Overview
The Mississippi River is the longest river system in the United States, and its waters flow through the states of Illinois, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee before it empties out into the Gulf of Mexico. For over a century, its waters have continually fed the nation’s economic activity, providing valuable resources for transportation, food, and energy. Despite its contributions, it is no secret that the Mississippi has also been victim to environmental destruction and a variety of human-made issues, but has the river ever run dry?
The Drought of 1988
In the late 1980s, the Mississippi River was hit with a severe drought that lasted for over a year – a drought that many experts cite as the closest it has ever come to running dry. Despite the lack of rain, the river’s water levels actually rose due to the increased flooding associated with the drought. This gave the false impression that the river wasn’t in as much trouble as it actually was. It wasn’t until the 1993 flooding season that the effects of the drought were truly felt and the river bed became completely exposed.
One of the most notable effects of the drought was the mass fish kill. With the water temperature rising to near boiling levels, the fish were unable to survive the drastic change in water temperature. This event was devastating to the local wildlife, and the river never truly recovered from the fish kill until over a decade later.
The Causes of the Drought
The events that led up to the 1988 drought began in the 1950s with a rapid increase in agriculture and urbanization in the states that the Mississippi runs through. This caused an increase in pollution and the alteration of the river’s water levels, leading to sediment build up and a decrease in the river’s natural flow. This, combined with the severe lack of rain, reduced the flow of the river from a healthy 8.6 million cubic feet per second to a mere 500,000 cubic feet per second – levels not seen since the drought of 1794.
The process of urbanization was further accelerated by the development of dams, which were used to control the amount of water that was flowing through the river and redirected it to irrigation systems. This disrupted the natural balance of the river and stripped away the natural flow that is needed to sustain a healthy ecosystem.
The Impact of the Drought
The drought of 1988 had a major impact on the ecosystems of the Mississippi River, as well as its many tributaries. Fish and amphibian populations plummeted, as many species like the American Shad could not survive in the high temperatures. Bird species were also affected, as their habitats along the shoreline became increasingly limited due to the high water levels from the flooding. Similarly, the native plants on the riverbanks were destroyed, leading to a disruption in the food chain as the smaller species of fish and birds could not find food.
In addition to the environmental impacts, the drought caused major damage to the local economy. Crop yields substantially decreased due to a lack of irrigation and water sources, leading to a sharp decrease in farm profits, which affected the entire state. The fishing, farming, and tourism industries were also hit hard, as the river’s popular attractions, such as historic sites and boat tours, were no longer available due to the dangerously high water levels.
Preventative Measures
In the wake of the 1988 drought, conservation groups, local organizations, and federal agencies have all taken steps in recent years to prevent a similar event from occurring. They have implemented stringent regulations on water usage, irrigation, and urban development, as well as increasing public awareness about the importance of water conservation. Additionally, a number of dam removal projects have been undertaken to restore the natural flow of the river, and new infrastructure has been put in place to help reduce the risk of flooding.
These efforts have largely been successful, as the Mississippi River has experienced much healthier water levels in recent years and the fish populations have been slowly rebounding. Though nature can never be completely controlled, these preventative measures have at least helped to protect the river from further damage, preserving its many resources and upholding its place in the nation’s consciousness.
The Role of Climate Change
The effects of climate change are impossible to ignore and the Mississippi River is no exception. Warmer temperatures have been resulting in more intense rainstorms, leading to increased flooding and the possibility of further droughts. Without proper environmental protection, there is a danger of more severe disruptions to the river’s ecosystem, similar to the 1988 drought.
It is therefore imperative that steps be taken to mitigate the effects of climate change and reduce the risk of further ecological damage. Public policy initiatives and a more sustainable approach to urbanization are necessary to ensure the river’s long-term viability and its many benefits to the people who inhabit its banks.
Environmental Restoration
Environmental restoration initiatives have been put in place in recent years in an effort to return the river to a healthy and sustainable state. These initiatives focus on improving water quality and restoring the river’s natural habitats and food sources. Conservation organizations are working to reintroduce species of fish and other animals that were lost due to the 1988 drought, and they are also working to restore the local flora and fauna on the banks of the Mississippi.
These restorative efforts have already had a positive impact on the river, as the fish populations have been steadily increasing, the bird populations are thriving, and the riverbanks are beginning to look more like they did before the drought.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 1888 drought is the closest that the Mississippi River ever came to running dry. The effects of this major ecological event still linger today, but with preventative measures and proactive restorative efforts, the future of the river appears promising.
