What is the term for the natural sinking of the land?

The natural sinking of the land is referred to as subsidence. This phenomenon occurs due to various factors, including geological processes, the weight of sediment accumulation, and the withdrawal of subsurface materials such as groundwater or oil. In coastal regions like Louisiana, subsidence is particularly significant because it contributes to the loss of land and heightens vulnerability to flooding and storm surges.

Understanding subsidence is crucial for managing coastal resources and addressing environmental challenges, as it leads to a decrease in elevation relative to sea level, exacerbating the impacts of rising seas. While flooding pertains to the overflow of water onto land, coastal erosion involves the wearing away of land or beaches due to wave action, and deposition describes the process where sediment is added to a landform. In this context, subsidence specifically relates to the gradual sinking of the land itself rather than the movements of water or sediment.