The Mississippi River is one of the most iconic symbols of the United States, winding wide and mighty past major cities, tributaries and marshes, and all the way down to the Gulf of Mexico. Its path and route are constantly changing, due to a variety of factors, both manmade and natural. Learning more about how the Mississippi River changes course is important for understanding more about this ecosystem and its potential impact on our environment and landscape.
Geological Processes
Geological processes, such as erosion and sedimentation, heavily influence changes in the Mississippi River. Erosion is the natural removal of land, usually through the water flow of a river. When erosion occurs, the river can gain strength and can develop new channels, altering its course. Sedimentation, on the other hand, is the deposition of sediment along the river’s banks, which can result in an increase in the water’s depth and width. As it creates new channels, the river also alters its route, changing where it travels and how it interacts with its surroundings.
Human Impacts
Humans also impact the course of the Mississippi River through dam-building, land development, and deforestation. As rivers flow, they follow the shortest course and the least resistance. This can mean that a human-built dam can cause rivers to divert and reroute. Additionally, when humans develop land and pave streets, they create additional sources of water runoff, which can increase erosion in the environment and lead to channel shifts for the river. Deforestation and agriculture can also have an impact on the course of the river by eliminating plants near the river’s banks, which can reduce the amount of sediment that is held back by those plants.
Floods and Storms
The Mississippi River changes course due to flooding and storms as well. During heavy rains, water from the Mississippi can overfill its banks and overflow into nearby creeks or streams, which can temporarily divert the river’s course. Additionally, severe storms, such as hurricanes and tornadoes, can cause severe flooding in certain areas of the Mississippi, forcing the river to take a new route.
Global Warming
Finally, global warming is having a major impact on the course of the Mississippi River. Warmer temperatures mean that more water is evaporating from the river and its tributaries, which can lead to a decrease in the water level. This decrease can cause the river to become shallower and cause changes in the sediment patterns. Additionally, warmer temperatures also lead to more frequent and intense storms, which can lead to further erosion and channel changes.
Regulation
Despite the changes caused by natural and human-made factors, the Mississippi River is highly regulated by a number of organizations. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, for instance, is responsible for managing the river’s course. The Corps has authority to dredge or build dikes or levees in order to control water levels and prevent flooding. These efforts can help to minimize the impact of natural factors and human impacts on the Mississippi River and its course.
Responsibilities
It’s clear that the course of the Mississippi River is constantly changing due to natural and human factors. As more of the environment changes, it is important for us to continue to monitor the river and its course and be aware of its potential impacts on our environment and landscapes. By becoming more informed about the Mississippi River and its changing course, we can help protect this important waterway and its ecosystem.
Laws and Regulations
The course of the Mississippi River has been regulated by local, state, and federal laws and regulations for many years. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been managing the river’s course since 1824, when President James Monroe authorized the Corps to begin constructing levees and other infrastructures along the river. This work is necessary to protect the nearby communities, as well as the river itself, from the flooding, erosion, and course changes that would otherwise occur.
Impacts
The course of the Mississippi River can have major implications for both the environment and the local economy. Because of its role in providing transportation for goods and services, changes in the Mississippi’s course can affect local businesses and industries, as well as the people who rely on the river. Additionally, changes in the river’s course and flow can have an impact on the habitat of animals and plants that live in or near the river.
Future
It is uncertain what the future holds for the course of the Mississippi River, but it is clear that it is changing more rapidly now than ever before due to global warming, increased development, and other human activity. In order to protect this important waterway, it is essential that people become aware of how these changes may affect the environment and the local economy. By doing so, we can help ensure the health and longevity of the Mississippi River and its course for many generations to come.
