Processes of the Mississippi River




Table of Contents

The Mississippi River is a very dynamic water way. It has exercised its strength by changing its course several times since its creation. Today the deposited sediments from these deserted distributaries and deltas make up the land stucture of southeastern Louisiana.

Return to the Table of Contents

Since the length of the Mississippi River is so great the gradient of the river is rather small. This process is equilibrium in action. The smaller the gradient fo the river the slower it moves down its channel, and, therefore, the less sediment it can carry to its mouth.

The amount of sediment that the river carries at a given moment varies. At the Red Eye Crossing, the force of the river is less than at other parts and it deposits sediments along the bottoom of its channel. The river acquires these sediments mainly from upstream or in any bend in the river.

When there is a bend in the river, the main force of the river tends to go to the outside of the curve. This accelerated force scoures the side of the bank making new sediments to be carried down the river. On the inside of the bend, the slowness of the current makes it impossinle for the river to contiune to carry the heavy particles of sand. Therefore, the river will usually deposit a sand bar either on the shore or near it in the channel.

As the river cuts more material away from the bank, its channel will extend, making the river longer in that area. As the river extends, it will naturally try to find a shorter route to the sea. This is the reason that the Mississippi River has changed its course several times, and it threatens to do it again, sometime in the near future.

Return to the Table of Contents

Several projects are in effect to discourage the river from jumping course. The Morganza Spillway, located 30 miles or so above Baton Rouge, was built to discharge the floodwaters of the Mississippi down the Atchafalaya river. The Atchafalaya provides a much shorter distance to the sea for the discharged water. Someday, unless the Amry Corps of Engineers can help it, the Mississippi River may jump course into the Atchafalaya, making entirely new delta and flood plain areas.

Another project in effect is the Bonnet Carre Spillway. It is located between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. The purpose of the spillway is to let the excess waters of teh Mississippi River drain into an extended area of land, not a specific waterway. By letting the water run off in this fashion, the engineers hope to give the Mississippi a greater flood plain to overflow into.

The Mississippi River has been a great way of transporting goods to almost two thirds of America for more than 200 years. Today many industries depend on the water that flows in it or the boats that can bring them materials down it. The Mississippi River is an integral part of this nations history, and the processes that affect it affect us.

Return to the Table of Contents
 
 
 
 
 
 


Genevieve's
Home
Page
Class Home Page