Case study 21: Management of the Mississippi River, USA

Question 1

Background information about the Mississippi River

Answer 1

River of almost 6,000 km that runs from Lake Itasca, in Northern Minnesota, to the gulf of Mexico through a delta.

Question 2

What are the problems with the Mississippi River? (flooding)

Answer 2

Very prone to flooding.
The channel shifted around the floodplain, making it difficult to navigate.
e.g. 1933 flood: 50 people died.

Question 3

What are the problems with the Mississippi River? (pollution)

Answer 3

Eutrophication:

Farmers spray herbicides which then get into the river causing algal blooms.

Question 4

What has been done to mange the hazards of the Mississippi River?

Answer 4

6 dams built on Missouri River (tributary).
9 dams built in the Tennessee River (tributary).
Meanders were cut, straightening the river course, so that water could flow quicker.
Reinforced concrete levees