Introduction
The Mississippi River System is one of the largest and most famous river systems in the world. It is also one of the most heavily researched and studied bodies of water on the planet. A fundamental element of the river’s current state is sediment contribution. Sediment, or any solid material that is transported by a river, is the major factor which shapes the river’s course, provides stability to its banks and has a large influence on its natural resources. In this article, we aim to explore how much sediment the Mississippi River carries and how this affects the environment.
Sediment as a Natural Process
Sediment is an integral part of all rivers’ processes, and especially for the majestic Mississippi. Every river carries varying rates and types of sediment, and the Mississippi is no different. Sediment is usually sourced from three main sources- erosion, human activities, or sediment deposition. Rainfall, ice, wind, and the river’s movement all contribute to the erosion process, and this creates the primary source of sediment entering the Mississippi. Human activities like tilling, urban and industrial construction, and agricultural runoff create the second source. Lastly, sediment deposition is the process of sediment naturally building up and either entering or already present in the river.
Understanding Sediment Load
Sediment load is defined as the amount of sediment a river carries in a given period. It is measured by understanding the rate of sediment entering the river and then measuring the amount of sediment left in the river after the measurement period. By measuring sediment load and understanding how much sediment the Mississippi River carries, we can effectively determine how it affects the environment. Generally, if the sediment load is too high, it can cause river flooding and decrease overall water quality. This is why understanding sediment load and how much sediment the Mississippi River carries is critical.
The Amount of Sediment the Mississippi River Carries
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have been researching and studying sediment load in the Mississippi River for decades. According to them, the average sediment load of the Mississippi River is around 400 million tons of sediment per year. It is worth noting that this figure is an average and can vary greatly depending on the river’s course and season. Weather also plays an integral role in the amount of sediment it carries. For instance, while heavy rainfall can lead to increased sediment load, under low rainfall conditions, sediment load could decrease.
Impact of Sediment on the Environment
The sediment load of the Mississippi River System has direct impacts on the environment. On one hand, sediment contributes to a stable shoreline and maintains food sources for fish and other aquatic animals. It also helps construct a habitat for migratory birds. On the other hand, an excessive amount of sediment can cause river flooding, destruction of aquatic species, and decreased water quality. Therefore, the sediment load of the Mississippi River is an important indicator of the health of the river and needs to be monitored and regulated.
Mitigation of Sediment in the Mississippi River
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has developed a variety of strategies to mitigate sediment load in the Mississippi River. These strategies include constructing terraces, berms, and dams to reduce erosion, as well as utilizing wetlands for sediment storage. Additionally, river dredging, which involves removing sediment from a waterway, is also employed to reduce sediment load. By utilizing these strategies and proper management, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is able to maintain the health of the Mississippi River.
Engineering Practices Impact on Sediment
While some of the sediment in the Mississippi River comes from natural processes, engineering practices have a tremendous impact on sediment as well. Agricultural practices such as tilling can contribute to increased erosion, while urbanization and industrialization can create additional runoff that carries sediment into the river. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of our rivers and understand how engineering practices can impact sediment load. Through proper management and consideration of our rivers, we can help keep rivers healthy and safe for all living creatures.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River System is an important and integral component of the environment. Understanding how much sediment it carries and how this impacts the environment is a key component to ensure the river’s health. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have developed strategies to mitigate sediment load in the river, and these strategies have proven to be successful in helping reduce sediment and improving water quality. Therefore, it is important to be aware of how engineering practices can influence sediment buildup and take steps to help protect our rivers.
