Ch. 1 Review Game

What is the geological name for the paths the Mississippi River takes to flow to the Gulf of Mexico? Passes

What is currently happening to the Louisiana wetlands and why is it happening? (Hint: Land disappearing) The wetlands are currently disappearing (eroding away) because sediment is not being deposited in the wetlands by the Mississippi the way it has naturally occurred for thousands of years. The lack of sediment being placed in the wetlands is because of levees, dams, spillways etc. Canals are also allowing saltwater to enter fresh water marshes which leads to saltwater intrusion and the killing of natural plans.

Why are waterways important to Louisiana? Migration and settlement of LA based on these waterways, all major cities are near waterways, provides alluvial soil which is good for crops, trade, transportation.

What built up the wetlands in the southern portion of Louisiana What built up the wetlands in the southern portion of Louisiana? Why is that process not occurring any longer? The Mississippi River deposited sediment that built up the Southern portion of LA. No longer occurring because of man-made objects such as canals, levees, spillways, dams, etc.

How does the elevation of the Gulf Coast Plain compare to other regions in the United States? (Hint: Think about what you start to see in Northern LA and Mississippi) It is consistently lower then most areas of the country.

What are the negative impacts of the wetland disappearance? Loss of land, more destructive hurricanes, bird and sea life populations can’t reproduce as much as needed, loss of culture and homes, increased seafood prices, interference with oil industry.

How does the extensive flood control systems along the Mississippi River affect the wetlands? Prevents sediment from deposting.

Why were extensive flood control systems built along the banks of the Mississippi? Protect cities and farmland.

How can a storm surge negatively impact crops and native plants that are exposed to salt water? Salt water intrusion will kill fresh water plants and crops.

Based on our physical geography, why has agriculture become an important part of Louisiana’s economy? Alluvial soil, flat land, lots of water, long growing season (early spring)

Why are man-made levees needed for adequate flood control Why are man-made levees needed for adequate flood control? And what negative impacts do they have? Natural levees aren’t tall enough (10-15 ft) to stop flooding. Negative consequence is destruction of wetlands and modifies path of the river.

How has alluvial soil along the Mississippi Floodplain helped shape LA’s culture? Has made agriculture a very important part of our state economy and culture. Think about the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival.