Louisiana Coastal Land Loss Simulation 1932-2050

Summary

For over 25 years, the US Geological Survey and its partners have studied land loss and coastal erosion in Louisiana. From 1932 to 2000, Louisiana lost 1,900 square miles of land, and another 700 square miles may vanish by 2050. The majority of this loss has occurred in the southeastern deltaic region, posing risks to both populated areas and critical infrastructure like Highway One. Wetland loss threatens Louisiana's population, economy, and natural storm barriers. However, some areas, like the Atchafalaya Basin, have shown wetland gains due to sediment deposition.

Takeaways

• 🌎 The US Geological Survey and its partners have studied land loss and coastal erosion in Louisiana for the past 25 years.
• 📉 Louisiana has lost over 34 square miles of land per year in the last 44 to 50 years, with a total of 1,900 square miles lost between 1932 and 2000.
• 🗺️ The total land lost is approximately the size of the state of Delaware.
• 🔮 If no additional steps are taken, another 700 square miles could be lost by 2050, equating to the size of Washington DC and Baltimore combined.
• 📊 The total land loss from 1932 to 2050 could reach 2,600 square miles.
• 🚩 The Cheniere Plain in southwest Louisiana experienced about 25% of the total land loss, primarily from coastal marshes converting to open water.
• ⚠️ The deltaic plain in southeastern Louisiana, which includes the area south of New Orleans, has experienced about 80% of the historical loss and is predicted to be at highest risk between 2000 and 2050.
• 🌱 The Atchafalaya Basin is showing significant wetland gain due to sediment deposition from the Atchafalaya River and Wax Lake Outlet.
• 🏞️ The Lower Bayou Lafourche and Port Fourchon area, critical for oil and gas, as well as recreation, faces serious risks from ongoing wetland loss.
• 🌪️ Coastal land loss threatens nearly half of Louisiana's population, which relies on wetlands to buffer against storms and hurricanes.

Q & A

What has the US Geological Survey and its partners been studying for the past 25 years?

The US Geological Survey and its partners have been studying land loss and coastal erosion in Louisiana for the past 25 years.

How much land has Louisiana lost per year between 1932 and 2000?

Louisiana has lost over 34 square miles of land per year between 1932 and 2000.

What is the total amount of land lost by Louisiana from 1932 to the year 2000?

From 1932 to the year 2000, Louisiana has lost approximately 1,900 square miles of land.

How does the total land lost in Louisiana compare to a US state?

The total land lost in Louisiana, 1,900 square miles, is roughly the size of the state of Delaware.

What prediction has been made if no steps are taken to prevent further land loss?

If no steps are taken, Louisiana could lose an additional 700 square miles of land by 2050.

What percentage of Louisiana's historical land loss occurred in the southeastern portion of the state?

Approximately 80% of Louisiana's historical land loss occurred in the southeastern portion of the state.

Which area of Louisiana has seen wetland gain and why?

The Atchafalaya Basin area has seen significant wetland gain due to sediment deposition from the Atchafalaya River and the Wax Lake outlet.

Why is the Lower Bayou Lafourche Port Fourchon area critical?

The Lower Bayou Lafourche Port Fourchon area is critical for oil and gas production, transportation, and is also important for recreational and commercial hunting and fishing.

What impact could continued wetland loss have on Louisiana's coastal population?

Continued wetland loss could significantly affect people and properties in Louisiana’s coastal zone, where nearly half of the state’s population lives, as wetlands help buffer against storms and hurricanes.

What proportion of the total US marsh loss is happening in Louisiana?

Louisiana is experiencing 90% of the total marsh loss in the continental United States.