History of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is one of the largest and most powerful rivers in the United States. It spans over 2,000 miles, originating in Lake Itasca in Minnesota and running along the borders of Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas before joining the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana. Throughout its journey it serves as a major transportation route and a major source of water for agriculture and industry.
Evidence suggests humans have been using the river for centuries, with some artifacts dating back over 4000 years. Some of the first Europeans to the region documented their travels in the area, making note of the powerful and strategic importance of the river. In the 18th century, the Mississippi River was the focus of the Louisiana Purchase, opening up the area for settlement and commerce by the United States.
The early settlers in the region relied heavily on the Mississippi River for transportation, irrigation, and supply of food. This reliance created an economy based around the river which continues to this day. For these reasons, the Mississippi River has become a major symbol of American liveliness, culture and industry.
Did the Mississippi River ever Run Backwards?
Although the Mississippi River is one of the most powerful rivers in the world, there have been cases when the waters have reversed. This phenomenon is called a “backwater”, and it is most commonly caused by heavy rains or floods. In 1937, the worst flood on record happened throughout the Mississippi basin and beyond, causing the river to create a backwater for about 200 miles- going upstream for a short period of time.
When a backwater does occur, the exact procedures vary from instance to instance. Generally speaking, the flow of the river will slow as it approaches a bottleneck such a narrow channel or an obstruction. Then, the river builds up at its headwaters, forming a lake. This lake travels upstream until its waters are either spilled over the banks or divert into the main branch of the river, reversing the flow.
Backwaters have also been caused by man-made obstructions such as dams and levees. In 1865, a levee collapse on the mouth of the White River allowed the Mississippi to push back up the White and form a backwater that took over several counties. In 2011, a levee failure near Birds Point, Missouri caused the Mississippi to threaten the nearby towns and reverse its flow.
Effects of the Backwater
Backwaters can have devastating effects on the area surrounding the river. Not only can locals see an increase in flooding and wall of water coming towards them, but these backwaters can also raise water levels for miles upstream. This type of sudden rise in water can be disastrous, leading to serious property damage, displacement of wildlife, and even cause effects on local economies.
In addition to the physical damage, there is also the potential for contamination. As the backwater travels upstream, pollutants from the lower areas are brought with it. The contamination of water can lead to significant health and economic impacts in addition to the physical damages.
Prevention of Backwater
Experts have come up with several ways to prevent backwaters from occurring in the Mississippi River. These include building levees and dams, as well as employing tactics such as floodplain zoning and flood proofing of existing development. Developing a system of levees, dams and other structures that can control the flow of water has been a successful method of keeping backwaters in check.
On top of structural prevention, it is important for people to be proactive about protecting the environment surrounding the Mississippi River. This includes reducing contamination and littering, preserving wetlands and species, and limiting development in flood prone areas.
Controls on the Mississippi
The main form of regulation on the Mississippi is the Army Corps of Engineers, who are responsible for all aspects of the river’s regulation. This includes controlling the flow with levees, dams and other structures, monitoring water levels, forecasting floods, and conducting research on the environment of the river.
The Corps works in conjunction with other organizations to protect and monitor the river. This includes local, state and federal agencies as well as numerous conservation and environmental groups. Through a collaborative effort, these groups can share data and best practices in order to ensure the health of the river.
Conclusion
Backwaters in the Mississippi river can cause significant damage to the local environment and economy. Although it is not possible to completely eliminate the threat of backwaters, it is possible to reduce their potential impact. Through levees, dams and other structures, as well as environmental and conservation efforts, it is possible to keep the Mississippi running forward.
