Subsidence and Sea-Level Rise in Southeastern Louisiana: Implications for Coastal Management and Restoration

Short- and Long-Term Trends

Short-term rates of submergence are monitored using tide gauges located across southeastern Louisiana. These gauges, which have been in place since the 1930's, provide records of sea-level change. Tide-gauge records document sub-decadal rises in sea level, this data combined with land-loss data provide information on how sea level affects coastal wetlands and coastal infra-structure. Long-term rates of submergence (over the past several thousand years) can be determined through radiocarbon age dating of peat deposits. Radiocarbon analysis of buried peat deposits formed at sea level will provide information on rates of subsidence and provide in-sight into Holocene sea-level history.