Outlook for Flood Risk Management Combining Coastal Erosion Protection in Mississippi River Delta

摘要

Delta areas are generally the younger region and more dynamic in nature than other regions. It confronts more flood risks due to climate change like sea level rising, unpredictable and more frequent extreme storm and increasing value of infrastructure and property along with economic development and population growth in recent years. More innovative approaches and alternatives to address flood problem based on regional development, water management, and environmental impact evaluation are required. Mississippi River Delta is threatened by floods from the river and storm surge caused by hurricane as well as tremendous coastal erosion. After hurricane Katrina in 2005, sustainable, long-term and comprehensive strategy and broader and more intensive partnership are required to strengthen the integrated management of flood control. Based on investigation of the situation in Mississippi River Delta and analysis of the problems, the paper puts forward the integrated measures towards flood risk management combining with coastal erosion protection, including "Multiple lines of defense" strategy, innovative flood protection structure, land use management and relocation of freshwater and sediment, and recommendations followed.