Human civilization has done a lot of things. We’ve built empire, studied the secrets of nature, developed technologies like the railroads, conquered the skies and explored the depths of the planet.
One of the most impressive feats of engineering our species has ever achieved is perhaps the creation of the mighty Mississippi River. This river has been the lifeblood of much of the United States, supplying cities, farms, and people with water, energy, and food. What’s more, it is part of a larger network of rivers and waterways, including the Great Lakes.
The question of whether the Great Lakes are connected to the Mississippi River is an interesting one. In short, the answer is no. While the Great Lakes do have rivers running through them, these rivers do not directly connect to the Mississippi. Rather, the Great Lakes are connected to the Atlantic Ocean through a series of locks, canals, and waterways, and the Mississippi eventually feeds into the Gulf of Mexico.
However, the two massive bodies of water do have a few things in common. For starters, both are home to a staggering variety of wildlife. From fish to birds to mammals, the Great Lakes and Mississippi River both provide habitat for a wide array of creatures. Furthermore, both bodies of water are essential for navigation, recreation, and even industry. Ships, ferries, and barges all use the Mississippi and Great Lakes to transport goods and materials.
What’s more, the Great Lakes, like the Mississippi River, are home to a myriad of cultures. From the people of the Great Plains to the millions of Canadians who live along the lakes’ shores, the Great Lakes region is a melting pot of traditions and cultures.
Finally, it is important to note that the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River both provide water for much of the Midwest, and are essential for crop production, as well as providing food and drinking water for people across the region. Moreover, both are subject to intense pollution, posing a danger to their surrounding ecosystems.
Freshwater Turtles
The Great Lakes and Mississippi River are connected in one way: both are home to a large number of freshwater turtles. These aquatic animals, like the Eastern painted turtle, the box turtle, and the diamondback terrapin, can be found in both bodies of water, as well as other waterways throughout the Midwest. These turtles play an important role in their ecosystems, providing food for larger animals, controlling insect populations, and helping to disperse seeds.
But unfortunately, these animals are under threat from pollution, habitat loss, and over-harvesting. With the increasing demand for turtles and turtle parts for Chinese medicine and the pet trade, these gentle creatures are put at risk of extinction. Conservationists are urging for stronger laws and more effort to protect these ancient animals from over-exploitation.
Climate Change
Climate change is having a significant impact on the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River. As global temperatures rise, the two bodies of water are affected in different ways. For instance, the Great Lakes have seen a drastic reduction in ice cover over the past few decades, threatening to disrupt the food chain of the species inhabiting the lakes. Similarly, the Mississippi River is prone to higher levels of drought and flooding caused by changing precipitation patterns.
Climate-related disasters are also becoming more frequent in the Great Lakes and Mississippi regions. From hurricanes to floods, the number of extreme weather events has been rising sharply, with devastating consequences. For instance, in 2020 a record-breaking storm surge caused major flooding along the Mississippi coast, inundating cities and towns with several feet of water.
In response to the threat of climate change, a variety of efforts are under way in the two regions. Conservation groups are working in both areas to restore wetlands and reduce pollution, while local governments are putting in place measures to protect their communities from extreme weather events.
Economic Impact
The Great Lakes and Mississippi River are both essential for the economy of the Midwest. The two regions are home to major industries, including agriculture, fishing, shipping, and tourism. From Chicago to New Orleans, the Great Lakes and Mississippi River have shaped the development of the American Midwest, providing employment and economic opportunities for millions.
At the same time, pollution and other environmental issues have caused economic damage to both regions. For instance, massive algal blooms have caused economic losses in Lake Erie, while in the Mississippi Delta, water pollution and coastal erosion have caused fisheries to decline. For both regions, economic development is linked to a healthy environment and sustainable management of resources.
Invasive Species
In addition to the native species mentioned earlier, the Great Lakes and Mississippi River are also home to a number of invasive species. From the zebra mussel to the Asian carp, non-native creatures have been disrupting both ecosystems, threatening the native species that inhabit the two bodies of water.
In the Great Lakes, the arrival of the zebra mussel in the 1990s caused a major decline in the fish populations, impacting the local economy and traditional lifestyles. Similarly, the rapid spread of the invasive Asian carp in the Mississippi River and its tributaries, has had a devastating impact on native species, such as the paddlefish and the gizzard shad.
In response to the invasion of alien species, a variety of efforts have been put in place in both regions. Fishery managers have enacted regulations to block the transfer of aquatic species between different waterways, while the US Army Corps of Engineers is implementing measures to prevent the further spread of invasive species.
Conclusion
From providing habitat for wildlife to impacting the economy, the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River are essential elements of the Midwest. Despite the fact that they are not physically connected, the two bodies of water have much in common. They both play an important role in the lives and livelihoods of people in the region, and their health is essential to maintain the welfare of the region.
