Which major river system influences the coastal ecosystem in Louisiana?

The Mississippi River is the most significant river system influencing the coastal ecosystem in Louisiana. This river is the primary source of freshwater, sediment, and nutrients that flow into the Gulf of Mexico, playing a vital role in shaping the ecological health of the coastal regions.

The river’s extensive delta system, which includes various wetlands, marshes, and estuaries, provides critical habitats for numerous species, including fish, birds, and other wildlife. These ecosystems not only support biodiversity but also act as natural buffers against storm surges and erosion, safeguarding the coastal areas from environmental impacts.

In addition to providing nutrients, the sediment carried by the Mississippi River contributes to the ongoing formation and maintenance of the coastal landscape. Without this input, the wetlands would suffer from loss of land and increased vulnerability to rising sea levels and storm damage.

Other river systems listed, while important for their respective regions, do not have the same level of influence on Louisiana's coastal ecosystem as the Mississippi River. For example, the Atchafalaya River is a distributary of the Mississippi and does contribute to the coastal system, but its influence is subordinate in scale compared to that of the Mississippi. The Red River and Ohio River do not significantly affect the coastal ecosystems in Louisiana.