Shoreline Changes on the Louisiana Barrier Coast

Deltaic barrier systems in Louisiana are presently experiencing a period of severe erosion. By using detailed photogrammetric measurements and digitization of individual island areas, it has been possible to provide a new and comprehensive evaluation of shoreline change along 250km of the Louisiana barrier coast. When combined with a new model for deltaic barrier evolution, these data provide an understanding of the natural mechanisms and man-made interventions underlying the present erosion problems.