The Appalachian Mountains stretch across the eastern United States and drain into the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico. But does Appalachian streams drain to the Mississippi River? It is a contentious question with many experts divided on the answer.
The answer part of the answer is that it depends on several factors. The Appalachian Basin is the name for the landmass and watersheds within the mountain range, and includes streams and rivers that flow north, south, and west before emptying into the major bodies of water noted above. While some of these bodies of water, such as the Ohio and Cumberland Rivers, do eventually feed the Mississippi River, others do not.
The Ohio River is the most well-known waterway within the Appalachian region, and it is formed by the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers. It also provides the southern boundary of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania and is fed by numerous small rivers, creeks, and streams, some of which are part of the Appalachian system of watersheds. The Ohio River eventually feeds into the Mississippi River and so Appalachian waterways which directly or indirectly join it contribute to the larger drainage.
The Cumberland River is another important Appalachian stream which drains into the Mississippi via the Ohio River. It has its own system of small tributaries, some of which are also part of the larger Appalachian watershed, that add to its overall volume of water.
The Allegheny River is a major tributary of the Ohio with two other significant tributaries- the Youghiogheny and the Conemaugh- which each flow through Pennsylvania on their way to the Ohio. The Allegheny is the second largest in terms of the amount of water it contributes to the Ohio. Thus, any streams and rivers which empty into the Allegheny, Youghiogheny, and Conemaugh Rivers all ultimately contribute to the Mississippi River.
The Tennessee River is another major tributary of the Ohio that originates within the Appalachian Basin. It is formed by the confluence of the Holston and French Broad Rivers, both of which originate in the Tennessee mountains, within the Appalachian Basin. The Tennessee River’s many tributaries also feed into it, some of which are also within the Appalachian watersheds.
The drainage from the Appalachians to the Mississippi River is an important part of the water cycle that helps to shape the environment of the region. It is estimated that a total of 59 percent of the Appalachian watersheds drain into the Ohio River, and 37 percent drains into the Cumberland River. Together, these two rivers are major contributors to the Mississippi River’s water. The remaining 4 percent of the Appalachian watersheds drain into the Tennessee and French Broad Rivers, which join together to form the Tennessee River.
Climate Factor
The amount of water that eventually flows into the Mississippi River from the Appalachian regions is largely dependent on the climate of the area. Heavy rainfall in the spring and fall seasons can cause the rivers to swell and overflow in the most flood-prone areas. Additionally, the area’s terrain can play a role in how the water is carried and distributed throughout the region. In mountainous terrain water can be funneled and concentrated in certain areas which can cause significant flooding downstream.
The increase in extreme weather events due to climate change, such as flooding and drought, is another factor that affects the volume of water being drained from the Appalachian streams into the Mississippi. With more unpredictable weather patterns, some areas that would not normally experience such events can suddenly be left in a vulnerable state as water rushes throughout the Appalachian region.
As the climate continues to change, various states have proposed various measures to attempt to mitigate the effects of these extreme weather events. Federal and state agencies have proposed various conservation and management plans aimed at protecting the Appalachian watersheds, but these measures have yet to be put into place.
Management Action
In order to properly manage and conserve the Appalachian region’s waterways, comprehensive management plans must be in place to ensure the waterways are not overused or polluted.
In order to protect the Appalachian streams, organizations such as the Appalachian Mountains Joint Venture have proposed plans to identify and protect areas most vulnerable to water contamination, as well as programs to educate local communities and governments about the importance of resource conservation. Additionally, the organization has supported several research projects that aim to better understand the relationship between climate change, the Appalachian Basin, and the water cycle.
Government and non-government organizations have also established management plans for specific rivers and streams, such as the development of watershed management plans to identify areas that should be monitored for water quality, potential threats, and any environmental issues that may arise. Additionally, local governments and organizations have begun to take action by providing programs that encourage water conservation, such as providing rebates or credits for residents or businesses that install water-saving appliances or practice sustainable landscaping techniques.
The goal of many management plans is to reduce the amount of water flowing into the Mississippi River, while simultaneously ensuring the rivers and streams in the Appalachian region remain healthy. This can be achieved by using management plans to identify areas of concern and focus conservation efforts in those areas and by providing incentives to local residents and businesses that practice water conservation.
Cultural Impact
Appalachian streams provide an important source of sustenance for local communities and tribes in the area. For generations, these waterways were used for fishing and transportation, and are still an important source of food and recreation today.
In many areas, the waterways are also essential to local customs and traditions. For example, many of the tribes in the area have sacred rivers used for ceremonies and spiritual practices, and rely on the water for their community’s prosperity. However, due to pollution, overuse, and other environmental issues, many of these waterways are now at risk of being ruined by contamination or excessive water usage.
In addition to the wide range of cultures that rely on these rivers and streams, the Appalachian waterways are also an important source of commerce. Logging, fishing, and other industries rely heavily on the waterways in the region and the health of the river systems directly affect their businesses and livelihoods.
Overall, the Appalachian streams provide an important resource for the people of the region, both as a source of sustenance and commerce, and as a source of cultural and spiritual importance. The management of the waterways is therefore essential to the preservation of these communities and their histories.
Environmental Impact
The Appalachian region hosts a wide variety of unique wildlife, and the water from the streams and rivers is essential for their livelihoods. As climate change continues to cause disturbances in the area, it is essential that immediate steps be taken to ensure the health and preservation of these species.
According to experts, the amount of water flowing out of the Appalachian watersheds directly impacts the health of the fish and other species in the rivers and streams. The larger the amount of water, the more nutrients and resources are available to support the diverse wildlife. Additionally, less water also increases the strain on species such as muscle, trout, and other fish that rely on deeper pools and larger rivers for their spawning and feeding grounds.
In addition to the environmental impacts of the water flow, the pollutants that can enter the waterways must also be taken into consideration. As previously mentioned, the increased amount of runoff in the area caused by climate change can cause the water to become contaminated with chemicals, agricultural pesticides, and other pollutants.
Lastly, water depletion from around the region can also cause drastic changes to the Appalachian streams and rivers. In areas with a large population, water depletion can be caused by municipal and industrial uses as well as residential uses. This can cause a decline in water levels in the rivers and streams, which in turn affects the wildlife and aquatic life that depend on it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while some of the Appalachian streams and rivers do indeed feed into and contribute to the Mississippi River, it is important to take a holistic view of the issue to understand the complexity of the Appalachian watershed and the stresses put on it. By understanding the climate, cultural, and environmental factors that impact the area, we can better manage the resources within it and ensure the health and sustainability of the Appalachian watersheds for future generations.
