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S.J. Williams

Publications and source records attributed to S.J. Williams.

24 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
USGS1991

Geologic controls on the formation and evolution of quaternary coastal deposits of the northern Gulf of Mexico

A study of the barrier islands and wetlands in the deltaic plain of Louisiana is presented. Its purpose was to document rapid changes and to learn more about the processes responsible and the geologic framework within which they operate. It included systematic collection and analysis of precision nearshore hydrographic data, high resolution seismic profiles, surface sediment samples, continuous vibracores, digital shoreline plots, records of storm overwash events, and analysis of tide gage records to quantify the rise in relative sea level. Results from these studies demonstrate that deltaic progradation, river channel switching, and subsequent rapid erosion accompanying the marine transgression are regular and predictable events along the Mississippi River delta plain and will likely continue in the future. Mitigation measures, such as shoreline nourishment and barrier restoration, that mimic the natural processes may slow the land loss.

Conference Paper↗
USGS1990

Loss of coastal wetlands in Louisiana: Cooperative research to assess the critical processes

Erosion of the nation's shoreline and loss and deterioration of our coastal wetlands are widespread and serious problems that affect all regions of the US. As a result of natural and human-induced factors, the coastal plain of Louisiana, which contains 40% of the tidal wetlands in the conterminous 48 States, is undergoing the greatest amount of coastal erosion and wetlands loss in the nation. The barrier islands that provide a natural buffer for Louisiana's deltaic plain environments are experiencing erosion rates of 20m/yr, while wetlands losses are about 100km2/yr. In response to these problems and the lack of scientific understanding of the processes causing erosion and land loss, the US Geological Survey has, since 1986, conducted field investigations in Louisiana, working closely with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and other Federal and State agencies.

Biological Report - US Fish & Wildlife Service↗