Subsurface Controls on Historical Subsidence Rates and Associated Wetland Loss in Southcentral Louisiana

摘要: ABSTRACT Two regional releveling profiles and six tide gauges provide a basis for evaluating recent rates of delta plain subsidence in southcentral Louisiana. Analyses these records demonstrate close correlations among highest historical subsidence, rapid wetland losses, large volume hydrocarbon production, probable reactivation deep subsurface faults. Other researchers have demonstrated that the geological Mississippi (< 3 mm/yr) correspond closely to thickest Holocene sediments fill underlying incised valley. Within geologic framework, (as much as 23 surface projections reactivated Lake Hatch Golden Meadow fault zones individual oil gas fields. The initial acceleration subsequent decline loss Louisiana are attributed partly increased then possibly decreased were related fluid production. Decreases pore pressures associated with production so state stress was altered critically stressed faults likely reactivated. Subsidence coastal natural compaction dewatering deltaic should decrease time. Therefore accelerate typically exceed most influenced by anthropogenic activities, such extraction.