Brakenridge's team uses this principle to discern flooded land from the dry land. The researchers then plot the outline of flooded areas in the image onto a map. The maps are very accurate. The precision of the maps encourages other scientists to incorporate them into their research. Jacobson said he and other USGS scientists are trying to better understand how to restore the environment of large rivers and their floodplains.
Floodplains are often fertile because of the sediment deposited there by previous floods.
Many types of fish spawn in slow-moving, shallow water habitats. In general, these habitats are created when a river overflows its banks during the spring and summer months. However, over the past century levees and embankments have been built all along many of America's larger rivers, cordoning off many valuable habitats. By observing flooded areas of the Missouri River that no longer have levees, Jacobson and his team are able to measure when, where, and how this habitat is created on natural floodplains. The information could give the USGS insights on ways to rehabilitate areas in and along these large rivers.