I snagged the title from a HN submission (which I saw after the fact) because it's much better.
The Mississippi’s current is typically strong enough to prevent seawater from the Gulf of Mexico from moving upriver. But it’s a challenge that gets harder each year as global warming causes sea level in the Gulf to rise while coastal subsidence causes the riverbed to sink. The equilibrium broke down as the Midwest endured another exceptionally hot and dry year. Freshwater river levels fell, allowing the seawater to march upriver.
I snagged the title from a HN submission (which I saw after the fact) because it's much better.
The article focuses on a major impact to people: loss of drinkable water in new orleans Another issue is related to what I think shinihamis comment alluded to regarding stability. River deltas...
The article focuses on a major impact to people: loss of drinkable water in new orleans
Another issue is related to what I think shinihamis comment alluded to regarding stability. River deltas dont simply go from freshwater to salt water. In between are estuaries, which have middling salt levels. The species that live in these habitats arent necessarily adapted to both fresh and salt water, but rather the unique conditions of the estuary, and can be sensitive to the stresses of longterm changes. So, if this change becomes more permanent this may strain these species. They may not necessarily be able to move upstream, as there simply isnt the same land structure/area, because:
If you look at a river delta, they're often huge areas with lots of water channels and islets. This is because the river flowing out isnt just carrying fresh water but also dirt that forms deposits. This explains why the mississippi river delta sticks out so far, the river made the land. More land = more barriers from waves and storms. Sediment deposition and erosion are in a balance, so without enough sediment deposited (because there'snot enough freshwater to carry it), erosion will start to 'win' and wash away (or blow away) that land.
Note, my knowledge may be a little rusty but i feel pretty safe explaining that much :)
My understanding is the Mississippi Delta is important for environmental stability for the greater area. Unfortunately I don't know much more than that. I'm sure an ecologist/ marine biologist can...
My understanding is the Mississippi Delta is important for environmental stability for the greater area. Unfortunately I don't know much more than that.
I'm sure an ecologist/ marine biologist can explain in proper detail. My understanding is the "buffer" regions are important for chemical stability.
From this article that was linked, the total effects can't be totally speculated on. But, And, Once contaminated (and could be for months), it could be weeks or months more before fresh water...
From this article that was linked, the total effects can't be totally speculated on. But,
The worst of the saltwater intrusion isn’t expected to reach the city until late October. And the salty water could stick around for much longer, potentially corroding the city’s lead-lined pipes.
And,
Saltwater can also leach dangerous materials from old pipes, a serious concern in a city where many of the homes were built long before 1986, when lead piping was banned by Congress.
Once contaminated (and could be for months), it could be weeks or months more before fresh water returns, meaning they could be withoit clean, fresh, drinking water for a very long time.
I snagged the title from a HN submission (which I saw after the fact) because it's much better.
What are the implications behind this, beyond some coastal freshwater habitats likely being pushed further up the mouth of the river (maybe)?
The article focuses on a major impact to people: loss of drinkable water in new orleans
Another issue is related to what I think shinihamis comment alluded to regarding stability. River deltas dont simply go from freshwater to salt water. In between are estuaries, which have middling salt levels. The species that live in these habitats arent necessarily adapted to both fresh and salt water, but rather the unique conditions of the estuary, and can be sensitive to the stresses of longterm changes. So, if this change becomes more permanent this may strain these species. They may not necessarily be able to move upstream, as there simply isnt the same land structure/area, because:
If you look at a river delta, they're often huge areas with lots of water channels and islets. This is because the river flowing out isnt just carrying fresh water but also dirt that forms deposits. This explains why the mississippi river delta sticks out so far, the river made the land. More land = more barriers from waves and storms. Sediment deposition and erosion are in a balance, so without enough sediment deposited (because there'snot enough freshwater to carry it), erosion will start to 'win' and wash away (or blow away) that land.
Note, my knowledge may be a little rusty but i feel pretty safe explaining that much :)
My understanding is the Mississippi Delta is important for environmental stability for the greater area. Unfortunately I don't know much more than that.
I'm sure an ecologist/ marine biologist can explain in proper detail. My understanding is the "buffer" regions are important for chemical stability.
From this article that was linked, the total effects can't be totally speculated on. But,
And,
Once contaminated (and could be for months), it could be weeks or months more before fresh water returns, meaning they could be withoit clean, fresh, drinking water for a very long time.