It is also being measured for a comparison against the 1978 data to determine if they're collecting sediment. T he recent 1996 data was collected in much the same way as the data that was taken on the oxbows in 1978. The results of each year's data was then compared. The project that took place in 1978 was inconclusive as to whether or not sedimentation had formed in the oxbows of the river because the researchers, had nothing to compare their data with. The 1978 data was collected so that the Florida Water Management District could monitor the water flow of the oxbows.
T here are many things that are questionable about the future study of the oxbows.
T his project was selected because of interest in the Caloosahatchee River. The beauty and environmental impact of the oxbows also played an important role in the selection of this project. The idea of working in the oxbows came from attending the Caloosahatchee River Forum Meetings. He is assisting in the project from its beginning to its completion. T he river originally began as a waterfall that at one time fell into the river from its source at Lake Flirt.