The Mighty Mississippi River Is Drying Out

The video discusses the severe megadrought affecting the Mississippi River, causing water levels to drop significantly. This impacts drinking water supply, agriculture, and transportation, with barges unable to navigate the river. The drought is part of a broader climate change issue affecting 59% of the US, particularly the Midwest and Great Plains. The Army Corps of Engineers is working to mitigate the effects, but the economic and environmental consequences are substantial.

What is one of the main reasons the Mississippi River is less mighty than it used to be?

• The country's megadrought

• Increased rainfall in the Midwest

• Rising sea levels

• The construction of new dams

How much of the United States is currently experiencing some level of drought?

• 75%

• 59%

• 90%

• 30%

What historical artifact was revealed due to the retreating waters near Baton Rouge?

• A Civil War battleship

• An ancient Native American canoe

• A ferry boat from 1915

• A sunken pirate ship

What is one of the challenges faced by barges on the Mississippi River due to low water levels?

• Increased speed of river currents

• More frequent storms

• Higher fuel costs

• Inability to carry full cargo loads

What is the Army Corps of Engineers doing to help with the low water levels?

• Increasing water flow from tributaries

• Constructing new bridges

• Dredging new channels

• Building new dams