Welcome. I’m Justin and this is blog will dedicated to information regarding the wetland loss through the state of Louisiana. Many states have suffered from the loss of their natural wetlands, however, the loss of the wetlands in Louisiana happen to be more rapid than any other state. While 22 states have already lost more than half of their wetlands, 80% of the current costal land loss occurs in Louisiana.
The loss of the wetlands in Louisiana is caused by several factors. One of which is subsidence, which is natural sinking of coastal land and it gradually becoming part of the ocean. Tulane University’s website further attests it to geological movement of deposits along the tectonic fault lines and the compaction of loosely deposited sediments.
Another not-so-natural cause of the loss is humankind. Devices such as levees and dams would adversely affect the loss of this land at an accelerated rate because of the draining and filling. These devices were originally put into place to prevent the flooding of the lands, however they now increase the rate of subsidence. These devices are also are helping to bring in saltwater where freshwater once was, which also affects the land. And of course, pollution also hinders the growth of loss. Air pollution, toxic substances, and boats are just some of the reasons there’s been pollutants affecting the land.
I hope to share more of the causes and effects of the wetland loss in the coming weeks.
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