MadSci Network: Environment
Query:

Re: Effect of flooding low places on sea level

Date: Tue Mar 9 12:51:58 2010
Posted By: Edward Hyer, Post-doc/Fellow, Aerosol Group, Marine Meteorology Division, Naval Research Lab
Area of science: Environment
ID: 1267017306.En
Message:

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!


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