When the Mississippi River dried up for a historic 41-day period in 1988, it created an economic, recreational, and environmental crisis for much of the Southern United States. The event highlighted the extent to which the Mississippi was susceptible to drought, and its dependence on rainfall, snowmelt and water diverted from other parts of the continent. While the specific event has since faded from memory, drought continues to be a persistent threat to the Mississippi and its tributaries.
The drought began in the first weeks of 1988, when the Mississippi River received much less water than anticipated due to a dry spring. By May, the river had dropped to its lowest levels in over a century, and the water levels in several sections of the river were so low, they grounded to a halt on multiple occasions. The long-term impacts of the drought were wide-ranging and troubling. Agricultural, shipping and tourism industries were crippled by the low water levels. Many parts of the river became too shallow or still for boating, fishing, and swimming. Hundreds of thousands of acres of crops, mostly in the Midwest and South, were destroyed. The drought left the Mississippi more vulnerable than ever to future droughts and extreme weather events.
Thomas Tunstall, a professor of water law and hydrology at the University of Mississippi, believes that the drought of 1988 served as a wake-up call for the rest of the country. “It sent shock-waves throughout the region and encouraged us to think about the future of the Mississippi River and its importance to the economy,” he said. He believes that this event and subsequent droughts in the late 90s and early 2000s highlighted the need for better water management and conservation, something that has become even more pressing in the face of climate change.
To mitigate the effects of drought, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has developed numerous programs and initiatives, such as dam and reservoir construction, canal navigations, and flood protection efforts. These projects, while controversial, are essential for the long-term health of the Mississippi River and its tributaries. Additionally, the Army Corps has encouraged citizens to do their part, through water conservation and responsible recreational activities.
As water resources become even more scarce and unpredictable, it is essential that we take further steps to protect and preserve the Mississippi River and its tributaries. Climate change will only exacerbate existing problems, and the future of the river’s ecosystems, economy and culture are uncertain. The importance of the river to communities throughout the region cannot be overstated, and its protection should be a top priority for all citizens.
The Impact of the Drought on Tourism
The impact of the drought on the Mississippi River and its tributaries was felt most acutely by local businesses, particularly those that relied on tourism. As the water levels dropped, the recreational activities that tourists flocked to the region for—fishing, boating, and swimming—were made impossible. In some areas, it was nearly impossible to tell where the banks of the river were, and this had a devastating impact on tourist towns.
This in turn had a domino effect on local economy, as tourism dollars dried up along with the river. Local businesses closed, unemployment rates skyrocketed, and communities were left wondering if they would ever recover. This was part of a larger issue, as the river’s economic contributions to the region—shipping of goods, flood protection, etc.—were also hampered by the depleted water levels.
These impacts have been severe, and not to be taken lightly. Local businesses are struggling to cope with the effects of the drought, and it is essential that those in positions of power take the necessary steps to protect the Mississippi River and its tributaries from the threat of future droughts.
The Long-Term Effects of the Drought
The long-term effects of the 1988 drought on the Mississippi River are still being felt today. The low water levels of the river opened up numerous ecological problems, with waterborne chemicals being detected years later, and wetlands destroyed by erosion.
The drought also highlighted the importance of protecting the river from other external threats, such as pollution, overfishing, and invasive species. In many areas, the river had become so over fished, that the fish populations have yet to return to normal. Additionally, certain areas of the river have been contaminated with heavy metals and other pollutants, leading to algal blooms and other poisonous conditions.
It is clear that the 1988 drought has had far-reaching impacts on the Mississippi River and its tributaries, and it is essential that we take steps to protect the river in the future. We must address the ecological, economic, and recreational challenges facing the river, and ensure that the river is able to provide the resources that local communities depend on.
The Effects of Climate Change on the Mississippi River
As the world continues to face the effects of climate change, one of the areas that has been particularly vulnerable to its impacts is the Mississippi River. Rising temperatures, increased evaporation, and changing precipitation patterns all pose a threat to the river, and have already been linked to record-breaking drought events.
These droughts have had severe impacts on the river, with experts noting that these extreme events will become more common and severe as global temperatures continue to increase. In fact, some experts believe that the Mississippi River could become totally dry in as little as 30 years due to prolonged droughts as a result of climate change.
Climate change therefore presents a serious threat to the future of the Mississippi River, and this cannot be ignored. It is essential that we take steps to mitigate the effects of climate change, and reduce the likelihood of extreme drought events. This can be accomplished through a combination of long-term water management, conservation efforts, and technological advancements.
Water Resources Management
In order to ensure the health of the Mississippi River, it is essential that we utilize water resources management as part of a larger effort to mitigate the effects of drought and climate change. By carefully monitoring and managing water resources, including dams and reservoirs, canals, and flood control structures, we can help to ensure that the river is able to better withstand future droughts and extreme weather events.
Additionally, it is important to increase awareness of, and investment in, water conservation efforts. To this end, it is important that citizens do their part by being mindful of their water consumption and utilizing water-saving methods, such as collecting rainwater for reuse. These efforts, along with better water management and technological advancements, can go a long way in protecting the Mississippi from the threat of drought.
Conclusion
The 1988 drought of the Mississippi River serves as a vivid reminder of the importance of water management and conservation. As climate change continues to pose a threat to the future of the river, we must take steps to protect the river and its tributaries. Through careful planning, grassroots efforts, and technological advancements, we can help to ensure that the Mississippi remains an economic, environmental, and recreational resource for generations to come.
