Equilibrium Stream, Flash vs. Regional Floods, & Urbanization Effects
The 1993 Mississippi River flood
Assign. 1. In a narrative format, discuss the key facts and critical issues presented.
2. 1. What were the weather conditions that produced the flood? How long did the flood water take to pass through the entire river system?
2. What measures were taken to protect cities from flooding?
3. Control of flood waters requires that many decisions be made. Should more miles of levees be built? Should existing levees be built higher? Should the river bottom be dredged deeper?
Should more flood waters be diverted out of the river channel into farmland and rural communities? Should the river course be shortened by cutting through meander bends?
Evaluate each of your decisions against the knowledge that the river is an equilibrium system that will work against some human constructions.