Are there more mountains east or west of the Mississippi River? This is an interesting question that many residents of the Mississippi River Valley have asked at one time or another. The answer, of course, depends on several factors, including geography and the type of mountainous area. Ultimately, it can be said that the majority of mountains are located on the western side of the river, rather than the east.
Indeed, the United States Geological Survey notes that the majority of altitudes around the Mississippi River occur west of the river, with peak elevations near the central part of the river often involving west-facing peaks. The altitudes then tend to increase as one moves farther west, with the highest mountain range in the entire state of Mississippi, the Big Black Mountains, located west of the river in the far northwest corner of the state.
This westward trend holds true for the other states on the western side of the Mississippi River as well. Missouri and Arkansas have numerous mountains as well, with Arkansas boasting the Boston Mountains range and the St. Francis Mountain range on its western border. In short, the research indicates that there are more mountains located on the western side of the Mississippi River.
Yet, this does not mean that there are no mountain ranges east of the Mississippi River. Pockets of mountainous terrain can be found in eastern Tennessee and northern Alabama, in particular. In addition, the Appalachian foothills, which run along the eastern bank of the river, are filled with accessible mountain trails and camping sites. These areas are not nearly as high as their counterparts on the western side of the river, but they represent a notable exception in this geographical divide.
In terms of population, the west is also home to more people than the east. As the Mississippi River serves as a natural border between two distinct regions of the country, those living on the west side of the river tend to be more connected economically and culturally to states outside the region. This factor, combined with the fact that large mountain ranges are typically found in the west, has likely made the west more desirable for settlement and development.
It is not only humans who have shaped the landscape around the Mississippi River as well. The river itself plays a large role in the number and location of mountains. As the river has carved its path over millions of years, its shifting course has altered the shape of the terrain, with more prominent bluffs, cliffs, and hills rising near and along its banks. This has likely had an influence on the type of mountains located near the river and their placements in relation to it.
When compared side-by-side, there is no doubt that the majority of mountains in the region are located to the west of the Mississippi River. While there are some mountain ranges on the eastern side of the river, these are typically smaller in size and altitude than those on the western side. While humans, geological processes, and even the river itself have all had a hand in creating these differences, it can be said with certainty that there are more mountains located on the western side of the river.
Geology of the Region
Mississippi and its tributaries, such as the Missouri and Ohio, are very influential in the geology of the region as they created the landscapes over millions of years of erosion and silt deposits. In the northern states, the bluff formations give way to flat and rolling hills in the central United States where the Southern Mississippi and its tributaries formed deep escarpments and deposited nutrients. This process continues today, as the river bed changes with the season, creating and erasing hills and valleys in its wake.
The geologic formation of mountains in the region is complicated, with a few basic principles applicable across states. Glaciation and the uplift of the Appalachian Highlands have been driving force behind the formation of mountains, particularly in the eastern United States. Meanwhile, in the western states and along the Mississippi River, the drainage pattern and the deposition of accumulated sediment and rock have created the more varied mountain formations, with some of the more prominent examples being in Tennessee and Arkansas, where the highest peaks are found.
Overall, it is the combination of these geological processes that have influenced the type and number of mountains in the region, which largely explains why the majority are located on the western side of the river. Also, from a geological environmental point of view, the region has great potential for mineral exploration, as many of the mountains were created from sedimentary rocks and contain valuable minerals and metals such as iron, copper and coal.
Florests and Wildlife
The forests and wildlife around the Mississippi River is a diverse ecosystem with both its eastern and western sides comprising of different species. On the western side, the forests are generally more expansive its larger mountain formations requiring more moisture for long sustaining vegetation. As such, on the western side there are more temperate forests with a variety of deciduous trees such as oaks and maples. Whereas on the eastern side, due to fewer mountain formations, the forests are often more rigidly characterized by short vegetation such as grasses and shrubbery.
Additionally, the presence of mountains on the western side of the river increases the range of animal habitats around the Mississippi River. The higher and more steep terrain on the western side allows for a greater range of topography, enabling mountain and cliff habitat. In comparison, on the eastern side, the flatter plains give animals fewer places to hide as there is less diversity in the terrain. This has resulted in fewer species such as bald eagles and black bears, etc. commonly found on the western side along the Mississippi River.
The terrain and the vegetation that grows on the western side of the river also lead to better soil conditions for the growth of plants due to their better water, air and nutrient properties. With more types of trees and grasses, this offers better protection, water, and food for wildlife that live on or near the river, making the area a very attractive habitat for certain species.
The differences that the presence of mountains makes to the landscape and the wildlife of the Mississippi River have thus been huge. The mountains situated on the western side have enabled much richer and diverse forests and creatures to inhabit the area, making it an even more attractive environment with considerable scientific, economic and recreational value.
Economic Impact
The presence of mountains near the Mississippi River has economic consequences as well. The mountains on the western side have made the region attractive to industries such as mining and forestry, while the more open and flat terrain on the eastern side has enabled large-scale agricultural activities, while many of the states along the banks of the Mississippi see significant tourism from people who flock from all around the world to visit the famous American landmark.
Additionally, the presence of larger mountain formations on the western side has enabled a great amount of recreational activities such as mountain biking, hiking and fishing, all of which require favorable terrain and offer the potential for increased tourism and the job opportunities from the resulting demand for activities and services.
Moreover, many of the mountain formations around the Mississippi River have served as sources of natural resources for local industries. For example, coal and limestone are commonly found in the region’s mountain ranges, and these natural resources are critical to many of the economic activities in the area. This shows the importance of the mountain ranges in the economic development of the Arkansas, Missouri and Mississippi River Valley.
Therefore, it is clear that although the majority of mountains are located on the western side of the Mississippi River, their presence has had a positive impact on the economic development and is an integral part of the region’s ecology.
Ecological Impact
The presence of mountain ranges near the Mississippi River not only has a direct impact on the economies of the region, but it also has significant ecological implications. The steep mountain terrain allows for greater areas of high elevations, which enable the rivers and tributaries feeding the Mississippi to take advantage of the higher altitudes, allowing for a longer transit period for water to travel through the area. As a result, this slows the runoff of water and nutrients, allowing more to be absorbed by vegetation.
The mountains also preserve the broader ecosystem of the area by helping to ensure that topsoil remains in place. With the erosion of soil being one of the biggest threats to the ecological stability of the area, the protection offered by the mountain formations is significant.
Moreover, the mountainous terrain supports different types of habitats, allowing a greater diversity of species to flourish. Since many of the highest peaks in the region are found west of the Mississippi River, the flora and fauna of this side of the river consist of species that are adapted to a harsher environment. This is in stark contrast to the more calm plains found on the eastern side, which attract species more adapted to calmer environment.
Finally, each mountain range in the area comprises of distinct ecosystem characterized by the latitude, altitude, soil composition and climate. This diversity of landscapes serves to perpetuate the diversity between regions and contributes to more resilient species and gene pools.
Overall, it is clear that the presence of mountains around the Mississippi River has had far-reaching implications not just to human activity, but also to the ecological systems in place. Although the majority of the mountain ranges are situated on the western side of the river, their impact has been felt far beyond just this region.
Social Impact
The various mountain ranges around the Mississippi River have also served as invaluable landmarks and cultural markers for the distinct regions along the river. For example, the Ozark Mountains in Missouri and Arkansas, the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina, and the Big Black Mountains in Mississippi are all significant parts of the cultural identity of each region, and the mountain regions play an important role for tourism, recreation, and even interstate commerce.
The mountains also provide an education for many of the local, state and national parks located around the region. The presence of the mountains allows for a variety of wildness and ecology trails, allowing for a greater understanding and appreciation of the ecosystems present in and around the region.
Moreover, the social impact of the mountains near the Mississippi River extends to the Native American tribes associated with the region. For example, the Cherokee and Shawnee tribes in the Ozark Mountains have used the highlands as a stronghold during the American War of Independence and the Trail of Tears. The regions’ strong cultural and spiritual significance has continued to this day, making the presence of mountains and highlands an essential component of their identity and heritage.
The importance of the mountains located along the Mississippi River certainly extends beyond the immediate region. The varied ecosystems, wildlife, and cultural significance all demonstrate that the presence of the mountains is invaluable to the history, culture, and livelihoods of people living along the Mississippi River.
