The Improbable Benefactors of Queensland's Floods

In the midst of Australia's recent flooding, local mangroves may be the silver lining following December's heavy rainfall, which left three-quarters of Queensland labeled as a “disaster zone.”

According to University of Queensland's Catherine Lovelock, who led a team to record the growth of Mangroves following the flooding from cyclone Pancho in 2008, the nitrogen and phosphorous-rich flood waters actually fertilize the Mangroves, allowing growth of up to twice the average rate. 

Lovelock has already observed sediment accumulation in Queensland's bay similar to that in 2008, and believes it to be an indication of the growth spurt soon to follow- hopefully a sign of Australia's growing recovery.