Holocene Evolution of the Western Louisiana–Texas Coast, USA: Response to Sea-Level Rise and Climate Change

Abstract

Global sea-level rise increased during the twentieth century from 1.5 to 3.0 mm/yr and is expected to at least double over the next few decades. The Western Louisiana and Texas coast is especially vulnerable to sea-level rise due to low gradients, high subsidence, and depleted sediment supply. This Memoir describes the regional response of coastal environments to variable rates of sea-level rise and sediment supply during Holocene to modern time. It is based on results from more than six decades of research focused on coastal and nearshore stratigraphic records. The results are a wake-up call for those who underestimate the potential magnitude of coastal change over decadal to centennial time scales, with dramatic changes caused by accelerated sea-level rise and diminished sediment supply.