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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
06:06
Sediment Core Extrusion Method at Millimeter Resolution Using a Calibrated, Threaded-rod
Published on: August 17, 2016
Wetland sedimentation from hurricanes Katrina and Rita
R Eugene Turner1, Joseph J Baustian, Erick M Swenson
1Coastal Ecology Institute, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA. euturne@lsu.edu
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|September 23, 2006
Summary
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita deposited over 131 million metric tons (MT) of inorganic sediment in Louisiana coastal wetlands. This hurricane-driven sediment accumulation is substantial, potentially supporting healthy salt marshes.
Area of Science:
- Coastal geology
- Sedimentology
- Environmental science
Background:
- Hurricanes Katrina and Rita caused significant coastal impacts in Louisiana in 2005.
- Understanding sediment dynamics is crucial for coastal wetland restoration and resilience.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the inorganic sediment accumulation in Louisiana coastal wetlands following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
- To compare hurricane-driven sediment loads with other sediment sources, including the Mississippi River and wetland restoration efforts.
Main Methods:
- Calculation of sediment accumulation based on reported data for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
- Comparison of hurricane sediment loads with the Mississippi River's suspended load and historical overbank flooding data.
- Assessment of sediment contribution relative to a constructed river diversion for wetland restoration.
Main Results:
- Over 131 x 10(6) metric tons (MT) of inorganic sediments accumulated in coastal wetlands directly from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
- Annualized sediment accumulation per hurricane is 12% of the Mississippi River's suspended load.
- Hurricane sediment load is 5.5 times greater than pre-levee overbank flooding and 227 times greater than a river diversion for restoration.
Conclusions:
- Hurricane-induced sediment deposition is a significant factor in coastal wetland environments.
- The volume of sediment deposited by these hurricanes is sufficient to account for the inorganic sediment found in healthy salt marshes.
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