Chaos Theory created fractals, but the Mississippi River created this (click the Satellite button for all the details). The fascinating geometry at the mouth of the river is unique. 275 years of flood prevention levees and 50 of oil field exploration and inland coastal navigation have transformed the Mississippi Delta into a Mandelbrot pattern. Silt that used to build and restore the coastal marshes now pours over the edge of the continental shelf. Fragile wetlands, denied the restorative silt, are subject to erosion and are receding rapidly.

The river with its levees intact extends like a snake into the Gulf of Mexico while its surrounding wetlands sink silently under water.

The white buildings on the west bank were Venice, LA. I haven't heard much about Venice lately. If coastal restoration efforts ultimately mandate removal of the levees below the city you won't hear much about it in the future.