In 1905, the possibility of the mighty Mississippi River freezing was a logical concern to consider. After all, the river wields more than two million cubic feet of water to send downstream each second, and temperatures on the banks and in the surrounding states often dip below freezing. So, did the mighty Mississippi River actually freeze in 1905?
The answer is both yes and no. The beginning and end of the Mississippi are subject to change, as the river’s boundaries shift over time due to flooding, droughts, sediment deposits, and other natural occurrences. The mouth of the river resides near New Orleans, Louisiana and the beginning of the river is located western Minnesota. On any given day during the part of the year when temperatures reach freezing, one can expect conditions to be different between these two areas. In the span of time from 1901 to 1910, it was recorded that ice made solid appearances on the Mississippi River near Sioux City, Iowa multiple times.
In January of 1905, ice jams were noted on the stretch of the river near Minneapolis. In some areas, the ice cover was up to a quarter of a mile thick. While it may seem like the river was entirely frozen over, this was actually not the case. The ice was too thin, and some locations surrounding the river continued to experience liquid river water while the ice chunks were lofted in spots. This phenomenon is known as “floating ice,” and it is not the same as when a river becomes entirely frozen.
As it turns out, the answer to that question is complicated. Frozen parts and sections of the Mississippi River are common. A confluence of tributaries creates a unique mixture of cold and warm water, and therefore creates an environment for the river to freeze. Additionally, the river can be subject to various other weather conditions, along with man-made influences, making the possibility of the Mississippi River freezing in any particular year an unpredictable one.
Environmental Factors Impacting the Freezing of Mississippi River
At any given time of the year, the temperatures of the Mississippi River may fluctuate drastically. The water temperature affects the way the river moves, and there can be significant changes between the northern and southern sections of the river. The difference in temperature between the tributaries that feed the Mississippi River and the lower stretches of the river is one of the main factors impacting how far it will freeze.
The amount of precipitation also plays a role in whether the rivers will freeze. Rainfall can act as an insulator, which can prevent large sheets of ice from forming. Additionally, the water flow must be slow enough in order for a large chunk of ice to form.
Lastly, the presence of vegetation along the Mississippi River also affects its temperature. This vegetation stabilizes the rate of water flow, which can reduce its vulnerability to freezing.
Man-Made Factors Impacting the Freezing of Mississippi River
In addition to factors such as temperature and precipitation, there are also man-made factors that can impact the freezing of the Mississippi River. Dams and other man-made structures along the river can impact its movement and water flow, which can inhibit freezing.
The use of salt and other chemicals can also have an effect on the freezing of the Mississippi River. Certain chemicals are known to inhibit ice formation, while others can actually increase the rate of freezing. This makes river management on a large scale difficult.
Industrial waste products, such as fertilizers, can also contribute to changes in the temperature of the Mississippi River, which can in turn affect its propensity to freeze. For example, many farms in the Mississippi River Basin use fertilizers to boost crop yields. The fertilizer runoff from these farms enters into the river, and can raise the river’s temperature beyond the freezing point in certain areas.
Impact of Mississippi River Freezing
The Mississippi River is one of the primary water systems of the United States, used for recreation, transportation, trade, and other activities. When the river freezes, these activities can be interrupted and the livelihood of people living near the river can be threatened. Ice jams can slow down the river’s flow, putting a strain on ships and barges that rely on the river for transportation.
Freezing of the Mississippi River also has an impact on its ecology. The freezing of the river can adversely affect the fish and wildlife that rely on the river’s waters. Additionally, ice blocks and jams can disrupt the river’s natural sediment distribution, which can lead to erosion and the destruction of valuable fish habitats.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is one of the most iconic rivers in the United States, and its freezing is often a subject of curiosity. While it is not uncommon for sections of the river to freeze, the occurrence of the entire Mississippi River freezing is rare and unpredictable, due to a variety of environmental and man-made factors. Additionally, any freezing of the river can also have an adverse effect on the humans and wildlife that rely on it for various activities.
