Saint Simons Island Photos Pictures, Images and Stock Photos

Coastal sand dunes are dynamic but fragile buffer zones of sand and vegetation that form where the following three characteristics can be found: large quantities of sand persistent wind capable of moving the sand suitable locations for sand to accumulate The process of dune formation begins with a steady on-shore wind capable of moving sand. The wind moves the sand into piles. Eventually the sand pile becomes so steep that the leeward side of the sand pile collapses under its own weight and spills down at an angle that serves to stabilize the dune. Over time, the dune migrates in the direction of the wind, as the wind moves sand up the dune's slope and over the edge. Sand dunes often form around obstructions such as rocks, drift wood, decaying plant matter, and detritus that is washed up during high-tide. This decaying plant matter forms a perfect substrate for plants to set root. Plants the first set root in sand dunes are referred to as pioneer plants and are often grasses that have special adaptations for the harsh environment of the dune (high salt tolerance, waxy leaves that retain water, rolled leaves to reduce surface area and exposure to evaporation). These pioneer plants stabilize the dune. Their roots bind the sand and their leaves decrease wind speed and reduce erosion. After pioneer plants stabilize the dune, it becomes more habitable for other plants to move in. A progression of vegetation types set hold onto the dune, each changing the substrate's characteristics and structure, gradually making the dune suitable for the next vegetation type. Sand dunes, though dynamic, are fragile habitats. The mat of vegetation covering a dune is vital to reducing dune erosion and if this vegetation is disturbed or uprooted, the dune is destroyed.

St. Simon's Island GA lighthouse

Goldenrod blooms on the edge of a salt marsh on St. Simons Island, GA. A Gulf Frittilary butterfly flitters around the blooms

St. Simons Island, GA sand dune at dawn

Aerial view of marsh and river just east of Brunswick, Georgia, with Saint Simons and Jekyll Islands in the distance, reflecting late-day sunlight that gives the region its "Golden Isles" nickname.

St. Simons Island Lighthouse.

St. Simons Island, GA Gould's Inlet ocean waves

St. Simon's Island, GA Beach Sand Dunes, Sea oat grass

Saint Simons Island pier at dusk.

Cannon pointing out over Fancy Bluff Creek (Frederica River on some maps) at Fort Frederica. Fort Frederica National Monument is managed by the National Park service and is located on St. Simons Island in Coastal southeast Georgia, USA. Built in 1776, a British garrison was stationed there to guard against Spanish attack from Florida.

The St. Simons Lighthouse stands tall behind the public swimming pool at Neptune Park in the Village area of St. Simons Island, GA

St Simons Island Lighthouse on a clear summer day, Georgia

Historic slave quarters on St. Simons Island, Georgia, with live oak and spanish moss.

View through the dunes of people walking on the Beach on Jekyll Island, Georgia. In background you can see Cumberland Island were JK Jr. got married.

Grand oak trees of coastal Georgia. This one is at Gascoigne Bluff on St. Simons Island, Georgia.

This is the lush grasslands and small sailboat harbor that St. Simon's Island Georgia USA.

The historic Avenue of Oaks of St. Simons Island, Georgia.

Coastal sand dunes are dynamic but fragile buffer zones of sand and vegetation that form where the following three characteristics can be found: large quantities of sand persistent wind capable of moving the sand suitable locations for sand to accumulate The process of dune formation begins with a steady on-shore wind capable of moving sand. The wind moves the sand into piles. Eventually the sand pile becomes so steep that the leeward side of the sand pile collapses under its own weight and spills down at an angle that serves to stabilize the dune. Over time, the dune migrates in the direction of the wind, as the wind moves sand up the dune's slope and over the edge. Sand dunes often form around obstructions such as rocks, drift wood, decaying plant matter, and detritus that is washed up during high-tide. This decaying plant matter forms a perfect substrate for plants to set root. Plants the first set root in sand dunes are referred to as pioneer plants and are often grasses that have special adaptations for the harsh environment of the dune (high salt tolerance, waxy leaves that retain water, rolled leaves to reduce surface area and exposure to evaporation). These pioneer plants stabilize the dune. Their roots bind the sand and their leaves decrease wind speed and reduce erosion. After pioneer plants stabilize the dune, it becomes more habitable for other plants to move in. A progression of vegetation types set hold onto the dune, each changing the substrate's characteristics and structure, gradually making the dune suitable for the next vegetation type. Sand dunes, though dynamic, are fragile habitats. The mat of vegetation covering a dune is vital to reducing dune erosion and if this vegetation is disturbed or uprooted, the dune is destroyed.

Mackey River Reflection

A wrecked tug boat on the shore of Little St. Simons Island, Georgia. The rusted hull of a tub boat that was separated from it's ship in heavy seas and wrecked. It was considered to costly to recover it so it has been left to slowly disintegrate.

St. Simons Island, USA - October 9, 2013: Vacationers enjoy the watefront walkway and playground near the St. Simons Island lighthouse.

"Fort Frederica National Monument on St. Simons Island, Georgia, preserves the archaeological remnants of a fort and town built by James Oglethorpe between 1736 and 1748 to protect the southern boundary of the British colony of Georgia from Spanish raids. About 630 British troups were stationed at the fort. A town of up to about 500 residents existed outside the fort."

The Main Street of the Village area of St. Simons Island is flooded after hurricane Irma.

Sea Oats on the dunes of barrier island along the Southern East Coast.

A close-up shot of the Gulf fritillary agraulis butterfly (with underwing visible) on top of a red/orange & yellow Lantana camara flowering plant. Focus of photo is on the foreground with blurred flowers in background. Photo was taken in St. Simons Island, Georgia.

A Snowy Egret looks out over a coastal salt marsh from the piling of an old dock.

Sea birds on the barrier islands of Coastal Georgia.

A Brown Pelican at sunset on a fishing pier, St. Simon's Island, Georgia, USA

The lighthouse on St. Simons Island framed by the branches and leaves of a Live Oak tree.

Southeast Georgia coastal river through the marsh.

A group of shore birds (Terns) on a coastal Georgia beach.

The Golden Ray cargo ship, capsized in St. Simon's Sound, Georgia. Aerial photo taken from small plane. Workers attempting to recover cargo from ship.

Photograph of a beach in Georgia just before the sun crests the horizon.

"Shore-side view of the historic St. Simons Island Lighthouse, St. Simons Island, Georgia."

Hurricane Dorian causes dangerous surf along the beaches of Coastal Georgia.

Drone view over the Mackay River just east of Brunswick, Georgia, with Saint Simons and Jekyll Islands in the distance, reflecting late-day sunlight that gives the area its "Golden Isles" nickname.

A river runs through the marsh of Saint Simons Island, Georgia.

Grand oak trees of coastal Georgia. This one is at Gascoigne Bluff on St. Simons Island, Georgia.

Christ Church, located on Saint Simons Island in southeast Georgia.

Photograph of a beach in Georgia just before the sun crests the horizon.

An aerial view of the St. Simons Island lighthouse and a beautiful beach on a sunny day

Beautifully landscaped apartment complex with palm trees and a fountain. Taken in St. Simons Island, GA.

Driftwood has washed up on the shore of the Georgia coast.

St. Simons Island, GA pier, palm trees along shore

Coastal sand dunes are dynamic but fragile buffer zones of sand and vegetation that form where the following three characteristics can be found: large quantities of sand persistent wind capable of moving the sand suitable locations for sand to accumulate The process of dune formation begins with a steady on-shore wind capable of moving sand. The wind moves the sand into piles. Eventually the sand pile becomes so steep that the leeward side of the sand pile collapses under its own weight and spills down at an angle that serves to stabilize the dune. Over time, the dune migrates in the direction of the wind, as the wind moves sand up the dune's slope and over the edge. Sand dunes often form around obstructions such as rocks, drift wood, decaying plant matter, and detritus that is washed up during high-tide. This decaying plant matter forms a perfect substrate for plants to set root. Plants the first set root in sand dunes are referred to as pioneer plants and are often grasses that have special adaptations for the harsh environment of the dune (high salt tolerance, waxy leaves that retain water, rolled leaves to reduce surface area and exposure to evaporation). These pioneer plants stabilize the dune. Their roots bind the sand and their leaves decrease wind speed and reduce erosion. After pioneer plants stabilize the dune, it becomes more habitable for other plants to move in. A progression of vegetation types set hold onto the dune, each changing the substrate's characteristics and structure, gradually making the dune suitable for the next vegetation type. Sand dunes, though dynamic, are fragile habitats. The mat of vegetation covering a dune is vital to reducing dune erosion and if this vegetation is disturbed or uprooted, the dune is destroyed.

"A horizontal view of an sailboat, anchored in a river of the Georgia Marshes."

Vibrant green marsh grass lines the edge of a creek in a coastal salt marsh.

This waterfront park on Georgia's Saint Simon's Island features live oaks, palm trees, a small beach and views south toward Jekyll Island.

St. Simon's Island, GA Gould's Inlet Egrets

St. Simon's Island GA Pier, Gould's inlet

A view from the Casino porch on St. Simons Island, of Neptune Park and the pier beyond

This is the grasslands along the brackish water at St. Simon's Island Georgia USA with the sailboats in the background.

Saint Simons Island Sunset

Manicured grass lined with Live Oaks leads visitors to an old coastal; fort. Educational signs greet visitors at the beginning of the trail that leads to part of Fort Frederica. Fort Frederica National Monument is located on St. Simons Island in Coastal southeast Georgia, USA. Built in 1776, a British garrison was stationed there to guard against Spanish attack from Florida.

Photograph isolating the relief of the sand with reflection of sunrise.

Photograph of a christmas ornaments found hanging on a beach off of the coast of Georgia.

St. Simons Island, USA - October 9, 2013: Vacationers enjoy the watefront walkway and playground near the St. Simons Island lighthouse.

St. Simon's Island GA Neptune Park live oak tree

Seascape. A little girl is running on the beach, waves as background. Created in Golden Isles, Georgia, August 23, 2020