1.  Define the following words relating to the article:

• commodities
• consumers
• confluences
• hydrologists

2.  What types of commodities do barges move down the Mississippi river?

3.  What would prevent barges from traveling down the Mississippi? Be specific.

4.  How are shipping companies addressing the potential problem?

5.  How will the low water levels affect consumers?

6.   The Army Corps of Engineers is planning demolition work to deepen the shipping channel by blasting rock from the bottom of the river, but the project likely wouldn't begin until February or March.  Shipping companies are asking the Corps to speed up its plan.  How important do you think it is for the Army Corps of Engineers to do so?  (Consider cost, ability to speed up the project, etc.)  Explain your answer.