Mississippi Delta

questions related to John McPhee’s essay “Atachfalaya”, and Shea Penland’s article “Taming the River to Let In the Sea” (Click here for McPhee .pdf; Click here for Penland.pdf )

While reading the essay and article, students should take notes on issues relevant to the sedimentological processes at work on the Mississippi Delta, the overall effects of flood control on the natural deltaic depositional system, and the economic aspects of controlling the path of the Mississippi River.

Writing/Discussion Questions

Why is the Mississippi River attempting to change its course to the Atchafalaya River basin?

Explain how flood control on the Mississippi River has effected the elevation of the land surface in New Orleans and other areas in Louisiana.

Explain how flood control on the Mississippi River has increased the potential of flooding across the delta during coastal storms.

If the Mississippi River was allowed to flow into the Atchafalaya river basin, what would be the economic effects on Louisiana and the rest of the country? Do you think the economics justify the costs of the controls?

What do you think would happen to Morgan City if the Mississippi was entirely diverted into the Atchafalaya?

Solution preview for the order on Mississippi Delta

APA

652 words