The Mississippi River is one of the longest rivers in the world, stretching some 2,320 miles from the headwaters in northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. It is the primary drainage basin for 41 percent of the continental United States and four Canadian provinces, and a crucial artery for many communities. As such, understanding its base level serves as an important part of understanding the river itself.
At its base level, the Mississippi River is typically defined as the waterline observed at the start of the river’s journey. This is usually measured relative to sea level. That is the simple answer, but the concept has become somewhat convoluted over the years. For example, while some measurements of the Mississipi may define the base level to be the river’s end point at the Gulf, this has been corrected. The river’s end point is affected by ocean tides, whereas the start of its journey is not.
To this day, there is no official consensus on the Mississippi’s exact base level, but the debate is ongoing for many reasons. It’s important to understand the environmental factors that can affect the river level. Depending on the time of year, there are several ways for a river to raise or lower its level. Land clearing can greatly increase runoff, resulting in higher water levels once it is added to the river. Melting snow in large mountain countries such as Canada may also affect the Mississippi River’s base level by supplying more water.
The levees themselves are designed not to interfere with the river’s base level, however, they can sometimes cause other issues. If rivers rise too quickly, or if levels drop too fast, then levees can cause problems. For example, levees can restrict water flow, which can further lower the river level and create dams. These dams can then lead to flooding or the dehydration of the land nearby, which may cause other environmental problems.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) have collected, compiled, and analyzed data on the base levels of the Mississippi River for many years. The agency’s assessments have determined that the river has steadily dropped since 1969, with the river’s level at its low point in 2002. The USGS has not yet determined the cause of the decrease.
The river’s base level is responsible for many things, from fueling renewable energy sources to aiding ecosystems, and so it’s important that the base level is maintained. It has become increasingly clear that in order to achieve this, the public and private sectors must work together to protect the river’s health. Policies and practices such as better water conservation and the introduction of stricter agricultural regulations can ensure that the river is managed responsibly and stays healthy.
The Impact of Flooding
Flooding has often been an issue on the Mississippi River, and this is largely due to the fact that the river’s base level changes from time to time. As the base level of the river rises, any structures that had previously been built on the floodplain become vulnerable to flooding. The flooding also poses a threat to human life, as it can result in loss of property, contamination of drinking water sources, and other dangers.
The US Army Corps of Engineers has long been involved in the maintenance of the levees and has even been involved in numerous initiatives to prevent floods in the Mississippi River basin. After one of the Mississippi’s largest floods in 1911, the Corps of Engineers built the New Madrid Floodway that diverts some of the water away from the mainchannel. This floodway has helped reduce some of the stresses associated with flooding in the river, but it has its drawbacks as well. The New Madrid Floodway reduces the carrying capacity of the Mississippi River, which can cause problems during drought seasons.
The US Army Corps of Engineers has also implemented river stabilization programs, which involve using measures to control the flow of water in the river and prevent flooding. These programs involve reconfiguring levees and the installation of pumps, with the focus of managing the water levels by removing excess water. Some of the techniques used by the Corps of Engineers have been successful, but the river’s levees and its base level still need to be closely monitored in order to prevent flooding.
The Role of Conservationists
The role of conservationists is becoming increasingly important, as they are at the forefront of protecting the Missisippi’s vital resources. Conservationists rely on the knowledge of river experts and local residents to identify areas where the river’s level has dropped, or where the flooding has caused damage. This information allows them to develop action plans to reduce future damage, and to ensure that the river’s level is managed in a sustainable manner.
In recent years, conservationists have become more proactive in their efforts to safeguard the river, with groups such as the Mississippi River Group dedicated to preserving the river and its resources. The organization has developed a comprehensive plan to protect the Mississippi, which includes the introduction of wetland preservation and water quality improvement programs. The organization also works closely with the US Army Corps of Engineers to manage the levees and river flow.
Additionally, volunteers are playing an increasingly important role in preserving the Mississippi River. Volunteers from local communities have been involved in initiatives such as the effort to remove debris from the Mississippi River and its tributaries, as well as programs to identify and control erosion. These volunteers are also responsible for restoring wetlands, which supports fish and other wildlife that rely on the river’s resources.
The Risks of Lowering the Mississippi’s Base Level
Lowering the base level of the Mississippi River can have serious consequences. This is because, in addition to the risks posed by flooding, the lowered level can affect the oxygen levels of the water, and decrease the amount of wildlife the river can sustain. Additionally, the river’s sediment and silt levels can increase, resulting in an increase in pollutants and a possible decrease in water quality.
The combination of these factors can lead to increased erosion, greater soil loss and increased algal blooms. This can have a negative effect on the surrounding environment, as it can lead to poorer air and water quality, and decreased biodiversity.
In extreme cases, the lowered level can even lead to desertification, where the land is rendered barren and uninhabitable. The reduction in vegetation can also cause problems for wildlife, as the lack of food sources can lead to the death of many species.
Efforts to Raise the Mississippi’s Base Level
Fortunately, there are a number of actions that can be taken in order to raise the Mississippi’s base level. One of the most straightforward methods is the installation of pumps along the river to reduce the amount of water lost to runoff and evaporation. Additionally, efforts to ensure that levees are properly maintained can help ensure that the river’s base level remains relatively stable.
Another method that is being explored is the use of artificial wetlands. An artificial wetland is a constructed wetland designed to mimic the natural environments of wetlands. Artificial wetlands can be used to filter and clean runoff water before it enters the river, and they can also be used to store water during periods of drought.
Finally, it is also important to focus on reducing environmental degradation. The degradation of land can lead to increased runoff and evaporation, as well as increased levels of pollutants entering the river. Reducing pollutants and erosion can help ensure that the Mississippi River remains healthy and its base level remains stable.
The long-term Implications of the Mississippi’s Base Level
The Mississippi’s base level is a critical part of understanding the river, as it serves as a baseline for many of its environmental, economic, and social impacts. The long-term implications of the base level’s fluctuations can have a significant effect on the river, its environment, and the surrounding communities. Knowing the current and potential impacts of the Mississippi’s base level is essential to maintaining the river’s health in the long-term.
Additionally, understanding the base level of the Mississippi River is critical for accurate predictions of flooding and drought conditions. Accurate predictions can help inform decisions to prepare for potential weather conditions, as well as help mitigate their impacts.
Finally, proper management of the river’s base level can help ensure that its resources are safeguarded for future generations. This is especially important as the river is the lifeline for many communities and is a vital resource for renewable energy sources. Knowing and preserving the Mississippi’s base level can help ensure that these resources are conserved in the long-term.
