Why is Louisana sinking?

Question

I have to read a book about Louisana and it states that Louisana is apparently sinking. Why?

Answer 1

Not sure, but I do know that LA is situated below sea level. That could have something to do with it.

Answer 2

Because it is on soft soil which is drying out & any soil will shrink over time.

Answer 3

Bad foundation

Answer 4

Louisiana, as well as the entire South Central United States, is sinking under the weight of the Mississippi River mud that makes up the geography of the region. Already portions of Louisiana Highway 1 are significantly lower than they were 20 years ago. Some areas of the state are sinking as much as one inch a year, which increases the risk of flooding and throws off the timing of evacuation plans in case of a major storm.

Answer 5

Not us much the whole state of Louisiana, but New Orleans and the coast is.  It's called subsidence.  The coast and New Orleans is formed by sediments transported by the Mississippi River and are deposited as a delta.  If left alone, the river will naturally change coarse and disperse new sediment over the delta to keep up with the rate of subsidence.  However, there are a number of d**n that have been built on the Mississippi to keep the present flow and location of the river.  This is done out of economic reason.  So, the delta is degrading because nature is not allowed to take it's own coarse.

Answer 6

"Louisiana, as well as the entire South Central United States, is sinking under the weight of the Mississippi River mud that makes up the geography of the region. ..."