Background information
The Mississippi River is the second longest river in North America after the Missouri River and is the largest river system in the United States. It spans from its source in Minnesota to its termination in Louisiana, draining an area of approximately 41% of the contiguous United States. In addition, its tributaries extend to 31 US states plus 2 Canadian provinces. As such, it has a major influence on the ecology and economy of the area, providing crucial transportation and resources such as water and soil.
Current data
Today, due to the above-normal spring rainfall, much of the US has experienced high water levels in the Mississippi River. In early May 2020, the river recorded its highest cresting level at Vicksburg, Mississippi since 1927. According to the National Weather Service, the river has been in a major flood state for a majority of the 2020 season. This “major” designation is the most serious out of the four categories the NWS uses to classify the water levels in rivers. According to NOAA, it is expected that the river will remain in this major flood state for the remainder of 2020.
Perspectives from experts
Scientists and experts have created a consensus as to why the water levels have risen significantly in the Mississippi River. Multiple experts point to the unusually warm, wet winter and spring temperatures as the primary cause of the higher levels. Mike Teague, a research hydrologist with the US Geological Survey, suggested that “unseasonably heavy rain and higher temperatures, both of which led to higher runoff in rivers and lakes than normally experienced in winter and spring, are the major contributing factors.” He also stated that this could be an issue that persists throughout the year.
Other experts point to the destruction of wetlands as a contributing factor. Michael Gerrard, a professor at Columbia Law School, suggests that “we’ve destroyed over 40 million acres of wetlands since 1945, mostly in the Mississippi Basin. This has contributed to the flooding in the past, and will continue to do so.” The consensus of experts appears to be that the destruction of wetlands has exacerbated the problem by reducing the levees’ effective storage capacity.
Analysis and insights
In addition to the opinions of experts, our analysis of the Mississippi River’s current water levels suggests a number of potential risks. High levels of water can cause considerable damage to thinning levee systems, which can lead to increased flooding. Additionally, it may cause accelerated erosion of shorelines, which can damage homes, businesses, and agricultural lands along the river’s banks. In addition, higher water levels can increase the risk of waterborne diseases due to increased runoff and flooding.
Controlling the flow
In order to minimize the risks associated with high water levels, there are a variety of management strategies that can be employed. Firstly, more efficient control of runoff from land should be implemented. Catchment ponds can be developed to collect runoff from farms and highways, which can then be diverted away from rivers and streams. Secondly, wetlands must be protected and restored. The presence of wetlands not only prevents flooding but also serves as a habitat for a variety of wildlife species.
Introducing Plant Species
Another effective management strategy is the introduction of plant species into the Mississippi River and its tributaries. Plants are able to absorb some of the excess nutrients and other pollutants that would otherwise enter the river ecosystem. This can improve water quality and reduce the number of algae and other aquatic plants that are deprived of oxygen due to excessive nutrient levels. In addition, plants provide a source of food and shelter for the local wildlife.
Agricultural runoff prevention
Finally, effective management of agricultural runoff is necessary to reduce high water levels in the Mississippi River. This can be achieved through the use of buffer strips, which are typically planted along riverbanks in order to filter out pollutants from farm runoff. Additionally, agricultural producers should also be encouraged to use more efficient irrigation methods such as drip irrigation and subsurface irrigation, which reduce the amount of runoff that reaches the river.
Man-made dams and levees
The construction of man-made dams and levees is one of the most commonly used strategies for managing water levels in rivers. The purpose of these structures is to control the flow of a river, allowing it to be diverted away from areas at risk of flooding and preserving existing infrastructure and land. While this can be an effective tool in flood prevention, it should also be noted that it can have a negative impact on local ecosystems, as it affects the flow of the river and its biodiversity.
Re-routing and dredging
Another form of man-made engineering is the re-routing or dredging of rivers. This involves altering the course of a river, either through the construction of channels, dams, or levees. This allows water to flow around areas at risk of flooding and can effectively reduce water levels in areas of higher risk. However, this should be done with caution, as it can adversely affect the wildlife and ecology in the area.
Final Remarks
The Mississippi River is an important source of infrastructure and resources for the US, and its water levels are crucial for its operation. In light of the above-normal spring rainfall this year, it is important to assess and address the risks associated with high water levels in the Mississippi River. The most effective approach to managing water levels is through the combination of several strategies, from the protection and restoration of wetlands to the introduction of plant species, controlling runoff, and the use of man-made engineering.
