A - Protecting the Mississippi (Case Study)

Question 1

What are three methods used to control flooding on the Mississippi?

Answer 1

Stone/earthen levees, dams, and channel straightening.

Question 2

How much has been spent on controlling the Mississippi River?

Answer 2

Over $10 billion.

Question 3

What are the annual maintenance costs for Mississippi River flood control?

Answer 3

Nearly $200 million.

Question 4

What happened to the Mississippi levees in 1993?

Answer 4

They collapsed, allowing flooding on the floodplain.

Question 5

What was the estimated damage from the 1993 Mississippi flood?

Answer 5

Over $12 billion.

Question 6

How many people died in the 1993 Mississippi flood?

Answer 6

43 people.

Question 7

How much land was flooded during the 1993 Mississippi flood?

Answer 7

Over 25,000 km².

Question 8

What happened to New Orleans’ flood protection during Hurricane Katrina?

Answer 8

Over 50 breaches occurred in the levees.

Question 9

What could have happened if the Mississippi was left uncontrolled?

Answer 9

A new channel could have formed, making ports at New Orleans and Baton Rouge defunct.

Question 10

How high are the levees flanking the Mississippi at New Orleans?

Answer 10

7 meters.

Question 11

How does New Orleans’ elevation compare to the average river and flood levels?

Answer 11

1.5 meters below average river level, 5.5 meters below flood level.