Chesapeake Bay Impact Crater - Effects On Local Rivers

Effects On Local Rivers

The continual slumping of the rubble within the crater has affected the flow of the rivers and shaped the Chesapeake Bay. The impact crater created a long-lasting topographic depression, which helped predetermine the course of local rivers and the eventual location of Chesapeake Bay. Most important for present-day inhabitants of the area, the impact disrupted aquifers. The present freshwater aquifers lie above a deep salty brine, making the entire lower Chesapeake Bay area susceptible to groundwater contamination.

The crater is also one factor contributing to the sinking of land near the Chesapeake Bay. For example, Hampton Roads is gradually sinking at a rate between 15 and 23 centimeters (5 and 7.5 inches) per century. This is occurring because of the slippage of the coast into the crater and groundwater removal, counteracting “isostatic rebound” of the crust of the earth from the weight of long absent glaciers.

Read more about this topic:  Chesapeake Bay Impact Crater

Famous quotes containing the words effects on, effects, local and/or rivers:

    Corporate America will likely be motivated to support child care when it can be shown to have positive effects on that which management is concerned about—recruitment, retention and productivity. Indeed, employers relate to child care as a way to provide growth fostering environments for young managers.
    Dana E. Friedman (20th century)

    I am fearful that the paper system ... will ruin the state. Its demoralizing effects are already seen and spoken of everywhere ... I therefore protest against receiving any of that trash.
    Andrew Jackson (1767–1845)

    Surely there must be some way to find a husband or, for that matter, merely an escort, without sacrificing one’s privacy, self-respect, and interior decorating scheme. For example, men could be imported from the developing countries, many parts of which are suffering from a man excess, at least in relation to local food supply.
    Barbara Ehrenreich (b. 1941)

    By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, then we remembered Zion.
    Bible: Hebrew Psalm CXXXVII (l. CXXXVII, 1)