Introducing the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is one of the longest rivers in the world, stretching from the continental divide in northern Minnesota 2,350 miles to the Gulf of Mexico at the French-speaking port city of New Orleans. Throughout its history, the course of the Mississippi has seen dramatic changes, with the construction of locks, dams, reservoirs and canals significantly modifying the route of the river.
In modern times, the Mississippi River has become an iconic feature of American landscapes, famous for its riverside restaurants, casino barges, its barge traffic, and its part in the traditions of Native Americans, many of which date back centuries.
Historical Changes to the Mississippi River
Changes to the course of the Mississippi River began as early as 10,000 years ago when the area now known as the Atchafalaya River was used to route the river away from its traditional course. By the 16th century, the river had shifted to the mouth of the Atchafalaya, causing drastic flooding of lands further upstream.
The Atchafalaya once had an important role in the Mississippi’s flow, diverting up to 30 percent of the river’s water. Since then, the Mississippi’s main current has been re-channeled away from the Atchafalaya by dam construction and flood control efforts, leading to the slow yet steady changes in the river’s course. This movement has caused the Mississippi to slowly move away from the Atchafalaya and towards the Gulf of Mexico.
Throughout the 19th century, multiple channel changes to the Mississippi aided in controlling flooding and helping the river reach its current length. The most significant channel change occurred in the Year 1876, when the longest portion of the Atchafalaya was completed. This changed the course of the river to the Gulf, instead of towards the Atchafalaya basin.
The Impact of Human Development on the Course of the Mississippi
Another factor in the changes to the river’s path is that of human development. Construction projects such as locks and dams have altered the course of the Mississippi River and how it interacts with the surrounding environment.
The introduction of locks, in particular, has been detrimental to the river’s health, as it breaks the natural cycle of flow, preventing sediment from reaching downstream areas, and thus negatively affecting the productivity of the ecosystem.
At the same time however, locks have also aided in the control of floods, enabling smoother transit down the river without stopping and allowing large cargo vessels to navigate it without any problems. Dams have also been a source of power, providing energy for various activities along the banks of the river.
Environmental Effects of the Changes
Although dramatic changes have been made to the Mississippi River, it has continued to provide a number of environmental benefits over its long history. The river’s consistent flow has helped maintain numerous species, while the wetlands that line its course provide vital habitat for many species, including the bald eagle, sea birds, sturgeon and mussel.
At the same time, experts worry that the deteriorating health of the river may be linked to the slow but steady changes in its course. Consequently, there has been an increased effort to restore the river’s natural movement. For example, recent efforts to reroute part of the Mississippi River back to its original course at the Atchafalaya basin have been classified as “environmental restoration” and have been met with support from local communities.
The Mississippi is a major navigation channel for freight, serving as a crucial access for American exports. In recent decades, the loss of shipping channels due to changes in the river’s course has caused difficulties for everyone involved in navigation.
In particular, experts worry over the Impacts of continuous channel modifications on navigation efficiency and safety. For example, while the introduction of locks and artificial channels was meant to improve navigability, they have failed to keep up the levels of the river, resulting in considerable drops in freight traffic.
The Role of Government in Preserving the River
As the course of the Mississippi River has changed over the years, so too has the US government’s approach to its preservation. With increased focus on environmental protection, the government has taken an active role in minimizing changes to the river’s natural trajectory.
To that end, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is tasked with overseeing the river’s path, and has instituted numerous changes to help protect its water quality and accessibility. These include the introduction of sediment control measures, limiting land use, and instituting the levee system.
At the same time, the government is also tasked with maintaining the traditional navigation routes of the river. This includes the use of sluice gates to maintain the river’s level and canals to accommodate vessels travelling down the river.
Public Response to the River’s Changes
The changes to the Mississippi River have split public opinion. On the one hand, there has been growing criticism of the environmental damage caused by the river’s current path, with many accusing the US government of neglecting the river’s needs.
At the same time, many are also aware of the benefits that come from the changes to the river, such as improved navigability and flood control. As a result, there have been calls from locals for the government to maintain a balance between the preservation of the river’s health and the needs of the people.
Technological Advances and the Mississippi
In recent years, the deployment of new technology has had a drastic effect on the course of the Mississippi River. The introduction of more effective remote sensing equipment and data processing has enabled experts to measure the river’s level and flow more accurately, leading to more accurate predictions of potential changes.
Additionally, the availability of advanced computing models has allowed experts to better calculate the effects of changes in the river and predict their potential trajectories. This, in turn, can enable the USACE to respond quickly to any flooding or navigational problems caused by the river’s changing course.
Conclusion
The course of the Mississippi River is constantly changing in relation to its surrounding environment. Although the changes have often been drastic, the river continues to provide a number of environmental and economic benefits. At the same time, government agencies and the public have taken steps to ensure the preservation of the river, even as it continues to change its course over time.
