Background
The Mississippi River has been a source of inspiration for biologists and environmentalists for centuries. Its countless plants and animals that dwell within it, its brave navigators, and its sheer grandeur make it one of the most significant rivers in the world. It is easy to forget, however, just how low the Mississippi River can get when climate change and lack of snowmelt forces it to recede. One way of measuring the river’s low points is by measuring its ‘feet low’ changes over time.
Calculations
Feet low is a term used to refer to the height of the river relative to a given reference level, such as normal pool level or some other fixed level relative to the flood stage. When a river falls below the given reference level, the difference is referred to as ‘feet low’. For example, if the Mississippi River falls below its normal pool level of 11 feet, it is said to be 11 feet low. When the river falls below its flood stage of 43 feet, it is said to be 43 feet low.
History
The Mississippi River low has fluctuated over the years, but its low points have been quite substantial in recent decades. According to records from the U.S. Geological Survey, the lowest point ever recorded on the Mississippi River was 35.03 feet, which occurred in June of 2013. This was only almost 8 feet above the river’s absolute low point of 27.08 feet, which happened during a severe drought in 1940. The river has also been on the rise lately- in June of 2019, it reached a new high of 44.37 feet.
Reasons
Experts believe the fluctuating levels of the Mississippi River are due in part to human-caused climate change. Recent droughts in the Midwest and the intense heatwave this summer have depleted snowmelt and caused the river’s levels to drop. In some cases, the drop in the river level has been compounded by other factors, such as dams and reservoirs, that have cut off the Mississippi River’s supply of water.
Damage
Low river levels can have serious consequences, including drought conditions and crop damage. For example, a low river level can lead to increased evaporation, which in turn can lead to dry soil and lack of nutrients and water for crops. Low river levels can also lead to low water pressure, which can reduce the amount of water flowing through towns and rural areas.
Preparedness
In order to prepare for low river levels, resource management experts suggest creating infrastructure that can store and divert water during drier periods. In addition, water resource engineers suggest increasing reservoirs and other water storage systems in order to weather low and unexpected river levels. Finally, state governments throughout the Midwest and Great Plains have created emergency plans to help manage water resources during emergencies such as record-breaking river levels.
Technologies
In order to improve the resilience of the Mississippi River and better prepare for low river levels, experts have suggested introducing technologies that can help regulate the river’s levels. These technologies include dredging and sediment traps, as well as real-time monitoring systems that can detect water level changes. Dredging and sediment traps can help reduce sediment buildup, thereby allowing more water to flow through the river and decreasing low points. Real-time monitoring systems can provide a warning when river levels start to get dangerously low, allowing for swift and effective response from state and local governments.
River diversification
In order to diversify the river’s ecosystem and increase resilience to climate change and other catastrophes, experts are working on a variety of projects. These projects aim to reduce sediment buildup and nutrient runoff due to industrial and agricultural activities, as well as reduce soil erosion. These projects also aim to increase habitat for native species and create recreational areas.
Mitigation
Finally, scientists are working on ways to mitigate the effects of low river levels. For example, they are looking at ways to improve irrigation systems and propose better water management strategies that can help farmers and other river stakeholders. Additionally, experts are exploring ways to increase the amount of water stored in reservoirs and other water storage systems in order to make the most of the water available.
Native species
The Mississippi River is home to countless native species. In order to protect these species from the effects of low river levels, conservation groups are working on projects aimed at restoring and protecting native habitats. This includes restoring wetlands, which are important for storing water and maintaining water quality. It also includes efforts to reduce pollutants, such as agricultural runoff and other contaminants, which can lead to decreased water quality and an imbalanced ecosystem.
Sustainability
To ensure the future sustainability of the Mississippi River, experts advise investing in green infrastructure projects that can help protect the river from changing environmental conditions. These projects include improvements to levees and other river protection systems, as well as reforestation projects that can increase the amount of shade and slow erosion. Additionally, experts suggest investing in advanced water management systems that can detect and respond to changing river levels.
Education
In order to combat low river levels in the future, it is important to educate the public on the importance of water conservation. This includes teaching people about the importance of proper water-use practices, such as reducing water waste and conserving water in times of drought. It also includes educating people on the importance of supporting initiatives aimed at protecting natural habitats and restoring the balance of the ecosystem.
Engagement
Finally, to help raise awareness about the Mississippi River and its low-level issues, activists and environmentalists have created campaigns that encourage people to take action. These campaigns include online petitions, rallies, and fundraising events aimed at helping to protect and restore the river. By engaging the public and raising awareness of the issue, advocates hope to create long-term solutions that will help prevent future low-level issues in the Mississippi River.
