What is "subsidence" in the context of Coastal Louisiana?

Subsidence refers to the sinking or downward settling of the Earth's surface due to various factors like natural compaction of soil, geological processes, and human activities such as groundwater extraction. In Coastal Louisiana, this phenomenon is particularly significant because the region is experiencing higher rates of subsidence, which contributes to the loss of land and wetlands.

This sinking is compounded by other environmental factors such as rising sea levels and erosion, making the understanding of subsidence critical for managing coastal ecosystems and planning for climate change impacts. The other choices do not accurately represent the definition of subsidence; they relate to processes like land growth, coastal expansion, and restoration, which are distinct from the concept of land sinking.