What is one major factor contributing to coastal land loss in Louisiana?

Erosion and subsidence are significant contributors to coastal land loss in Louisiana. The state's coastline is dynamic, constantly shaped by the forces of nature, resulting in high rates of land loss, often reported at around 1 square mile per year. Erosion refers to the wearing away of land, which occurs due to natural processes such as wave action, river flow, and wind.

Subsidence, the gradual sinking of land, exacerbates this problem; it occurs for several reasons, including the withdrawal of groundwater, the compaction of sediments, and the natural settling of the land. In Louisiana, the soft, marshy soil can sink under its weight and through human activity, such as oil extraction and levee construction, which disrupts the natural sediment flow.

Together, these processes lead to the disappearance of wetlands and other coastal areas, threatening ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and human infrastructure. This makes erosion and subsidence a critical concern for coastal management and restoration efforts in Louisiana.