What is the Mississippi River?
The Mississippi River is the second longest river in the United States, stretching for 2,340 miles from its source in the Minnesota to its mouth near the Gulf of Mexico. The river is a vital transportation waterway, supplying drinking water to millions of people and providing navigation and flood protection to nearby areas. It is a major habitat for aquatic and terrestrial wildlife, including many endangered species.
Is the Mississippi River Drying Up in 2017?
In 2017, there has been some concern among experts that the Mississippi River may be drying up in areas of Illinois and Kentucky where the flow of water is particularly low due to drought and lack of rain. In particular, the river’s flow near Cairo, Illinois is believed to be at its lowest since record-keeping began in the 19th century. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who are responsible for managing the river, have acknowledged the current “low water” conditions in the area, but insist that the Mississippi is not in danger of drying up.
However, recent data from the U.S. Geological Survey does suggest that the flow of the Mississippi River is decreasing. The data further shows that the river has been on a gradual decline since the 1960s, but has really started to diminish in 2017. According to experts, this is due to a variety of factors, from rising temperatures in the region to human influences such as deforestation, over-farming, and water diversion.
Effects of the Mississippi River drying up
The effects of the Mississippi River drying up would be far-reaching and devastating. In addition to disrupting the lives of millions of people living in the river’s vicinity, the river’s ecosystem would also be harshly impacted. Without the flow of the Mississippi, millions of aquatic and terrestrial species that rely on its waters would be put in danger of extinction.
The river’s navigation and flood control capabilities would also be drastically affected. Many large ports and cities along the river rely on its waters to bring goods and people from around the world, and to help protect them from severe weather events. Without this protection, these cities could be at risk of extensive flooding and damage.
Reasons for the River’s Decline
The decline of the Mississippi River is a complex and multifaceted issue. Climate change has been a major factor in the recent decrease of the river’s flow, as rising temperatures due to global warming have caused an overall decrease in precipitation in the region. In addition, human activities such as deforestation and over-farming have taken a considerable toll on the river.
Water diversion projects, such as dams, have also been a major contributor to the decline of the Mississippi River. In some areas, upstream dams have been built in order to regulate the flow of the river, leading to reduced water levels in downstream areas. While these projects have been beneficial in some ways, they have ultimately caused the water levels in the Mississippi River to decline.
Efforts to Combat the Decline of the Mississippi River
To combat the decline of the Mississippi River, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is working on numerous projects to try and restore the river’s levels. They are coordinating efforts with other state and local agencies to reduce the impact of dams and other water diversion projects, and are also examining ways to reduce the impact of climate change.
In addition, the agency is working to educate the public about the importance of preserving the river. This includes working with local schools and community organizations to promote conservation and sustainability, as well as working to reduce pollution and runoff. The agency also works to promote more sustainable and efficient water use in the area.
Public Policy and the River
As the decline of the Mississippi River becomes more apparent, policymakers, citizens, and scientists are working together to develop public policies to protect the river and its environment. These policies include conservation initiatives, regulations on water diversion projects, and efforts to combat climate change. While there are still challenges ahead, many experts hope that these policies will help to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Mississippi River.
The Impact of Drought
Drought has had a significant impact on the Mississippi River, as dry spells have reduced the amount of runoff and resulted in lower water levels in many areas. This has had a noticeable impact on the river’s navigation and flood protection abilities, and has had a detrimental effect on the river’s ecosystem. In some areas, the river has become so low that it is not able to support its wildlife, leading to an decrease in species diversity.
Despite recent concerns, the affects of the 2017 drought will likely be short-lived, and the river’s levels will return to normal once the drought passes. However, this event serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of the river, and the need for proper management and conservation of its resources.
Limiting Human Impact
One of the most effective ways to protect the Mississippi River is to limit human impact on its resources. This can be done by implementing policies that restrict water diversion and promote responsible land use, both of which will help reduce the impact of deforestation, over-farming, and other human activities that can degrade the river’s ecosystems.
In addition, citizens can help by conserving water, reducing their consumption of plastic and other materials, and engaging in activities that promote sustainability and conservation. By taking these steps, citizens can help ensure that the Mississippi River remains a flourishing and vibrant ecosystem for years to come.
Businesses and their Role in Protection
Businesses and corporations can also play a role in protecting the Mississippi River. Companies can work with government agencies and conservation organizations to help reduce their environmental impact, and can also promote green practices amongst their employees.
In addition, businesses can also promote sustainability by investing in renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, and can help to reduce the amount of pollutants from their operations. By reducing their environmental footprint, companies can play a key role in preserving the health of the Mississippi River for future generations.
The Power of Local Communities
Local communities can also help to protect the Mississippi River by engaging in a variety of conservation initiatives. This can include planting trees and shrubs to reduce runoff and pollution, or advocating for better water management policies. Communities can also support local businesses that promote sustainability and environmental protection, and can educate younger generations on the importance of preserving the river.
By working together, local communities can have a major impact on the preservation of the Mississippi River. With the right support and education, citizens can help to ensure that the river remains a vibrant and important resource for years to come.
