What are the main causes of saltwater intrusion in Coastal Louisiana?

The main causes of saltwater intrusion in Coastal Louisiana are closely linked to sea-level rise and land subsidence, which significantly impact the freshwater resources in the region. As sea levels rise due to climate change, the saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico can encroach further inland into freshwater aquifers. This phenomenon is exacerbated by land subsidence, which is the gradual sinking of land due to various factors, including the natural settling of sediments and the compaction of deltaic soils.

In Coastal Louisiana, the combination of these two factors creates an environment where freshwater bodies lose their barrier against the invading saltwater. This intrusion threatens both natural ecosystems and human water supplies, making it a significant concern for the region's agriculture, drinking water availability, and overall environmental health. Addressing saltwater intrusion necessitates understanding and mitigating both sea-level rise and land subsidence to preserve the integrity of coastal ecosystems and freshwater sources.