What's going on with geophysical fluid dynamics, geology, sediment flow, etc. and the freshwater diversion projects along the LA coast is another great example of "don't just stand there, do something!" good intentions.
The system is chaotic and nonlinear, the forces at work nearly impossible to model with high resolution, and the consequences of the "solutions" extend far beyond their cost to build and operate.
The scale, the geophysical fluid dynamics and geology, water quality and upstream sediment loads involved, and other economic considerations make this situation far more difficult to model accurately and implement with minimal consequences than our examples you referenced.
Great job helping those unfamiliar with that incredible ecosystem understand the issues at play.
Thanks, 'Mental. No project like mid-Barataria or mid-Breton will happen with minimal consequences. 75,000 cfs is a good-sized river. The outfall areas would change radically.
I love this topic and the essay. There is a lot of interweaving of this with my history. My great grandfather and grandfather worked for the Corp of Engineers. One was involved with Port Eads and keeping the river open, the other helped build Old River structure. I grew up in Morgan City (Acahafalaya). Spend time working, hunting and fishing in the various marshes connected by oil and gas. I love the dynamics of it all. Great read.
I did a ton of oil reclamation for some small refineries along the Atchafalaya Basin, and it seems the bureaucrats in Louisiana, in particular, get too mired up in politics and backslapping to really improve what is a very complex and ever-changing set of conditions. I lived in Kenner, LA in the early 1980s and dealt with many of those same problems. Let us hope the powers that be, corporate and governmental, can get their act together to make positive change.
Another topic that I know almost nothing about. Really informative and interesting. Another of many examples there are only trade offs not true solutions in many cases.
Great post, Trevor.
What's going on with geophysical fluid dynamics, geology, sediment flow, etc. and the freshwater diversion projects along the LA coast is another great example of "don't just stand there, do something!" good intentions.
The system is chaotic and nonlinear, the forces at work nearly impossible to model with high resolution, and the consequences of the "solutions" extend far beyond their cost to build and operate.
The scale, the geophysical fluid dynamics and geology, water quality and upstream sediment loads involved, and other economic considerations make this situation far more difficult to model accurately and implement with minimal consequences than our examples you referenced.
Great job helping those unfamiliar with that incredible ecosystem understand the issues at play.
👏👍👍
Thanks, 'Mental. No project like mid-Barataria or mid-Breton will happen with minimal consequences. 75,000 cfs is a good-sized river. The outfall areas would change radically.
Two early 70's song classics to start this post? I'm in!
https://youtu.be/YBXOOSEPGSU?si=72ERuBe7LTWCurmd
The story behind the music. Nice!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGs2iLoDUYE&list=RDMGs2iLoDUYE&start_radio=1 There is even a better one from Randy Newman. Check it out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEqiKpQte4c&list=RDMGs2iLoDUYE&index=2 If you want to understand the lyrics, don't listen to the guy who wrote it, listen to Aaron Neville sing it!
I had forgotten about this song. Thanks for reminding me. Here's something newer from "The Band of Heathens." Similar themes. Great vibe.
https://youtu.be/A8bRlF9bZws?si=ns6buIgLkN3qcPFh
I love this topic and the essay. There is a lot of interweaving of this with my history. My great grandfather and grandfather worked for the Corp of Engineers. One was involved with Port Eads and keeping the river open, the other helped build Old River structure. I grew up in Morgan City (Acahafalaya). Spend time working, hunting and fishing in the various marshes connected by oil and gas. I love the dynamics of it all. Great read.
Thanks Kevin!
I did a ton of oil reclamation for some small refineries along the Atchafalaya Basin, and it seems the bureaucrats in Louisiana, in particular, get too mired up in politics and backslapping to really improve what is a very complex and ever-changing set of conditions. I lived in Kenner, LA in the early 1980s and dealt with many of those same problems. Let us hope the powers that be, corporate and governmental, can get their act together to make positive change.
Amen.
Another topic that I know almost nothing about. Really informative and interesting. Another of many examples there are only trade offs not true solutions in many cases.
Another good essay Trevor! Enjoyed it!