Open to Gulf of Mexico to the east, Lake Borgne, the Intercoastal Waterway and the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet form an unnatural funnel capable amplifying coastal surge and directing it into the heart of the city. Click the Satellite button to see this configuration for yourself. Levees along the Gulf Intercoastal Waterway to the north and MrGo to the southwest not only strengthen the funnel but are killing the marsh by denying freshwater.

LSU Hurricane Center studies showed Katrina's 11 foot surge moving at 2 feet per second was amplified to 15.5 feet moving at 7.5 feet per second when it crashed into the Industrial Canal on August 29'th.