Land formation driven by sediment accumulation and vegetation dynamics in the marsh: A case study in the Kitchen Pond area in the modern Mississippi River Delta

Abstract. A study was conducted to analyze how sediment accumulation affects land formation and marsh development in river deltaic ecosystems. It examined the temporal variations in turbidity levels and chlorophyll content driven by sediment input, and their long-term impacts on land formation processes in the Kitchen Pond area of the modern Mississippi River Delta. Using multi-temporal Landsat imagery (2006–2021) and spectral indices such as NDWI (Normalized Difference Water Index), NDTI (Normalized Difference Turbidity Index), and NDCI (Normalized Difference Chlorophyll Index), the current analysis demonstrated the evolution of a new bird-foot deltaic pattern within ecosystems with similar morphology. Nearly a 15-year period was needed to form a permanent landmass by the sedimentation process under the conditions. A mathematical model was also developed to predict actual turbidity levels in waterbodies using remote sensing data. This study shows the interconnected relationship between sediment deposition, vegetation growth, and their combined influence on the emergence of new land. These findings offer valuable insights to the restoration agencies for developing effective strategies and adaptive management approaches for similar environments.