Landscape evolution of the Five Islands of south Louisiana: scientific policy and salt dome utilization and management

Abstract The Five Islands of south central Louisiana are piercement-type salt domes uplifted from several kilometers depth as the surrounding strata experiences regional subsidence. In general, the domes are nearly circular in plan with maximum land surface elevations 23–52 m asl. Geomorphic evidence of salt-induced uplift includes surface lineations, aligned gullies, excessively steep land surface topography, and shear fractures in surficial sediments. Evidence of subsidence includes sinkhole ponds a few hectares in area, broad topographic saddles over tens of hectares in size, and kilometer-scale collapse structures. On each of the Five Islands, Peoria Loess and silty colluvium bury a paleosol developed in the Late Pleistocene Prairie Complex of the Lower Mississippi Valley. The loess represents a single genetic unit of eolian origin, is typically thickest on lower side slopes, and is thin or absent on ridge crests. The silty colluvium around the perimeter of the islands is a reworked loess derived from higher elevations. Shear fractures with high-angle average dips occur in both Peoria Loess and the Prairie Complex. Conjugate shear pairs probably develop from extensional stress associated with vertical uplift of the underlying salt. Prairie Complex deposition and initial soil development in a low-relief alluvial plain of the Mississippi River predates the latest emergence of the Five Islands. Loess and colluvial stratigraphy indicate that the domes were emergent during loess deposition. Gully incision, shearing of Quaternary sediments, and the distribution of colluvium indicate continued uplift after loess deposition. Sinkholes and collapse structures are influenced by salt dissolution and corrasion, whereas broad subsidence areas and topographic saddles form over areas of structural weakness within the salt. Five Islands landscape evolution is controlled by the interaction of driving and resisting forces that operate over various time scales. Diapiric uplift is a driving force of net upwards motion, and the external and internal salt dome hydrology are driving forces of solution and corrasion. The structure and lithology of the internal salt stocks and the surrounding sediments are heterogeneous and have variable strength. Collectively, this interaction produces both uplift and subsidence features across the salt dome landscape. Resource use at the Five Islands correlate with instability of both underground facilities and the surface landscape. Uplift of the Five Islands has continued since at least the Late Pleistocene, is probably still active at present, and periods of tectonic and geomorphic instability are possible in the future. Sediments overlying salt domes record discrete periods of surface uplift and periods of episodic and incremental subsidence that is common where salt domes pierce surficial sediment. The rate, magnitude, and pattern of landscape modification by salt domes have implications for the safe utilization of mineral extraction and geostorage facilities. Geomorphic evaluation of salt dome landscapes can help to develop policies that ensure safe salt dome utilization. Salt dome resource planning should include detailed characterization of internal and external stratigraphy and structure; modeling of geomorphic, soil and rock mechanic, and hydrologic processes; routine and emergency planning at operating facilities; and closure and post-closure plans.