Sediment from the Mississippi Floods

These maps illustrate how much sediment flowed into the Gulf of Mexico during the floods on the Mississippi River in May and June 2011. The nutrient-rich sediment is expected to contribute to the development of a record dead zone this summer.

Image of the Day Water Floods

Sediment in the Gulf of Mexico

Sediment-laden water pours into the northern Gulf of Mexico from the Atchafalaya River in this photo-like image taken on April 7, 2009.

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Long View of the Mississippi River Delta

The river drains water and sediment from 31 U.S. states, delivering both to the Gulf of Mexico via the Atchafalaya and Mississippi River deltas.

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Sediment Plume off the Louisiana Coast

A pulse of flood water from the central United States spilled into the Gulf of Mexico.

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Mississippi River Escapes the Gulf

In the summer months, a large portion of the Mississippi River outflow heads southeast into the Gulf of Mexico.

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Mississippi River Sediment Plume

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Sediment in the Gulf of Mexico

Tan and green clouds of sediment clouded the Gulf of Mexico on November 10, 2009.

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Mouth of the Mississippi

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Oil Slick, Mississippi River Delta, Gulf of Mexico

Photograph of a portion the oil slick in the Gulf of Mexico taken by an astronaut aboard the International Space Station on July 23, 2010.

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Sediment Plume along the Coast of Spain

Acquired November 12 and 13, 2012, these images show a sediment plume along Spain’s southwestern coast.

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Phytoplankton Bloom in the Gulf of Mexico

Water Color

River Plumes in the Gulf of Mexico

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