The lecture will discuss the dynamics of the Mississippi River, loss of wetlands, and increasing exposure to storm surge and river flooding that have influenced planning and politics for over two centuries in the Louisiana delta. The technical reasons for the failure of the levee system, including the mechanisms where breaches occurred and the foundation characteristics, will be presented. The consequences of the failures on the infrastructure of New Orleans and the Gulf of Mexico will also be discussed.

Everyone is welcome to come to this free open lecture, which will be held on Thursday 30 November 2006 at 5pm - Lecture Theatre 0 - Department of Engineering, Trumpington Street, Cambridge.