As a major waterway in the United States, the Mississippi River is a critical landmark that is essential to the physical geography of the country. This mighty river waterway is approximately 2,320 miles in length and is the second longest river in the United States of America. Spanning from the source at Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana, the river has created a deep and impactful history. Additionally, for centuries, this river has acted as a major trade route for both settlers and native Americans. The main channel of the Mississippi River is well known for passing through the Rocky Mountains. But what exactly is the relationship between these two waterways? Are the Rocky Mountains east or west of the Mississippi River?
The Rocky Mountains are the largest mountain range in the North American continent. Spanning from British Columbia, Canada all the way through the US states of Wyoming and Montana, the Rocky Mountains encompass some of the most scenic landscapes within the continent. Iconic peaks such as Mount Elbert, Longs Peak and Mount Hood provide stunning vistas and offer visitors a diverse range of activities, such as skiing and hiking. As the Rockies are so expansive, they are not limited to just one side of the Mississippi River. Therefore, they traverse both east and west of the Mississippi River.
It is worth noting that the Rocky Mountains form part of the border between the continental United States of America and its eastern neighbor, Canada. This means that the mountain range falls within the north-western corner of the Continental US and is predominantly on the western side of the Mississippi River. Although the Rocky Mountains traverse both sides of the Mississippi River, the majority of the Lewis River interior mountain system, including Mount Elbert and Longs Peak, are on the western side of the river.
However, the eastern section of the Rocky Mountains lies within a region known as the Great Rivers Region, which is an area stretching from the southwestern corner of Missouri through to the northern section of Mississippi. This region is home to a sizeable chunk of the Rocky Mountains, including Piney Mountain and Mount Moriah. These two peaks cross the eastern section of the Mississippi River, providing a breathtaking view of the river.
In order to fully comprehend the geographical position of the Rocky Mountains in relation to the Mississippi River, it is important to consider the underlying formation of both waterways. The Mississippi River mainly follows its course through the Gulf Coastal Plain, a region that encompasses parts of the US states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas and Tennessee. The Rocky Mountains are part of the mountain ranges that divide the western states from the east and have an elevated elevation on average.
Thus, it is safe to conclude that the Rocky Mountains are both east and west of the Mississippi River. The western section of the Rocky Mountains falls within the continental United States and traverses the northern states of Montana and Wyoming, while the eastern section is located in the Great Rivers Region and traverses the Mississippi River itself in two locations.
Geology Behind the Rocky Mountains
The Rocky Mountains were formed by the forces of plate tectonics, which led to the formation of the mountain range over millions of years. This process consists of two large continental plates, the North American and Pacific plates, pushing against one another, resulting in the creation of the Rocky Mountains. It is believed that the Rocky Mountains were formed during the late Mesozoic era, which was millions of years ago.
The Rocky Mountains are divided into three sections, which are the Northern, Central, and Southern Rockies. The Northern Rockies start in western Wyoming and extend up to the US-Canadian border. The Central Rockies span from northern Montana to the US-Mexican border, while the Southern Rockies stretch from western Colorado to Arizona. Additionally, the Rocky Mountains also form part of the continental spine of the United States, and have been instrumental in forming the current US-Canadian border.
The composition of the rock in the Rocky Mountains is mainly sedimentary rock. This means the majority of the mountain range is comprised of limestone, sandstone, shale, and siltstone. This is an important aspect to consider as the underlying structure of the region will affect how the flows and power of the Mississippi River are affected. For instance, when these types of sediments are eroded they can flow into the Mississippi River, resulting in increased water levels and increased risk of flooding.
Environmental Implications Of The Rocky Mountains
The Rocky Mountains are a vital area within the US in terms of both the environment and economy. Not only does it provide beautiful vistas for visitors and locals alike, the Rocky Mountains are home to a range of diverse ecosystems and wildlife species. They are home to thousands of plant and animal species, some of which are threatened or endangered.
Furthermore, the Rocky Mountains span across eight states, providing a variety of fresh water sources for both the local environment and for surrounding areas. With the Mississippi River being an important trading route for American settlers, the Rocky Mountains also provide environments suitable for recreational activities such as fishing, hunting and camping.
The Rocky Mountains are a vital area to the environment, providing suitable habitats for plants, animals and aquatic life. This means that the Rocky Mountains are essential in keeping biodiversity alive, which can positively affect the local environment and the Mississippi River. With the Rocky Mountains east and west of the Mississippi River, environmental benefits stretch beyond just individual states.
In addition to providing suitable environments for wildlife and plants, the Rocky Mountains also play a role in regulating the climate and weather of the region. The mountains act as a barrier, blocking the winds from the north and east, meaning that temperatures remain mild during the winter months. By deflecting moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, the Rocky Mountains also ensure that the region receives enough rainfall, which is essential for ensuring adequate water levels and avoiding droughts.
Impact Of Human Activities On The Rocky Mountains
The Rocky Mountains are an area that has seen dramatic changes over the past few centuries, with the biggest impact due to human activities. From logging, to mining, to recreational activities, humans have had a major impact on the environment of the Rocky Mountains, and ultimately the Mississippi River.
One activity that has had major ramifications for the region is logging. Intensive logging of huge trees such as redwoods and Douglas fir trees has meant that fragile ecosystems have been destroyed and biodiversity has been threatened. This can have a negative impact on the environment, including altering the course of rivers, reducing water levels and causing soil erosion. This can in turn impact both the environment of the Mississippi River, as well as access for aquatic life and animals.
Additionally, mining activities can negatively affect both the Rocky Mountains and the Mississippi River. Mining activities not only lead to deforestation and the destruction of fragile environments, but they can also result in the dumping of hazardous waste into rivers, streams and other water sources. This can lead to the contamination of regional water sources, impacting the overall health of the Mississippi River and its surrounding environment.
In comparison, recreational activities such as hiking and camping can have a positive effect on the environment of the Rocky Mountains. By engaging in sustainable activities, people can enjoy the beauty of the region and help to preserve it at the same time. Moreover, responsible camping can help to reduce the amount of waste produced, leading to positive effects on both the Rocky Mountains and the Mississippi River.
Conservation Efforts For The Rocky Mountains
The US government and conservationists have implemented a range of conscious efforts to ensure the preservation and conservation of the Rocky Mountains and its surrounding environment. The US government has created national parks throughout the Rocky Mountains, providing locals and visitors alike with the opportunity to experience the beauty of the region. These national parks increased the access to the region, allowing people to explore and appreciate the wildlife, forests and rivers of the Rockies.
Moreover, the US Parks service puts time and effort into protecting the environment of the Rocky Mountains and preventing any negative impact that human activities could have. Through education projects, resources and initiatives, the US Parks Service is promoting an awareness of the need to conserve and protect the region.
In addition, large scale conservation projects such as the Yellowstone to Yukon initiative are being implemented to help protect the Rocky Mountains and the regional wildlife. This initiative works to ensure the region remains connected through the Yellowstone to Yukon corridor, allowing wildlife to move freely between the two areas. By providing suitable environments for wildlife to flourish, it helps to create a healthy balance of nature and helps protect the Rocky Mountains and the Mississippi River.
Sustainability Practices For The Rocky Mountains
As well as conscious efforts by the US government and conservationists, individuals can also contribute to the sustainability and conservation of the Rocky Mountains. Responsible travel and tourism is one way to ensure the region is preserved, and to ensure that visitor numbers do not have a negative impact on the environment of the Rocky Mountains. Sustainable practices such as reducing the use of plastics, avoiding campfires and carrying out litter removal can help to reduce any harm that visitors could cause.
In addition, people can also make use of sustainable resources in the Rocky Mountains. This means making use of green energy sources such as solar and wind power to reduce carbon emissions. Furthermore, it is important to be mindful of the waste that is produced, as this can contribute to the contamination of rivers and water sources, including the Mississippi River.
Finally, individuals should take the time to educate themselves on the environmental issues that concern the Rocky Mountains and the Mississippi River. By understanding the issues, people can make more informed decisions that contribute to the conservation and preservation of the region.
