Question

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

Short answer

Above-ground burials in New Orleans prevent graves from flooding due to the high water table and low elevation of the area.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Geography

New Orleans is situated near the Gulf of Mexico and is largely below sea level. This geographical aspect influences the burial practices in the region.

Explaining the Water Table

The water table in New Orleans is quite high due to its location below sea level. This means that groundwater is close to the land surface, which affects underground burials.

Necessity for Above-Ground Burials

Because of the high water table, digging graves for underground burials can lead to them flooding or water seeping in, which isn't suitable for preserving graves.

Historical and Practical Solution

Above-ground burials provide a practical and historical solution to the issue of water and soil instability. They protect the deceased from water damage and ensure the structural integrity of burial sites.

Key concepts

High Water Table

New Orleans is a fascinating city with a unique geographic situation. It is located just north of the Gulf of Mexico and is also largely below sea level. This positioning leads to a critical aspect of its geography known as the high water table. A water table is essentially the boundary under the earth where groundwater saturates the soil completely.
Given that New Orleans is below sea level, the groundwater sits notably close to the surface. This presents challenges, especially when it comes to construction and burial practices, since digging too deep can cause water to seep up into excavation sites.
This natural high water table makes traditional underground burial practices impractical in New Orleans, as the likelihood of flooding is high. Instead, residents have adapted to these geographical challenges with special methods that reflect a deep understanding of their environment.

Above-Ground Burials

Given the high water table, New Orleans residents have developed a distinctive approach to burial practices. Above-ground burials are the preferred method in this region, a practice influenced significantly by the consistent geographical challenge.
When graves are placed above the ground, they are less prone to the damaging effects of water seepage. This method also ensures that the coffins are minimally affected by the moist earth, thus preserving the dignity of the deceased.

• Protection from flooding - By keeping the graves above ground, they remain dry even during heavy rainfalls or hurricanes.
• Historical significance - Above-ground burial vaults are now part of the architectural charm and cultural identity of New Orleans.
• Environmental adaptation - It showcases adaptations to the local environment over the centuries by making the best use of elevated burial arcs.

Thus, above-ground burials serve both practical and historic functions in the city.

Gulf of Mexico

New Orleans' proximity to the Gulf of Mexico adds a dynamic element to its already intriguing geography. As a body of water that influences the climate and water table of the region, it plays a significant role in shaping how New Orleans addresses its environmental challenges.
The Gulf contributes to the general moisture and higher water tables in the region. Regular storms and high tides connected to the Gulf can also exacerbate flooding issues. These factors necessitate adaptations in various sectors including housing, construction, and notably, burial processes.

• Moisture Influence - The Gulf brings humidity, impacting both the environment and the need for practical infrastructure solutions, such as elevating homes and roadways.
• Climatic Impact - Severe weather from the Gulf frequently tests the resilience of city planning and its adherence to regional challenges.

Understanding the Gulf of Mexico's impact conveys why above-ground solutions are adopted not just for burials, but as a broader lifestyle adaptation in New Orleans.