The Great Lakes and their Role as Feeders to the Mississippi River
The Great Lakes are an impressive group of five freshwater lakes in North America, and are an important part of the waterways in the U.S. and Canada. The Great Lakes—Superior, Huron, Michigan, Erie, and Ontario—presently contain approximately 21 percent of the planet’s surface-freshwater. Spanning from the U.S.-Canadian border east of Minnesota to the St. Lawrence River in southern Quebec, the Great Lakes are very large in both a geographical and ecological sense.
This vast freshwater resource is connected to the world’s third largest river, the Mississippi River, which begins in Minnesota and flows south to the Gulf of Mexico. The Great Lakes are considered a tributary of the Mississippi, particularly Lake Michigan, which is the main feeder into the Mississippi River Basin.
Despite their close proximity, the Great Lakes and Mississippi river systems remain hydrologically separated, thanks to their different levels. The Great Lakes sit at an elevation of about 600 feet above sea level, while the Mississippi rests at about 250 feet above sea level. This means that there is no natural flow of water from the Great Lakes to the Mississippi; instead, connections between the two major systems have been created by humans.
Man-made Connections from Great Lakes to the Mississippi River
The Chicago Water System is the largest man-made connection between the two neighboring watersheds. Established in 1900, the system diverts water from the Chicago and Calumet rivers into Lake Michigan, allowing for a portion of the water to flow from the Great Lakes into the Mississippi River system via the St. Lawrence Seaway, a navigable land and water route system.
Prior to this man-made connection, the two watersheds were physically and naturally separated. This artificial connection has helped sustain economic growth in the city of Chicago, but has also stirred up some controversy regarding its ecological impacts.
Historically speaking, the connection predates Chicago’s industrialization and population growth. In 1848, officials from the Michigan Territory opened a dam that allowed Great Lakes waters to flow freely into the Mississippi. This was done to lower the water levels of the lakes to make them easier to navigate and to facilitate the drainage of local marshlands.
The Interconnectedness of the Great Lakes and Mississippi River
The two systems are interconnected, and their connection can affect the ecology and environment of both river systems. For example, the man-made Chicago Water System has an effect on water quality, hydrology, and water temperature of the Great Lakes as well as the Mississippi River.
Water quality of the two systems is a major area of concern, since the exchange of water means that any pollution of one system is likely to affect the other. For instance, contaminated waters from the Great Lakes can be transported to the Mississippi via the artificial canals, resulting in potential ecological harm.
In archaeology, the connection between the two large rivers has had an impact in the form of the ‘Mississippi Tradition’, which includes the large sites of Cahokia and Moundville. Recent research suggests that these ancient mounds were created by people from the Great Lakes area, who brought their distinct cultural practices to the Mississippi region.
The Benefits of the Interconnections
The connection between the two systems is beneficial in several ways. For starters, it supports the Great Lakes’ booming transportation industry, while also providing powerful economic advantages to cities and towns located along the rivers.
Additionally, the connection helps keep both river systems balanced in terms of temperature and hydrology. This is beneficial both ecologically and economically, protecting animal species and fisheries located in both areas.
The Impact of Global Warming on the Great Lakes and Mississippi River Connection
Global warming has exacerbated the differences between the two systems and could increase the demand on the Great Lakes’ resources. Rising temperatures and reduced precipitation levels could lead to water shortages in the Great Lakes and an increased flow from the Great Lakes to the Mississippi. This could have a negative effect on the health of both rivers.
Climate change has already negatively impacted the Great Lakes, resulting in warmer and more polluted waters, which in turn has brought about declines in water levels and loss of aquatic life. It is expected that the same effects will be felt in the Mississippi River as temperatures rise and the connection between the two rivers continues to strengthen.
Environmental Solutions for the Great Lakes and Mississippi River
The most effective way to protect the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River from pollution and other environmental hazards is to prioritize conservation efforts and use eco-friendly methods of protection. Some solutions include strong regulations to protect water quality, controls on nutrient inputs, and the adoption of green technologies to reduce the amount of waste entering the water systems.
The conservation of natural habitats, such as wetlands and prairies, is also essential for keeping these rivers healthy. Wetlands can act as filters to catch sediment and toxins, and provide a habitat for birds and other wildlife. Conservation and restoration of these habitats is essential for keeping both watersheds healthy.
Protection of the Lakes and Rivers Through Environmental Education
The protection of the Great Lakes and Mississippi River requires the involvement of each local population. All citizens must be informed on the importance of these massive water systems and the impact of human activity on their health and well-being.
Providing education about water conservation and the importance of maintaining a healthy water system is essential for ensuring the protection of both river systems. This could include campaigns to promote water safety and water conservation, as well as awareness-raising initiatives about the risks of water pollution.
The Great Lakes and Mississippi River Responsible Recreation Connections
The connection between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi provides invaluable recreational opportunities for those living in the area. From fishing and swimming, to boating and camping, these rivers provide a variety of enjoyable activities that can bring people closer to nature.
In order to ensure the long-term health of both river systems, it is essential that those enjoying the recreational activities are doing so in a responsible manner. This includes using only eco-friendly boats, not littering, and not disturbing the natural habitats.
Great Lakes and Mississippi River Restoration Efforts
The long-term health of both river systems is of the utmost importance, and can only be achieved with significant restoration efforts. This includes projects such as riverbank restoration, reforestation, and the connection of tributaries to enhance habitat for fish and wildlife.
Additionally, the protection of wetlands, streams, and other natural habitats is essential for preventing contaminants from entering the water systems. These restoration efforts are not only important for keeping both rivers healthy; they are also beneficial for the local communities, who derive numerous economic and environmental benefits from these ecosystems.
Conclusion
The connection between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River has both ecological and economic benefits, but it is important to keep in mind that this relationship is also complex and fragile. Protecting these massive water systems is not only important for their own health, but also for the health of the planet and the people who rely on them.
