Abstract

Mardi Gras Pass, A New Geographic Feature on Louisiana's Coast
Track: Ports and Maritime
Authors: James Mitchell, Kurt Johnson, Kurt Johnson, Kurt Johnson

The Mississippi Delta is one of the most dynamic landscapes on Earth. Despite man’s best efforts to control the river, coastal geology and natural events continue to shape the Louisiana coastline, changing where land and water appear. The rate and nature of change has far out-paced the ability of the USGS and NOAA to map the alterations, using traditional cartography.

In 2012, on Mardi Gras Day, a new pass opened up on the east bank of the Mississippi River. This presentation chronicles the use of GIS technology to identify, document, and establish this new geographic feature for the GNIS.