LONESOME HISTORIC SITE

2006 TN-96  •  Burns, TN 37029  •  206-953-2766

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Science Station 13: Flooding

Lonesome has experienced flooding from time to time. There are positive and negatives effects of the flooding in this area. Lonesome lost its springhouse and one of its witness trees due to recent flooding. Flooding helps spread organic material, nutrients, and sediments which enrich the soils. They also replenish groundwater and spur life processes such as bird breeding, migration, and seed dispersal. Good soil moisture can allow crops and pastures to be established. Floods are a natural occurrence that also can cause widespread devastation. Raging flood waters can often wash away farms, crops, and even homes. As a result of the raging waters where everything gets washed away by the creeks, the creek itself is bound to get somewhat polluted in the process. These pollutants can come from miles and miles away.