Researchers study Everglades’ past water levels

Everglades National Park along the main road to Flamingo (Credit: Moni3, via Wikimedia Commons)

Archaeologists from the University of Tennessee are studying changes in The Everglades’ water levels, according to a release. Their efforts are part of work to assess environmental impacts of the Everglades Restoration Transition Plan.

The researchers will look at past and present levels by analyzing sediment cores and material collected on archaeological digs. They will also consider the relationship between prehistoric peoples and the landscape by looking at pottery, shell objects and wooden artifacts.

Results of the work will be important to population centers along the Atlantic seaboard, researchers say. This is because a minor rise in that region’s sea level can result in large floods.

The University of Tennessee has received more than $175,000 from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to support the study.

 Image: Everglades National Park along the main road to Flamingo (Credit: Moni3, via Wikimedia Commons)