Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 15-28.
View across the interior of the northern portion of Padre Island. A. Fore-island dune ridge, B.
Marshes, C. Blowout dune, and D. Back-island dune i eld. Laguna Madre is visible in the distance. Kite airphoto by
S.W. Aber and J.S. Aber.
Figure 15-29.
Overview looking southward at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, southern Texas, United
States. Laguna Madre to left; mainland to right. Note the intricate shore complex of mud l ats, tiny barrier ridges,
peninsula, and enclosed pools. Kite airphoto by S.W. Aber and J.S. Aber; see also Fig. 7-18.
The pressure to develop barrier islands and
their lagoons along the U.S. Gulf coast is intense.
In spite of the high level of protection given by
the national seashore, national wildlife refuges,
state parks, and other nearby private reserves,
Padre Island and Laguna Madre still face threats
from beyond. Damming of inland rivers has
reduced sediment supply to the coast. Pollution
is derived from offshore oil production, shipping,
and toxic compounds transported from diverse
sources. Continued dredging of the Intracoastal
Waterway is another point of concern (Brown
and Huey 1991). Padre Island is a prime example
of the delicate interplay of natural forces, which
are always in a state of l ux. Human impacts add
more factors to the mix; only through careful
management may the dynamic balance be main-
tained, as the following example illustrates.
The Kemp's Ridley sea turtle (
Lepidochelys
kempii
) is the smallest of i ve species of sea
