Island, and various islands within Jamaica Bay, along with portions of the present-day Rockaway Peninsula, comprised these initial barrier islands. By the early 20th century, many of these islands were either physically connected to the mainland or merged with adjacent landmasses.

Long Beach Barrier Island

Communities and Connections

The Long Beach Barrier Island is a prominent feature off the South Shore of Long Island. It is home to several communities, including the hamlet of Atlantic Beach to the west, the city of Long Beach, and the hamlet of Lido Beach centrally, with Point Lookout situated at its eastern end. These communities are part of the Town of Hempstead. The city of Long Beach spans the entire width of the island, facing both Reynolds Channel to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the south. Its accessibility is facilitated by the Long Beach Bridge connecting to Island Park, the Atlantic Beach Bridge linking to Lawrence on the mainland, and the Loop Parkway extending towards Jones Beach.

Jones Beach Island

Recreation and Access

Jones Beach Island, named in honor of Thomas Jones, a historical figure, is a significant barrier island situated off Long Island's southern coast. It is separated from the mainland by Great South Bay and straddles the Nassau-Suffolk county line. The island encompasses census-designated places like Gilgo, Oak Beach, and Captree. Its southern aspect is characterized by beaches facing the Atlantic Ocean. Jones Beach State Park, located on the island's western tip, is a major recreational hub for the New York City metropolitan area. Access is provided via several parkways, including the Meadowbrook, Loop, and Wantagh Parkways, which connect to the mainland and to Fire Island via the Robert Moses Causeway.

Fire Island

Characteristics and Communities

Fire Island is a barrier island extending approximately 31 miles (50 km) in length, with a width varying between 0.1 to 0.25 miles (160 to 400 meters). It traverses southern Suffolk County, separated from the Long Island mainland by the Great South Bay. The island's land area is 8.687 square miles (22.5 km²). While its permanent population is relatively small, it hosts a substantial number of seasonal residents and day visitors. Key communities include the unincorporated Fire Island CDP, spanning parts of Babylon, Islip, and Brookhaven towns, as well as the villages of Saltaire and Ocean Beach.

Historical Navigation

The Fire Island Lighthouse, a significant navigational landmark, was originally situated at the mouth of the Fire Island Inlet upon its construction in 1858. Due to natural coastal processes like longshore drift, the inlet has shifted, and the lighthouse is now located approximately six miles east of the current inlet position.

Westhampton Island

Formation and Division

Westhampton Island represents the easternmost barrier island within the Town of Southampton. Its distinct identity as a separate island was established following a significant nor'easter storm in 1931, which created the Moriches Inlet, thereby separating it from the larger Fire Island landmass. Subsequently, the Great Hurricane of 1938 carved out the Shinnecock Inlet, further defining Westhampton Island's boundaries. Cupsogue Beach County Park is situated on the western portion of this island.

Key Inlets

Moriches and Shinnecock Inlets

Moriches Inlet serves as a critical connection between Moriches Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Its creation by a 1931 nor'easter led to an unusual geographical situation where the Town of Brookhaven administers land west of West Hampton Dunes, despite the extensive drive required to access it from Brookhaven proper. Shinnecock Inlet, the easternmost of the major inlets along the barrier islands, was formed by the 1938 New England hurricane. This inlet aligns closely with the Shinnecock Canal, providing a vital waterway for boaters navigating between Shinnecock Bay and the open Atlantic. The ongoing management of these inlets, particularly dredging to maintain navigability, has been a subject of debate due to concerns about its potential impact on coastal erosion along Fire Island.

References

Source Material

The information presented on this page is derived from publicly available data, primarily the Wikipedia article on the Outer Barrier and its associated references.

External Links

Further Exploration

For more detailed information and resources related to the Outer Barrier and Long Island's coastal geography, consult the following external resources:

Captree State Park Official Information (opens in new tab)
Jones Beach State Park Official Information (opens in new tab)
Robert Moses State Park - Long Island Official Information (opens in new tab)
Ocean Parkway Information from East Coast Roads (opens in new tab)
Ocean Parkway Information from NYCROADS (opens in new tab)

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References

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The Outer Barrier

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

The Islands 🗺️

🏝️ Defining the Outer Barrier

📏 Geographic Extent

🌊 Lagoonal Systems

New York City Islands 🏙️

📍 Westernmost Reaches

Long Beach Barrier Island 🏖️

🏘️ Communities and Connections

Jones Beach Island 🏝️

🏞️ Recreation and Access

Fire Island ⛵

📏 Characteristics and Communities

🗼 Historical Navigation

Westhampton Island 🐚

⏳ Formation and Division

Key Inlets 🌊

↔️ Moriches and Shinnecock Inlets

Related Topics 🔗

🚗 Coastal Infrastructure

🏛️ Protected Areas

References 📚

📜 Source Material

External Links 🌐

🔗 Further Exploration

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

The Islands

Defining the Outer Barrier

Geographic Extent

Lagoonal Systems

New York City Islands

Westernmost Reaches

Long Beach Barrier Island

Communities and Connections

Jones Beach Island

Recreation and Access

Fire Island

Characteristics and Communities

Historical Navigation

Westhampton Island

Formation and Division

Key Inlets

Moriches and Shinnecock Inlets

Related Topics

Coastal Infrastructure

Protected Areas

References

Source Material

External Links

Further Exploration

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice