Barrier islands along the Texas Coastal Zone are part of a complex and dynamic system represented by many distinct yet interrelated environments affected by a variety of resources, natural processes, climatic conditions, and human activities.

Historical monitoring along Mustang and north Padre Islands records the nature and magnitude of changes in position of the shoreline and vegetation line and provides insight into the factors affecting those changes.

Historical monitoring along central Padre Island records the nature and magnitude of changes in position of the shoreline and vegetation line and provides insight into the factors affecting those changes.

Sequential shoreline monitoring, using vintage chans and aerial photographs, documents temporal and spatial variations in historical Gulf shoreline changes.

Historical monitoring along Matagorda Island and San Jose Island records the nature and magnitude of changes in position of the shoreline and vegetation line and provides insight into the factors affecting those changes.

Historical monitoring along Matagorda Peninsula from Brown Cedar Cut to Pass Cavallo records the nature and magnitude of changes in position of the shoreline and vegetation line and provides insight into the factors affecting those changes.

Historical monitoring between Sabine Pass and Bolivar Roads records the nature and magnitude of changes in position of the shoreline and vegetation line and provides insight into the factors affecting those changes.

Historical monitoring along Brazos and south Padre Islands records the nature and magnitude of changes in position of the shoreline and vegetation line and provides insight into the factors affecting those changes.

Historical monitoring in the vicinity of the Brazos River delta (San Luis Pass to Brown Cedar Cut) records the nature and magnitude of changes in position of the shoreline 'and vegetation line and provides insight into the factors affecting those changes.

The Texas Coastal Zone is marked by diversity in geography, resources, climate, and industry.