Question

The cemetery in this photo is located in New Orleans, Louisiana. As in other cemeteries in the area, all the burial plots here are aboveground. Based on what you have learned in this chapter, suggest a reason for this rather unusual practice.

Short answer

Aboveground burials in New Orleans prevent issues with waterlogging and floating coffins due to the high water table.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Unique Feature

The burial plots in New Orleans cemeteries are aboveground, which is not the typical practice in many other regions where burials are traditionally underground.

Understand Regional Geography

New Orleans is situated below sea level and has a high water table. This geographic characteristic means that the ground is often saturated with water.

Connect Geography with Burial Practices

Due to the high water table, traditional underground burials can lead to caskets being pushed back to the surface or becoming waterlogged because the ground is too wet. This causes practical difficulties in maintaining graves underground.

Conclusion on Burial Style Adoption

To avoid these issues, aboveground burials are adopted to ensure that the burial sites remain undisturbed and intact. Structures like mausoleums are commonly used for this purpose.

Key concepts

New Orleans Geography

New Orleans is a city with a distinctive geographical identity. It is located in Louisiana, nestled on the banks of the Mississippi River, and it famously lies below sea level. This geographical factor brings a unique set of environmental challenges.
Flooding is a significant concern due to both the proximity to water bodies and the low elevation. The city's design, with its levee systems and drainage canals, testifies to the constant battle against water intrusion.
All these geographical aspects shape the city's infrastructure and daily life and play crucial roles in various local traditions and practices, including burial methods.

High Water Table

A high water table refers to a situation where the underground water level is close to the surface of the land. In regions like New Orleans, this is a common phenomenon.
Such a high water table is primarily due to the city's low elevation and the numerous bodies of water surrounding it. This means the soil can quickly become saturated, especially during heavy rains or flooding.
For residents, a high water table can complicate agriculture, construction, and other activities that rely on dry soil. This reality has a direct impact on burial practices in the area, necessitating adaptations for effective cemetery management.

Aboveground Burials

Aboveground burials in New Orleans are a direct result of the challenges posed by its geography. When the ground is frequently too wet, traditional underground burials are impractical.
The major issue lies in the possibility of waterlogging, where caskets may become submerged or even float back up to the surface. Such occurrences can cause distress for loved ones desiring secure and dignified resting places.
Aboveground burials provide a solution by using structures that ensure caskets remain dry and undisturbed. They are influenced by the geographical conditions and respect the cultural and religious sentiments of the community.

Mausoleums

Mausoleums are an architectural solution to the burial challenges in New Orleans. These are aboveground structures designed to house the deceased securely.
Typically resembling miniature buildings, mausoleums can protect against the region's high water table. They often feature intricate designs and serve both functional and aesthetic purposes.
Beyond practicality, mausoleums also reflect cultural values, offering a sense of dignity and permanence. They are common in New Orleans due to the necessity to adapt to environmental constraints while honoring tradition.

Impact of Geography on Human Activities

The geography of New Orleans profoundly influences human activities in the area. Residents must continuously adapt their way of life to the environment, from building elevated homes to designing effective flood defenses.
In terms of burial practices, the geographical constraints necessitate innovative solutions like aboveground burials. This adaptation ensures that cultural and religious practices continue despite environmental challenges.
Overall, the geographical backdrop of New Orleans shapes everything from daily routines to long-term urban planning, leaving a lasting impact on how life is lived and celebrated.