Background Information
The Mississippi River is one of the most iconic rivers in the United States, playing an enormous role in various aspects of the country, such as culture, economy, history and ecology – just to name a few. Over time, the river has slowly been deteriorating due to the effects of erosion. Erosion is the act of the surface of the Earth being worn away by the elements, such as wind, water, and glaciers. So, how does erosion affect the Mississippi River?
What is Erosion?
Erosion occurs when water, wind or another erosive force wears away or removes rock and soil. It can also happen when ice or glaciers move over the land. In addition, it can be caused by animal or human activities, such as plowing or even construction. In the case of the Mississippi River, erosion is caused by numerous factors, such as flooding, which can lead to soil being washed away or eroded by the river’s current.
How Does it Affect the Mississippi River?
The most common way erosion affects the Mississippi River is by causing the formation of oxbow lakes. Oxbow lakes are crescent-shaped lakes that form when a section of a river is cut off from the main channel, due to the erosion of the river banks. This can lead to flooding in certain areas, as the water has nowhere else to go. Consequently, it causes oxbow lakes to form, which means vegetation, fish and other aquatic ecosystem inhabitants becomes increasingly scarce.
In addition, flooding can also lead to damage to infrastructure, such as bridges, buildings and roads. Furthermore, it can cause the displacement of populations, leading to economic and social consequences. Moreover, erosion can also have an impact on the river’s course, by causing the river to shift, sometimes drastically. When this happens, it can lead to the river flooding a wider area, as the flow and water levels change.
How Can it Be Prevented?
Erosion can be prevented by implementing various tactics and initiatives. For example, by having better land management and introducing practices such as erosion control, the risk of the river eroding the land around it can be reduced significantly. Additionally, employing different restoration techniques such as bioengineering, in order to slow down the erosion process, is also effective.
In addition, sustainable farming and forestry practices can help reduce the amount of soil that is washed away with sediment. Planting trees close to rivers and streams can also help, as this can reduce the amount of water that enters the river and therefore the erosion can be slowed down. Finally, restoring and introducing wetland habitats close to the river, help to act as a buffer, by slowing the river’s current and reducing its erosive force.
Conclusion
Erosion affects the Mississippi River in many ways, and can lead to flooding and damage to infrastructure. However, these effects can be managed and prevented through the implementation of various initiatives and tactics, such as land management, erosion control, restoration techniques and by introducing new wetland habitats near the river.
Economic Impact
Although erosion of the Mississippi River can lead to devastating effects on the environment, it can also have serious implications on the economy. This can include the increased costs of rebuilding destroyed infrastructure and repairing roads. In addition, the displacement of populations due to flooding can lead to a decrease in local businesses and lower tourist numbers. Additionally, erosion can lead to the Mississippi River widening, which decreases the amount of land available for farming and other activities.
Environmental Impact
Erosion of the Mississippi River can lead to an huge decline in the river’s biodiversity. The increase in sediment and the decrease in available habitats can mean that species that depend on the river for their survival are driven out. Consequently, the amount of wildlife in the area and the overall water quality decreases significantly. Moreover, contaminants from the riverbank may enter the river and contaminate the drinking water and food sources of the wildlife in the area.
Consumer Impact
The erosion of the Mississippi River also has an impact on consumers. For instance, the issuing of a flood warning due to the increased risk of flooding can lead to a decrease in people’s confidence in the area, decreasing the number of people willing to pay money to travel and visit the area. Furthermore, the increases in sediment can cause a decrease in the quality of water, meaning that people may have to pay more money for clean drinking water and it may also mean that people are unable to use the water for certain activities such as fishing and swimming.
Actions Taken by Organisations
Various organisations and government bodies have taken action in order to combat the erosion of the Mississippi River. Numerous initiatives have been implemented, such as introducing conservation practices, implementing wetland restoration and monitoring the river’s condition. In addition, government and non-profit organisations have implemented initiatives such as the Mississippi River Revival Project, a program that encourages members of the public to join in on activities to help restore the river’s ecosystems and habitats.
