MadSci Network: Environment |
Ken,
Not much effect: the areas involved are just too small. Here is a breakdown of the depressions available, note the size of each compared with the nearest body of water: http://geology.com/below-sea-level/
Sea water is salty and allowing it to travel inland is generally considered catastrophic, because the salt will contaminate local soil and groundwater.
A fascinating case study for what you are talking about is the Salton Sea, which was created by accident during a canal-diversion project in Southern California. Here is a worthwhile National Geographic article about the Salton Sea: http://ngm.nationalgeo graphic.com/ngm/0502/feature5/fulltext.html
Thanks for your question!
Try the links in the MadSci Library for more information on Environment .