Background
The Mississippi River is the second-longest river in the United States. It flows through 10 states, including Arkansas, Illinois, Louisiana, Missouri, and Mississippi. The Mississippi is a tributary of the Gulf of Mexico and is renowned for its diverse ecosystem. Unfortunately, its annual floods can wreak havoc on the surrounding areas. Floods can take away homes, land, and even ruin economies along its path. Knowing when and why the Mississippi River is at flood stage is essential to help local communities prepare.
Causes of Flooding
The Mississippi River has been the site of floods since long before the arrival of European settlers. Natural disasters such as heavy rains and melting snow increase the amount of freshwater in the river, which then leads to flooding. Human activities, such as farming and development in flood plains, can increase the risk of flooding. As buildings and roads occupy land that used to be dry, the water has less room to expand, causing it to back up and flood.
It can take days, or even weeks, for flood waters to recede. During that time, the river can remain at or near its peak flood stage for significant periods of time. The peak flood stage is the point at which the water reaches its highest point before receding. The longer the river remains at its peak flood stage, the more severe the flooding will be.
Historical Frequency of Floods
Floods have been a regular occurrence on the Mississippi River for centuries. The floods of 1927 and 1973, in particular, caused major damage to communities and ecosystems. In 1927, a seven-month-long flood destroyed thousands of acres of farmland and caused major damage to levees, bridges, and highways. In 1973, nearly the entire father of the Mississippi River was flooded, causing over 500 million in damages.
Since 1973, the population living along the river has grown, leading to greater risks of flooding. In 2020, flooding caused by spring and summer rains left several communities on the river underwater. As the climate continues to change due to global warming, floods are expected to become more frequent and intense.
Flood Preparation and Response
Knowing how long the Mississippi River has been at flood stage is important for local officials to be able to prepare and respond. The National Weather Service monitors the river, continuously providing updates and predictions about the river’s levels. Local governments rely on the National Weather Service’s data when determining when, and how, to begin preparations for flooding.
Local governments can take steps to mitigate the potential damage and financial losses caused by flooding. Building levees and flood walls, creating flood zones, and implementing other flood preparedness measures are important steps towards reducing the risk of flooding. Governments can also provide support and assistance to people who are affected by flooding, such as providing resources to rebuild.
Strategies Against Mississippi River Flood
Various strategies have been implemented to better regulate the flooding of the Mississippi River. Two major strategies are the Mississippi River and Tributaries (MR&T) project and Comprehensive Basin-wide Management (CBWM). The MR&T project was constructed in the 1930s and consists of a system of levees, floodways, and dams, all of which work together to reduce the risk of flooding along the Mississippi River. The CBWM was developed in the 1990s and is designed to share the responsibility of managing the river and its tributaries among those states that are affected.
These two strategies have been effective in reducing the risk of floods in the Mississippi River, however, continued efforts and investments are necessary. The infrastructure put in place is aging and requires maintenance and repairs in order to remain effective. As with any natural disaster, there is no way to completely prevent flooding, but these strategies can reduce the potential damage and make communities better prepared for potential floods.
Technologies for Flood Control
Technologies have been used to help mitigate the effects of flooding on the Mississippi River. Remote sensing satellites are used to monitor the river’s levels, while the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite system (GOES) is used to provide real-time measurements of the river’s stage. This information is used to help predict the river’s flooding potential and prepare communities in the path of the flooding.
In addition to remote sensing, other technologies have been developed to reduce the severity of flooding on the river. Levees, flood walls, and dams are used to deflect water away from populated areas. Dams are also used to store excess water and slow the flow of the river. While these strategies can help reduce flooding, they remain expensive and difficult to maintain.
Practices to Promote Soil Conservation
Soil conservation is an important method of reducing the risks of flooding in the Mississippi River. Soil conservation involves protecting and preserving the quality of the soil in the floodplain. This can be accomplished through comprehensive land management techniques such as planting vegetation, building fences, and preventing overgrazing. These techniques can help to reduce the risk of soil erosion and loss of vegetation in the floodplain, which can result in less severe flooding.
In addition to land management techniques, practices such as cover crops, crop rotation, and terracing are important in helping to reduce the risk of flooding. Cover crops can help to absorb excess water, while crop rotation and terracing can help to make sure that the land is able to better resist water from floods. All of these practices can help to reduce the severity of flooding on the Mississippi River.
Government Response to Floods
The federal government has taken measures to help protect communities living along the Mississippi River from frequent floods. In the 1930s, the federal government created the MR&T project in order to reduce the risk of flooding. More recently, the government has passed legislation such as the National Flood Insurance Program, which provides financial assistance to people who have suffered flood-related damages.
The government has also taken steps to ensure the long-term health of the river. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who are in charge of managing and maintaining the Mississippi River, has implemented strategies such as channel-digging projects. These projects, combined with the work of conservationists, can help to reduce the risk of flooding and promote the preservation of the river and its ecosystems.
Environmental Impact of Floods
Floods of the Mississippi River can have a devastating impact on the environment. Flooding is the primary cause of land loss for the Mississippi Delta, and the destruction of vegetation caused by flooding can lead to increased soil erosion. Floods also cause contamination of water sources due to the release of chemicals, pesticides, and other pollutants from flooded areas.
In addition to the damage caused to local ecosystems, floods can also have long-term economic impacts. Agricultural losses due to flooding can be substantial and have far-reaching effects on the local economy. Rebuilding homes and infrastructure after a flood can be costly, and the citizens of the affected areas can take years to recover.
