South Padre Island has been in a destructive phase for a long time, probably having retreated landward (along with the lagoon and mainland shoreline). Wind, wave and current action continue to rework and shape the island. The northern half of Padre Island’s shoreline is in equilibrium the southern half (and much of the remaining Texas coastline) is in an erosional stage. Padre Island graphically illustrates the life and sequences of a barrier shoreline: accretionary or building phase, equilibrium or stability phase, and erosion or destructional state. (A spit is a long, narrow tongue of sand extending from a mainland shoreline and formed by the shoreline drifting of sediments.) After a history of shifting, abandonment, and reestablishment by storm breaches, many tidal inlets were slowly closed and short islands were joined to form today’s longer islands. It is theorized that Padre Island formed from offshore shoals with later growth aided by spit accretion. Barrier island origins have been debated for many years by geologists, but it is agreed they are formed and modified by such factors as sediment type and supply, sea-level directional changes, current and wave strength and direction, and tide magnitude. Geologic speculation indicates the emerged island itself may be 1,000 to 1,500 years younger. Padre Island began forming as a submerged sand bar some 4,500 years ago, as shown by radiocarbon dating of shells. These natural barrier islands act to protect the mainland from the direct onslaught of storms. It is one of 300 hundred islands stretching from Maine to Mexico. Geologically speaking, Padre Island is a young island. Weddings can be held on the beach with a special use permit.This small channel, which existed for only a few months around 2002-2003, illustrates the ephemeral nature of a barrier island. Camping areas are offered on a first come, first served basis and there are no hook-ups at the national seashore. Pets are allowed at Padre Island National Seashore but must be kept on a leash at all times. Baby sea turtles are released at Padre Island National Seashore from May through September. Visitors are invited to watch most of the hatchling releases free of charge. ![]() The National Seashore incubates Kemps Ridley eggs found along the coast and releases the baby sea turtles into the Gulf of Mexico once they have hatched. Staff at the national seashore is part of an effort to save the Kemps Ridley, the most endangered species of sea turtle. Padre Island is the primary nesting area of the Kemps Ridley in the United States. It is home to Kemps Ridley, Green, Loggerhead, Hawksbill, and Leatherback turtles. Padre Island National Seashore is also well known for its turtle population. Special events and programs offered at Padre Island National Seashore, including beach walks, mini-talks, campfire programs and bird watching walks, are a great way to learn more about the national seashore’s history, animal life and more. Padre Island National Seashore is also home to over 350 species of migratory and resident birds. Some of which are rare, threatened and/or endangered species. The national seashore is home to numerous marine and terrestrial plants and animals as well. The barrier island’s rare terrain made up of coastal prairie and a dynamic dune system protects one of the few hypersaline lagoon environments in the world, the Laguna Madre. ![]() Vast efforts have been made over the years to preserve the natural state of this national seashore area. Padre Island National Seashore welcomes over half a million visitors each year!Ī visit to Padre Island National Seashore can be a very educational experience. There is also a whole host of water activities available including scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, and windsurfing. Visitors to Padre Island National Seashore can enjoy bird watching, boating, camping and horseback riding on the beach. This beautiful area is located on North Padre Island, just a few minutes south of Port Aransas and the Sandpiper Condominiums beachfront resort. ![]() Padre Island National Seashore is the longest section of undeveloped barrier island in the world, stretching over 130,454 acres. Looking for a things to do on your Port Aransas vacation? A beautiful and historic national seashore is just a short drive from Port Aransas, making it a perfect day trip.
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