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What is the biggest contributor to the Louisiana Wetlands/Delta Region?

2 Answers

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Final answer:

The Mississippi River is the biggest contributor to the Louisiana Wetlands/Delta Region, forming deltas and wetlands by depositing sediments that create fertile soils and support diverse ecosystems.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Louisiana Wetlands/Delta Region is largely impacted by the sediment deposition from the Mississippi River. When the river reaches the Gulf of Mexico, the water slows down significantly, and the silt content carried by the river water settles, leading to the formation of deltas. The creation of land in the Mississippi River delta from New Orleans to the Gulf of Mexico can be attributed to the destabilization of a colloid suspension, where freshwater from the river precipitates colloidal clay particles upon mixing with seawater.

Rivers and their sediments play a crucial role in shaping the landscapes they traverse, and they have significant ecological and economic impacts. In the case of the Mississippi River, it not only forms fertile deltas and wetlands but also serves as a critical habitat for a diverse range of wildlife and supports agricultural activities by providing rich soils where multiple crops can thrive.

The ecological significance of the wetlands extends beyond land formation; they also help filter water and protect the coast from storms and floods. Thus, the biggest contributor to the formation and sustenance of the Louisiana Wetlands/Delta Region is the sediment carried by the Mississippi River, which influences the region's ecology, economy, and landscape.

User Irvin Zhan
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3 votes

Answer:

Wetlands House Oil and Gas Infrastructure along with many other natural factors are one of the leading contributors.

Explanation:

On the Gulf of Mexico, an area of about 300 kilometers is called Louisiana Wetlands. These are barrier islands.

The area of this place constantly suffers from digging of holes and pipelines which are being established underground. This promotes soil erosion.

The nutritive soil layer washes away with dirt or grime left behind.

Many plants get killed because of this phenomenon.

This region is already made up of marshes and swaps which are further elevated by natural forces like hurricanes, storms, floods etc.

The water from Mississippi River has formed an inlet and outlet in this area resulting in a mixture of brackish water.

User Alex Covizzi
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