In 2018, the Mississippi River astonished the world when it began flowing backwards. Although this event was only short lived, its occurrence took most of the world by surprise and has caused many to question what caused the river to act in this manner. But before one can understand this phenomenon, it is important to gain some background information.
The Mississippi River is the second largest river in the United States, with a total length of 3,730 km and an estimated volume of 1,061,023 cubic km. It is known for being a hearty river, with multiple levees, locks and dams along its course to protect against dangerous floods. The most important of these are the Bonnet Carré, Morganza and Birds Point Floodway all which work together to control water levels and keep the Mississippi River in its proper place.
What caused the river to flow backwards?
The occurrence of the Mississippi River flowing backwards was due to the effects of a powerful storm in 2018. The storm caused heavy rainfall – almost double what was recorded earlier that month., resulting with a rapid rise in the Mississippi River and its tributary, the Atchafalaya River. The high water levels created added pressure on the Bonnet Carré Spillway, an emergency floodway, causing an overflow which sent water backwards up the Mississippi River.
Experts explain further—They state that water levels and flow are largely dependent on hydraulic gradient, or the difference between the upstream and downstream water levels. In the case of the Mississippi, the hydraulic gradient between the two rivers was roughly two feet, indicating that the Atchafalaya had two feet more water and a lower pressure than what was located upstream. When the Atchafalaya River overflowed and caused the pressure to be too high, this hydraulic gradient was disrupted, allowing the river to flow backwards in response.
Impact of the event
The impact of this event was more noticeable on the local population living along the banks of the Mississippi River than anywhere else. The who had to face the effects of a flooded area, leaving many of their homes and businesses with extensive water damage. The disruption of the river’s direction also had a lasting effect on the river’s ecosystems, affecting its freshwater and saltwater populations, which caused substantial damage to the aquatic life in the area.
Scientists were also surprised by the events, especially due to the fact that the Mississippi River had never seen such a change in its flow direction in recent history.The event drew attention from across the globe and challenged scientists to reassess how a river behaves when faced with a similar situation.
How was the situation addressed?
Following the event, authorities worked quickly to restore the river back to its normal direction. The water began to flow out of the spillway back into the river in April, and the river returned to its usual direction shortly after. This situation was a reminder of why proper protection and management systems need to be put in place to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Local governments have also put into place guidelines that help protect the river in cases of flooding. In addition to the aforementioned levees, locks and dams, there is also the Mississippi River Commission which serves to focus on the river’s wellbeing and safety. This includes evaluating the river’s hydrology and hydraulics, flood control projects, navigation, and maintaining and improving the ecosystem of the Mississippi River.
What can be done in the future?
In the future, governments can work to better the systems that help to protect and manage the Mississippi River. This can include using technology to develop new methods to help predict and prevent similar events from occurring. Experts also suggest stricter guidelines for its dams and flood control systems, as well as assessing how best to receive funding for future maintenance and updates. Furthermore, it is also suggested that awareness is raised amongst the local population on how to react and prepare in the event of a similar occurrence.
How will the situation change?
As the severity of climate change continues to worsen on a global scale, the frequency of these types of events is likely to drastically increase. Scientists explain that due to extreme weather conditions, heavy rains and storms will become more frequent, placing added pressure on the Mississippi River and its levees, locks and dams. As a result, more measures need to be taken to ensure the river’s safety and prevent it from flowing backwards.
What reforms should be considered?
Local authorities can look into implementing several reforms that should help protect the Mississippi River from future floods. These reforms can include creating a better system of early warning notification systems and evacuations plans that can be used in the event of a flood. Governments can also reassess how best to use their funds for the purpose of maintaining and updating the existing systems that are used to control the water levels of the Mississippi River.
Preparing for the future
With climate change being an ever increasing problem in today’s world, the best thing local authorities can do for the Mississippi River is to plan for the future. This can include projects such as restoring wetlands and natural barriers to absorb water and protect the river in cases of flooding, as well as looking into alternative strategies other than the ones already in place to protect the river. Ultimately, it is important that governments continue to work together towards adapting their infrastructure and systems to not just survive floods and severe weather conditions, but to also protect the river and its watershed in the long term.
