List of U.S. states and territories by coastline

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

• Geography of the United States
• List of countries by coastline length
• Coastline paradox