List of U.S. states and territories by coastline

From WikiMD's medical encyclopedia

Coastal states

List of U.S. States and Territories by Coastline provides an overview of the total coastal lengths of U.S. states and territories that border the ocean, including the Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, and Gulf of Mexico. The coastline measurements are significant for various reasons, including economic (tourism, fishing, and shipping), environmental (conservation and management of coastal ecosystems), and defense considerations.

Definition of Coastline

The coastline paradox, as first noted by Lewis Fry Richardson, highlights the challenge in measuring the length of a coastline, which can vary significantly depending on the scale of measurement used. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provide official measurements, but their methodologies can differ, leading to variations in reported lengths.

States with the Longest Coastlines

Alaska has the longest coastline of any U.S. state, with a vast expanse of coastal area along the Pacific and Arctic Oceans. Following Alaska, states like Florida, California, and Texas have significant coastlines along the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico.

Territories with Coastlines

U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands, also boast considerable coastlines. These territories' coastlines are crucial for their economies, particularly for tourism and fishing industries.

Measurement Challenges

The measurement of coastlines involves complex methodologies that can result in different lengths for the same coastline. Factors such as the inclusion of offshore islands, estuaries, and the level of detail in measuring around bays and inlets can significantly affect the total coastline length.

Economic and Environmental Importance

The coastlines of the U.S. states and territories are vital for their economic contributions through industries such as tourism, fishing, and shipping. Environmentally, coastlines are critical habitats for a wide range of biodiversity and play a significant role in the ecological health of marine ecosystems.

List of U.S. States and Territories by Coastline

Below is a summary list of U.S. states and territories by their coastline lengths. Note that these figures can vary based on the source and methodology used for measurement.

1. Alaska 2. Florida 3. California 4. Hawaii 5. Texas 6. Louisiana 7. North Carolina 8. Maine 9. Virginia 10. Maryland ... (and so on for all coastal states and territories)

See Also


Stub icon
   This article is a  stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!



Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Transform your life with W8MD's budget GLP-1 injections from $125.

W8mdlogo.png
W8MD weight loss doctors team

W8MD offers a medical weight loss program to lose weight in Philadelphia. Our physician-supervised medical weight loss provides:

NYC weight loss doctor appointments

Start your NYC weight loss journey today at our NYC medical weight loss and Philadelphia medical weight loss clinics.

Linkedin_Shiny_Icon Facebook_Shiny_Icon YouTube_icon_(2011-2013) Google plus


Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD