General Features :
Louisiana is a state situated in the western south-central United States. It is bordered on the north by Arkansas, on the east by Mississippi, on the south by the Gulf of Mexico, and on the west by Texas. The geographic center of the states is in Avoyelles Parish.
The landscape of Louisiana is divided into three geographic land areas:
- East Gulf Coastal Plain : The region lying to the east of the Mississippi River is called the East Gulf Coastal Plain. The land is marshy and rises slightly in the north to rolling hills.
- Mississippi Alluvial Plain : Stretching along the Mississippi River from Arkansas in the north to the Gulf of Mexico in the south, the Mississippi Alluvial Plain consists of ridges and hollows. The Mississippi Delta lying at the mouth of the Mississippi River consists of silt deposited by the river and is the most fertile area of Louisiana.
- West Gulf Coastal Plain : The region towards the west of the Mississippi Alluvial Plain is known as the West Gulf Coastal Plain. The area towards the south, along the gulf, is composed of barrier beaches. The northern section comprises marshlands, known as the Louisiana Prairies. Driskill Mountain, the highest point in the state, lies just forty miles from the Arkansas state line.
Geographical Facts About Louisiana
| Area | 51,843 square miles |
| Land Area | 43,566 square miles |
| Water Area | 8,277 square miles |
| Mean Elevation | 30 meters |
| Highest Point | Driskill Mountain (163 meters) |
| Lowest Point | New Orleans (-2.1336 meters) |
| Geographic Center | Avoyelles Parish |
Climate of Louisiana :
Louisiana is characterized by a humid subtropical climate with long, hot, humid summers and short, mild winters. The highest temperature recorded in Louisiana is 46 °C; it was registered in Plain Dealing on August 10, 1936. The lowest temperature in the state -27°C, recorded on February 13, 1899 at Minden. There is occasional snowfall in the northern region of the state.
During summers, tropical storms, tornadoes, and hurricanes are frequent, especially along the coast. Tropical Storm Allison, the Audrey Hurricane, Hurricane Betsy, and Hurricane Andrew are some of the most devastating hurricanes that battered the state.
Mountains :
Louisiana has many high mountain peaks and summits. Driskill Mountain is the highest mountain peak in the state followed by Gentry Hill, and Jordan Mountain.
The other major mountain ranges in Louisiana include:
|
|
Riveddens Hill :
There are a number of rivers and other smaller streams in Louisiana.
The major rivers in the state are :
|
|
Lakes :
Constituting a natural system of navigable waterways in the state are the numerous lakes and reservoirs.
The major lakes are :
|
|
