Could Harvey Shift the Mississippi River Flow?
It has been the topic of considerable debate for years; can Hurricane Harvey, or any storm for that matter, significantly change the flow of the mighty Mississippi River? Could the amount of rain fall from such storms, cause the massive load of water to be diverted from it’s imagined path and course its way through a different part of the US?
Data compiled from past models and historical records can help inform experts on the potential answers and insight into these types of questions. In regards to Hurricane Harvey and the Louisiana area which it struck in the 2017 hurricane season, the data is clear.
To begin with, the amount of rainfall that Hurricane Harvey brought to the region was unprecedented. During the peak of the storm, meteorologists in the area recorded over 51 inches of rainfall in a five-day period over the small surrounding communities. In total, the entirety of the storm saw over 60 inches of rainfall spawned throughout the region, saturating the ground with it’s sheer abundance of water and wreaking havoc for those living in the storm’s path.
It stands to reason then, that the sheer amount of water that accumulated would need to be released, somehow deviating from it’s typical path yet, reaching where it did. Historians and experts have compared the potential effects that this could have had on the flow of the river and made their educated guesses.
Professor Zilah Wells, an expert in meteorology for the state of Louisiana, asserted, “What we have seen from analysis and historical data of Hurricanes that have caused rainfall of this magnitude is that, while the Mississippi River maintains the same flow rate, a vast majority of the excess water needs to be diverted somehow. Thus, when water floods certain portions of the area, this creates a ‘whirlpool effect’ that can actually force the Mississippi to shift the flow of the water eastward instead of South.”.
This evidence is clear and tells us, that although the flow rate of the Mississippi River can never be changed, potential hurricanes and tropical storms could cause the area to become flooded and the buildup of water could, in essence, cause the flow of the Mississippi to shift eastward while still maintaining the same volume of water.
A study conducted by the United States Geological Surveying documented the evidence and stated, “Based on our data, it is highly likely that excess water caused by such large storms can cause the river delta to burst northward and eastward away from the Mississippi due to the sheer amount of water that must be released. The area which houses the Old River is the likeliest to see this shift and while this phenomenon will not be long-lasting, the immense amount of water that accumulates and is released would temporarily shift the flow of the mighty river.”
Having a Long-Lasting Impact
As extensive and intensive hurricanes, such as Hurricane Harvey, become more and more frequent in the region due to climate change, the potential for massive flooding and the shifting of the river become more and more likely. These massive amounts of water can experience explosive spurts of water, given the sheer amount of available water in a short amount of time. This can have drastic impacts for people living downstream, as well for fish and animal populations.
In regards to cooling temperatures, the amount of water being released could instead cause a warming effect in some of the larger bodies of water. The temperature of the Mississippi continues to rise and this influx of water has only served to increase the temperature further. This makes the river less hospitable to some of the natural wildlife that exists in the area and can make them more prone to movements away from the river.
As the temperatures of both the river and the area around it heat up exponentially, the flood-prone areas to the east of the Mississppi can also be heavily impacted. Floods have become more and more common in the area sandwiched between the Mississippi and the Atchafalaya river leading to a potentially hazardous living environment for some of the area’s residents.
A research paper conducted by the Louisiana State University concluded that, “In light of the increase in flooding due to the tumultuous weather over the past several years and the shift in the flow of the Mississippi, certain parts of the river are becoming more heavily inundated with waters than what is typical. This can cause further destruction and also place human lives in greater danger due to the sheer amount of water that is being pooled into these areas.”
Foundation for Understanding
Given the scientific backing, it is clear that Hurricane Harvey and similar storms could, indeed, cause shifts in the flow of the Mississippi rivers due to the sheer amount of available water. Many of the communities located in the area are already prone to floods, given it being located between the two confluential rivers, and any sources of artificially generated water can cause destruction.
The increase in temperatures has similarly caused the river to warm, making it less hospitable for local wildlife and their natural functions. This could lead to a long-term destruction of aquatic creatures and fish in the area, leading to an imbalance of the eco-system and making the river less dangerous to life.
Given the facts, the potential shifting of the river and the risk of flooding due to a tremendous amount of water, caused by storms and hurricanes, is a valid statement. Although it will not change the long-term flow of the Mississippi, it is capable of temporarily redirecting it to areas east of the river, this shift can cause tremendous destruction and place many lives in jeopardy.
The Velocity and Intensity of the River
The behemoth that is the Mississippi River runs through the central region of the United States and it’s water levels have been reported to have varied significantly and quickly. The angle of the river is a crucial factor, with sharp turns being expected and the current’s speed being impacted by the existing region.
The Mississippi runs at an average speed of 1.4-1.6 meters per second yet, given recent flooding and potential hurricanes, this velocity has been changing drastically. At times, the river has been recorded to be running at an even higher speed of 3.45 m/s or faster, endangering some of the people who live along its course.
Additionally, the clay-like soil of the Mississippi Delta means that the soak up the water, making it less hospitable to some of the living creatures, such as fish and other aquatic life. Thus, the velocity of the river and the inhabitability of the area around it become two variables that can be heavily impacted by the force and power of hurricanes, such as Harvey.
Raising Awareness and Education
With the evidence posed, it is clear that storms, such as Harvey, can have extreme effects on the Mississippi River, although these effects are short-term in nature. However, their results can be felt for a much longer period of time, and the shifts in the river can render the area less hospitable for the creatures that inhabit it.
In order to combat the potential disasters that such storms can bring to the area, it is important to educate the people living on the banks of the Mississippi and Atchaflaya rivers on the potential risks that can come from an abundance of water. This will not only help alive those potentially in danger, but it will also help to create a better sense of stewardship and care for those living in, and around, the delta.
The importance of nature is incredibly crucial and it becomes all the more important when taking into consideration the livelihood of the hundreds of thousands of people that make up the community that revolves around the river. It is up to the people living along the banks of the Mississippi to become further educated on the potential risks and devastating effects that massive storms can have, in order to increase the chances of survival.
Intensification of the Storm’s Impact
Climate change has caused for more and more intense storms to rattle the area, leading to potential effects of the river shifting and increased flooding. This can be catastrophic for the region, given some of the inhabitants’ reliance on the river for their basic resources and livelihoods.
The acceleration of climate change has made some of these storms more and more intense, causing even higher accumulation of rainfall and additional strain placed on the river. This makes the likelihood of the river shifting higher and higher every year and it becomes increasingly important to understand the long-term effects that storms can cause and how to be better prepared for them.
The speed of the Mississippi can also vary greatly, depending on the various turns and twists that the river takes. The velocity of the current can become quite high at times, endangering some of the people and animals that lie near its path. In addition, the clay-like soil of the Delta can make it more difficult for the water to be released and can ultimately lead to the build-up of dangerous levels of water which could end in catastrophic levels of flooding for the area.
Mitigation and Preparation
Given these facts, it is clear that mitigation efforts must be made. To begin with, people who live in the area must be better informed on the potential risks that heavy rainfall and storms can bring, becoming more well-versed in the potential dangers they can see and the various precautions they can take.
In addition, it is important to understand the impact that a shift in the river’s course can cause. The sheer amount of water that accompanied Hurricanes Harvey and the like, make it incredibly likely for the flow of the river to be temporarily shifted, leading to a potentially hazardous surrounding environment for some of the area’s inhabitants.
Likewise, measures also need to be taken in order to protect the homes, businesses, and people located downstream from the Mississippi and Atchaflaya rivers. The combination of the two mighty rivers can lead to an exponential amount of flooding, endangering all four surrounding counties. The protection for these areas is imperative, whether it means reinforcing another barrier or even an evacuation.
With the sheer amount of water that can come from these storms, it is important to be prepared and, potentially, to begin to mitigate some of the risks that can be seen in the wake of such storms. With the Mississippi flowing, it is up to the communities on the river to become aware of the degree to which the water shifts and how it might impact the lives of those living there.
