River Mississippi Flashcards
0
Q
Describe rivers Mississippi’s catchment area?
A
-Source of the river is the eastern side of the Rocky Mountains
- many 100’s of tributaries
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1
Q
A case study of:
A
- River management
- people interfering in hydrosphere
- a flood management scheme
2
Q
How is the Mississippi controlled?
A
- LEVEES- contain rising river- Protect settlements- allow land close to the river to be used for economic gain- expensive- restrict access
- CHANNEL STRAIGHTENING- shortens river- cuts transport costs- controls flow of river more closely- river cuts back to original meanders.
- WING DIKES- force faster current to midstream- prevents bank erosion- shipping lane can be maintained- expensive.
- CONCRETE MATRESSES- lining river bed with concrete to control flow- get excess discharge away faster- faster river can lead to flooding down stream
- DREDGING- keeps open shipping lane- cheap
3
Q
Why is the Mississippi controlled?
A
- To allow settlement along the flood plain
- it is a big part of the US transport network
4
Q
Is management of the river Mississippi worth the costs?
A
Yes: keeps people safe, provides location for economic activity.
No: Nature will always win - defences cost millions
