Even though areas to the north and south of campus may have flooding issues, St. Thomas students have nothing to worry about, Thomas Hickson, associate professor of geology, said.

Hickson said the location near the bluffs keeps St. Thomas safe from high-risk flooding areas.

“I think it’s one of the reasons we don’t really think about it very much because we’re pretty distant from it just because we happen to have a canyon here,” Hickson said.

Sophomore Molly Schroeder said she likes having the Mississippi River close for a place to relax and exercise.

“I have been to the beach across to the river and I have noticed that that’s getting a lot smaller because of the flooding,” Schroeder said, “I can see the effects but it’s not as noticeable on the St. Thomas side.”

Flooding is a natural part of the river’s system and is essential to replenishing the nutrients along its banks. Hickson said students won’t see effects by the time flooding rolls around, but it may have an impact in the future.

“Where they’ll be impacted is in the price of corn down the road. Or in the price of some commodities that can’t be shipped effectively,” Hickson said. “Or their flood insurance when they go to buy a house.”

Baihly Warfield can be reached at warf3860@stthomas.edu.