EM 1110-2-1100 (Change 1)
31 Jul 03
BARRIER ISLAND
A detached portion of a barrier beach between two inlets. It commonly has DUNES, vegetated areas, and swampy
terranes (see BARRIER FLAT) extending from the beach into the lagoon. Example: Outer Banks, North Carolina.
BARRIER LAGOON
A bay roughly parallel to the coast and separated from the open ocean by barrier islands. Also, the body of water
encircled by coral islands and REEFS, in which case it may be called an ATOLL lagoon.
BARRIER REEF
A coral REEF parallel to and separated from the coast by a lagoon that is too deep for coral growth. Generally,
barrier reefs follow the coasts for long distances and are cut through at irregular intervals by channels or passes. Example:
Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia.
BARRIER SPIT
Similar to a BARRIER ISLAND, but connected to the mainland.
BASIN
A depressed area with no surface outlet, such as a lake basin or an enclosed sea.
BASIN, BOAT
A naturally or artificially enclosed or nearly enclosed harbor area for small craft.
BASTION
A massive groin, or projecting section of seawall normally constructed with its crest above water level.
BATHYMETRIC CHART
A topographic map of the bed of the ocean, with depths indicated by contours (isobaths) drawn at regular intervals.
BATHYMETRY
The measurement of water depths in oceans, seas, and lakes; also information derived from such measurements.
BAY
A recess in the shore or an inlet of a sea between two capes or headlands, not as large as a gulf but larger than a
cove. See also BIGHT, EMBAYMENT.
BAYMOUTH BAR
A bar extending partly or entirely across the mouth of a bay .
BAYOU
A minor sluggish waterway or estuarial creek, tributary to, or connecting, other streams or bodies of water, whose
course is usually through lowlands or swamps. Sometimes called SLOUGH. Term is commonly used in the southern United
States.
BEACH
The zone of unconsolidated material that extends landward from the low water line to the place where there is
marked change in material or physiographic form, or to the line of permanent vegetation (usually the effective limit of storm
waves). The seaward limit of a beach--unless otherwise specified--is the mean low water line. A beach includes foreshore
and backshore. (See Figure A-1) See also SHORE, SUSTAINABLE BEACH, and SELF-SUSTAINING BEACH, and
TIDELANDS.
BEACH ACCRETION
See ACCRETION.
A-6
Appendix A Glossary of Coastal Terminology
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