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A shrinking coast

Even before oil started leaking from the well in the Gulf of Mexico,
Louisianas coast was disappearing. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita
eroded the shoreline in 2005, and rising sea levels had added
to the loss. Since 1932, Louisiana has lost 1,000 sq. mi.
(4,920 sq. km) of land.
Pearl 40 km
Mississippi River
River 55
40 miles
59 Mississippi
12
Baton Biloxi
Rouge Lake
10 Pontchartrain Chandeleur
Sound
Louisiana
New Orleans
Lake
Houma Salvador
Breton
Sound

Gulf
of Mexico Extent of
Terrebonne
coastline
Bay
Source: ESRI, TeleAtlas, USGS in 1932
Graphic: Paul Duginski, Los Angeles Times 2010 MCT

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