A Method for Classifying Land Loss by Geomorphology and Process

by Lynda D. Wayne, Louisiana State Univ, Baton Rouge, United States,
Mark R. Byrnes, Louisiana State Univ, Baton Rouge, United States,
L. D. Britsch, Louisiana State Univ, Baton Rouge, United States,
Shea Penland, Louisiana State Univ, Baton Rouge, United States,
Patrick L. Wilkey, Louisiana State Univ, Baton Rouge, United States,
Ted A. Williams, Louisiana State Univ, Baton Rouge, United States,
S. Jeffress Williams, Louisiana State Univ, Baton Rouge, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Coastlines of the Gulf of Mexico

Abstract:

There is great debate as to the causes of land loss in Louisiana and the restoration/preservation solutions that should be implemented. Much of the controversy can be attributed to a lack of quantitative information about the geomorphological character of land loss areas and the processes that formed them. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of research to develop a classification scheme capable of capturing this information. Louisiana land loss data provided by the US Army Corps of Engineers were used to formulate the classification scheme. Geomorphology and process were identified as key elements for characterizing areas of land loss. Parameters of geomorphology and process were generated by a systematic review of distinct land loss areas. Separate hierarchical classification schemes were then devised to organize and relate the parameters of geomorphology and process. Once refined, this classification method will be applied to the Mississippi River delta plain and used to investigate the physiographic association between land loss geomorphology and process.

Subject Headings: Geomorphology | Wetlands (coastal) | Parameters (statistics) | Land reclamation | Erosion | Coastal processes | River bank stabilization | United States | Louisiana

Services: Buy this book/Buy this article

 

Return to search