469,290 views
18 votes
18 votes
Why does the east coast of the united states have many barrier islands, but the west coast does not?

User Polarware
by
2.6k points

1 Answer

16 votes
16 votes

Answer:

Barrier island chains tend to form near river deltas and in areas with low tectonic activity and relatively flat coastal terrain. The rocky cliffs and shifting tectonic plates off the West Coast, along with other features of the terrain and tides, prevent barrier islands from forming there.

User Llistes Sugra
by
2.9k points