The Atchafalaya Delta: rapid progradation along a traditionally retreating coast (South-Central Louisiana).
Building of the Atchafalaya Delta constitutes one of the most significant geological events in historical times within the Mississippi River delta complex. Periodic upstream diversions, such as the present Atchafalaya River, results in switching of the major locus of active deposition. This process is one of the fundamental mechanisms of Mississippi Delta growth. Channel-mouth bifurcation, accompanied by coarse particle deposition, is the major process of lobe initiation. Regression of this portion of the Louisiana coast has ended, and a progradational phase has been initiated. Coastal accretion should continue through this century, even though flow through the Atchafalaya system remains regulated. -Authors
Publication Source (Journal or Book title)
Zeitschrift fur Geomorphologie Supplementband
Van Heerden, I., & Roberts, H. (1980). The Atchafalaya Delta: rapid progradation along a traditionally retreating coast (South-Central Louisiana).. Zeitschrift fur Geomorphologie Supplementband, 34, 188-201. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.lsu.edu/geo_pubs/1749