Background Information
The Mississippi River is the second longest river in the United States, approximately 2,340 miles long, and is considered the lifeblood of both United States and Canadian regions. It along with its many tributaries form the largest watershed in North America, draining over 40 percent of the contiguous United States (U.S.) and parts of Canada. The greatest worries associated with the Mississippi River are its periodic flooding, which can occur in any of the states that border it, causing countless problems for the towns, farms, and cities along its banks.
Flooding History
The flooding in the Mississippi River basin has been a problem for centuries. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the Army Corps of Engineers put up nearly 600 miles of levees to maintain its water levels, with the goal of preventing flooding. Despite the success of the levees, they were still unable to prevent flooding during long periods of excessive rain and snow, or in periods where the river’s water level rises quickly after heavy snowfalls. These floods were incredibly destructive, as they often devastated towns and farms, causing inhabitants to flee to higher ground.
One of the most catastrophic Mississippi River floods occurred in 1927. This flood was caused by a combination of flooding in upper tributaries, strong prevailing winds and rapid snow melt that caused the water levels to swell. The flooding in this event was so extensive that it is estimated that it caused nearly $400 million in damages and killed 246 people. Other notable floods along the Mississippi River include the 1993 “Great Flood”, in which nearly 15 million acres were damaged, and the 2008 Midwest Floods, in which nearly $8 billion worth of damage was caused.
Current Flooding Risk
In spite of the latest engineering advances, the risk of flooding along the Mississippi is still very real, albeit on a smaller scale. The threat of flooding is exacerbated by climate change, as storms and other extreme weather events become more frequent, and temperatures are expected to rise in the near future. This could cause an increase in water levels, as the excess heat can absorb more humidity from the air.
In addition to this, the Mississippi River is vulnerable to other environmental problems such as erosion due to agricultural runoff and deforestation. These activities can increase the speed of water flow, leading to further flooding, while also damaging the integrity of levees, making them less effective as flood control devices.
In an effort to reduce the risk of flooding, a number of efforts have been undertaken by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in recent years. These include increasing the height of levees, the implementation of floodplain zoning regulations, and the implementation of “green infrastructure” projects that can reduce the amount of rainwater runoff.
Experts Perspectives
Experts warn that the threat of flooding along the Mississippi is only expected to increase in the future. In an interview with the National Geographic, Jill Miller of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) was quoted as saying that “climate change will likely make flooding more frequent and more severe, so the risk of catastrophic flooding along the Mississippi River is real and should be taken seriously.”
Dr. Robert Criss, a professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Washington University, has also warned that the threat of flooding is likely to increase due to the changing climate. He has stated that “The Mississippi River is already in a heightened state of vulnerability due to its location and geography, so the effects of climate change will be especially felt along the river.”
My Analysis
The flooding along the Mississippi River is an ongoing and growing concern, given its wide impact and the fact that the effects caused by these floods can be costly and deadly. The risk of flooding is only expected to increase in the future due to climate change and other environmental problems, making it all the more important to prepare and plan for these events. The Army Corps of Engineers has done much to reduce the risk of flooding along the Mississippi, and it is essential that their efforts be continued and further developed in order to prevent future catastrophes.
Risk Management
One of the most effective ways of mitigating the risk of Mississippi River flooding is the implementation of robust risk management practices, both at the local and federal level. This includes the strengthening of existing levees and dams, the timely maintenance of infrastructure, and the formulation of evacuation and recovery plans that can help to reduce the impacts of flooding.
It is also important that people understand and stay informed about the risk of flooding in their area. Property owners should develop evacuation plans and secure their homes and buildings as much as possible, in order to reduce any potential damage should flooding occur. Finally, governmental agencies, businesses and private citizens must work together to come up with solutions that can help protect people and property, such as the relocation of vital infrastructure away from flood-prone areas.
Community Engagement
Community engagement must also be part of any effective risk management strategy. By raising awareness of the risk of flooding, encouraging community members to plan for these events, and helping those affected to recover, it is possible to reduce to impact of flooding on the local community.
In recent years, local organisations and non-profits have been working to implement flood-resistant structures, educate communities about the risk of flooding, and offer assistance to those affected. In addition, local and state governments are making efforts to provide funding, technical support, and other resources to help those affected.
Flood Forecasting
In order to help reduce the risk of flooding along the Mississippi, it is important to have reliable systems in place for forecasting floods. By monitoring factors such as precipitation levels, soil moisture, upstream flows and reservoir levels, it is possible to detect potential situations that could lead to flooding and take steps to mitigate the impacts.
The USGS has been compiling comprehensive and up-to-date data on the Mississippi River as part of their Real-Time Stream Flow program and can be an invaluable resource when planning for floods. In addition, research has been conducted on the development of advanced flood forecasting systems that can provide near-real time warnings about imminent flooding along the Mississippi.
Thermal Management Programs
The USGS also regularly conducts thermal management programs on the Mississippi, with the goal of helping to reduce the risk of flooding by controlling the water temperatures. These programs can help to reduce the strength of snowmelt-driven flooding by controlling water temperatures, which can then limit the amount of snowmelt runoff that enters the river. This can also help to preserve the integrity of levees and reduce the risk of damage.
Thermal management programs can be an effective way of reducing flooding risk along the Mississippi, but it is important to understand the potential risks and benefits involved in these types of actions. It is also necessary to develop systems that can easily respond to changing conditions with minimal disruption and cost, while ensuring that the environment is protected from any negative impacts.
Regional Planning
Given the many different risks associated with flooding, it is necessary to develop regional planning strategies that can provide effective and coordinated responses to flooding events. This includes developing regional plans for evacuations and recovery, as well as sharing resources and working together to increase resilience and reduce the impacts of flooding.
Regional planning initiatives can also help to protect natural ecosystems and wildlife habitats, as well as ensure that resources used to address flooding are used in an efficient and effective manner. Regional partnerships between businesses, non-profits, and governmental entities are essential for the successful implementation and maintenance of such initiatives.
