Image Credit - US Army Corps of Engineers. The image shows the 18 dams and locks on the upper Mississippi River. These dams and locks were built to create a fully navigable river channel.
Earlier this year, when we spoke about river deltas and the problems facing them. One such problem is hydroelectric and flood-control dams. These structures trap sediment on their upstream side. It's estimated that only about 10% of the total sediment entering the water in the Mississippi Watershed actually makes its way to the delta.
Heres a linked article from New Scientist indicating that the Mississippi Delta, home to a large population and a significant oil & NG exploration industry, will have enough coarse sand for centuries to come. Of course, the amount of silt and mud dropped as soon as the dams were constructed.
Interesting premise...
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn25438-mississippi-dams-arent-to-blame-for-flood-risks.html#.U1U3xfldV8E
