What is the Mississippi River Crest?
The Mississippi River Crest is a condition in which the river reaches its peak level of water flow annually. The crest usually occurs in the summer or fall months and is of particular interest in places around the US. Mississippi River flooding is an important part of the country’s history as well as its modern-day economic, environmental and recreational activities.
What Factors Contribute to the Mississippi River Crest?
The level of the Mississippi River has been affected by a variety of factors over the years, including flooding, drought, human activities and large-scale climactic events. Heavy rain or snowfall can cause the river to overflow its banks, leading to flooding. Meanwhile, severe droughts can lead to extended dry periods, which can lower the river to its lowest levels in years. Additionally, human activities such as river engineering and pollution are also known to contribute to the spike in water level.
Dam Effects
The US Army Corps of Engineers uses a series of dams along the Mississippi River for flood control management and waterway navigation. These dams have had a positive impact on managing the river crest, as they can store large amounts of water and regulate the water level when it reaches its peak. In addition, the dams provide water for irrigation, hydropower, recreation, and transportation purposes.
Crest History and Data
The Mississippi River Crest has hit its highest levels in recorded history both in the southern US and beyond. In 1993, the river crested at 57.1 feet at St. Louis, Missouri, which was the highest recorded level until a record-breaking crest of 63.1 feet occurred in 2019. Additionally, a record crest of 54.19 feet occurred along the Mississippi’s mainstem in April of 2020 and a record crest of 52.61 feet occurred along the Ohio River upstream.
Environmental Effects
The Mississippi River Crest can have both positive and negative environmental effects. When the crest is low, it can create favourable conditions for fish and wildlife habitats, while when the crest is high, it can cause erosion and the displacement of wildlife. Additionally, the crest affects the aquatic ecosystems of tributaries and the Mississippi Delta, which is home to thousands of species including endangered species such as the whooping crane and the pallid sturgeon.
What is the Impact for People?
The impacts of the Mississippi River Crest extend to human populations as well. For example, during the 2019 flooding, thousands of people were affected in areas such as Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa and Missouri. In particular, low-income and rural households were at risk of displacement or displacement-related mental and physical health issues.
National Response
The federal government responded to the 2019 flooding with over $3.6 billion in aid, including loans for households and businesses who experienced flooding. In addition, the US Army Corps of Engineers operated lock and dam systems along the river to control the crest and provide flood control management.
Urban Development
Urban development along the Mississippi River has had both positive and negative impacts on the river crest. On one hand, urbanization has helped reduce flooding in areas around the river, while on the other, it has also caused water pollution and degradation of riparian habitats and aquatic species.
Public Opinion
Public opinion on the Mississippi River crest has been mixed. Some environmental and conservation groups have praised the government’s response to the flood, while others have criticized it as inadequate or misguided. Many scientists have advocated for further investment in data collection and flood control management, while others have raised questions about how the money is being allocated.
Water Management
Water management has become a major issue around the Mississippi River. Numerous plans and initiatives have been proposed to help manage the crest and reduce flooding, such as placing restrictions on development along the river, building levees and dikes, restoring wetlands, scheduling releases of floodwaters, and utilizing sediment-trapping mechanisms.
Environmental Education
Environmental education is an important part of understanding the impacts of the Mississippi River Crest. Knowing its history and contributing factors can help both individuals and communities take proactive steps in preparation for future floods, such as creating evacuation plans and ensuring the safety of vital infrastructure. Additionally, educating communities about the effects of the crest can help them make informed decisions about land use and conservation efforts.
Research and Development
In order to better manage the Mississippi River crest and make decisions about future flooding, research and development of data and technologies is needed. A number of universities and research centers have collaborated to this end, developing tools such as real-time data portals and flood monitoring systems that can help predict future crests and alert nearby communities of possible flooding.
Climate Change and the Crest
In recent years, climate change has become a major factor in determining the level of the Mississippi River crest. Rising temperatures have caused extreme precipitation events to become more frequent, resulting in larger and more severe floods along the river. It is estimated that by 2050, the Mississippi River Crest will be two feet higher on average than in 2000, posing a huge economic and environmental risk to those living around the river.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River Crest is an important event that has impacted individuals, communities and ecosystems in the US for centuries. While technology and engineering have helped reduce its impacts, the roclearly demonstrates the need for better flood control management, environmental education and research and development.
