The general situation is a barrier island system, much like the present-day system along the coast of New Jersey. The cause of this rise in sea level is not completely understood, but most scientists agree that part of the rise is due to global warming from increased atmospheric CO2 from fossil-fuel burning.
Future predictions remain uncertain.
Highly developed, urban environment on the central and northern ends of the island. This area is protected by an aging, 50-yr old seawall that has sustained major damage in places from the previous winters storms. Last years winter storms were severe enough to take out several homes. Extreme southern tip of the island is uninhabitated, but is eroding about 5x faster than the rest of the island. Local politicians are thinking about possible development.