Surface Water

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Let's Talk Surface Water

Nearly 65 million years ago, massive, intercontinental tectonic forces reoriented north-flowing rivers to flow south to the Gulf of Mexico, creating the Mississippi River, the 4th longest river in the world, capturing water from parts or all of 31 United States and two Canadian provinces.

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The ecosystems along this mighty river and its tributaries which were once exceedingly rich and diverse have now been vastly lessened, mostly due to flood control measures. Yet where possible, we are attempting to transform these damaged river systems back to a more natural state.

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Key Watersheds

Check out what a watershed boundary is and how they create some of the largest rivers we have ever seen.

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State of Our Streams

Learn what channelization is and how it effects rivers.

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Surface Water Groundwater Interaction

Find out why CAESER investigates the exchange of surface water and groundwater.

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