Physical Width of The Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the longest river in North America, winding through its 10 states. One of its most well-known cities would be New Orleans, located at the mouth of the river in Louisiana. The average width of the Mississippi River in New Orleans is 180 feet. However, in some areas the river is significantly broader and reaches up to 2,000 feet in width.
The width of the Mississippi River depends on several factors, including the water depth of a given area, the general topography of the immediate region, the size of the riverbanks’ boulders, as well as the number of perpendicular channels entering the river upstream of New Orleans. Measured at milepoint 255.4, the average width of the Mississippi River in New Orleans is 180 feet. This is measured from the east bank to the west bank.
Mississippi River’s Changing Width
The width of the Mississippi River in New Orleans changes from time to time due to the river’s tendency to meander, meaning it tends to bend and curve along its course due to the swift rate it flows. The narrowing or widening of the river is most noticeable during times of severe flooding or other severe weather events, such as hurricanes and heavy rainfalls.
This flow of water, combined with the meandering of the river itself, can cause the riverbanks to erode. The wind, rain and floods then deposit sediment in the shallower edges of the river and dramatically adjust the width. The forces of erosion cause the Mississippi to slowly move upstream or downstream, shifting its channels and erasing the old riverbed and creating a new one.
Dangers of The Mississippi River
While the Mississippi River is a beautiful and important waterway, it also has a dark side. Navigation of the Mississippi is difficult and dangerous due to the constantly changing and unpredictable nature of the river. Strong currents, treacherous undercurrents, and eddies can cause even a trained navigator difficulty in navigating the waters. A number of deaths by drowning have been caused by the strong currents and treacherous conditions of the Mississippi River.
Environmental Impact
The changing conditions of the Mississippi River can have a major impact on the environment. For example, when the width of the river changes, the level of salt water intrusion can be affected in tributaries dotted along the river. This change in salinity can, in turn, affect the rest of the fish in the estuarine environment and can cause further erosion of the riverbanks.
Although changes of the Mississippi River can be drastic, the US Army Corps of Engineers’ stringent monitoring and regulations ensure that the river’s width, at least in the New Orleans area, is kept relatively stable.
Action Taken in Recent Years
The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) have put in place several measures to try and stabilise the width of the Mississippi River in New Orleans, including the enforcement of building regulations, the installation ofdams and levees, and the building of jetties.
The USACE have also set up a monitoring system to closely monitor the width of the river and closely examined forecasting models to predict the marks of floods and other events that may affect the width of the river.
Also, the USACE has undertaken restoration programmes of wetlands, bayous and other marshes located adjacent to the Mississippi River, to help preserve and protect the riverbanks from erosion and help reduce the effects of strong winds and floods.
Effects of Environmental Action
The various plans and strategies of the USACE have been effective in containing the impacts of changing river widths. This benefits both the general public and the environment, since it ensures the stability of the banks in New Orleans and minimizes the threat of flooding and erosion.
However, while the USACE has been successful in controlling the dangerous and unpredictable nature of the Mississippi River in New Orleans, it is still important for citizens to use caution when navigating or otherwise using the river. The USACE maintains a commitment to the safety, welfare, and quality of life in the region, and the public must still be vigilant when using the waters.
Economic Impact of Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is a crucial contributor to the economies of many states, providing vital jobs to fishermen, shippers, and port operators who rely upon it for their livelihoods. The Mississippi River also plays an important role in the transportation of agricultural and industrial products, as well as being a popular tourist attraction.
Major cities, such as St. Louis and New Orleans, rely upon shipping and tourism as an important part of their economic output. As such, maintaining the integrity and stability of the width of the Mississippi River is paramount to the economic success of these major cities in the region.
Impact of Floods and Rain On Mississippi River Width
Floods and heavy rains can have a large impact on the width of the Mississippi River in New Orleans. The more water flow in the river, the wider the river becomes. This increased water flow is caused by rain events that can add up to 10,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) to the flow of the Mississippi River. Such an event can temporarily increase the width of the Mississippi River to up to 2,000 feet.
Heavy rainfall and floods can also cause debris and sediment to be left behind, leading to erosion and further widening of the river. The USACE actively monitors and measures the width of the river to assess the impact of major rainfall and flooding events.
Effect of Construction on River Width
The USACE has also monitored the effects of construction on the width of the Mississippi River. For example, the building of jetties, levees, and dams can be a major obstacle in taming the river.
These are designed to direct the flow of the river in a specific direction, as well as protect certain areas from flooding and sediment build-up along the banks of the river. Building these structures can cause the width of the river to shift temporarily, but the USACE engineers have been successful in restoring the river to its pre-construction levels.
The Role of Trade and Transport
The Mississippi River plays an important role in trade, shipping and transportation. It is a major conduit for the shipment of industrial and agricultural products, both domestically and internationally.
The role of the Mississippi River as an international shipping hub is key to the success of businesses and industries that rely upon shipping. The stability of the width of the Mississippi River also comes into play in this regard, as it enables larger ships to navigate the river safely.
Conclusion of The River’s Management
Overall, the US Army Corps of Engineers has been successful in managing the width of the Mississippi River, with the goal of maintaining a stable and safe river. Monitoring technologies, such as river gauges, are an important tool in assessing the strength and overall health of the Mississippi River.
The US ACE’s strategies and efforts in restoring marshes and wetlands, regulating construction and enforcing building regulations have been a great help in maintaining the width of the Mississippi River as it flows through New Orleans. This is essential for the economy, health and safety of the citizens of the region.
