G202 

Due Mon 2/22 or Tue 2/23                                                             Name___________________________________

Read the essay “Atchafalaya” in John McPhee’s book The Control of Nature.  There are 6 copies of this book on reserve (48 hr check out) in the library and the class web site has links that show maps of this area which you may find helpful.  After reading the essay, respond to the following.

1)  How have the US Army Corps of Engineering’s attitude change over time with regards to the management of the Mississippi river?

2)  What is the relationship between the Atchafalaya river and the Mississippi river and why is this a problem?

3)  What is the old river control structure?

4)  Why has flooding along the Mississippi bet worse as years pass and flood control has been increased?

5)  What is the net affect of sedimentation for the Mississippi river’s flood plain due to flood control and how has this affected the way of life in this region?

6)  Relate what you have read in this essay to the tragic events of Hurricane Katrina.  There is a link on the class web page if you need more information on the event.