Background Information
The Missouri River is the longest river in North America. It flows for 2,341 miles from its source in north-central Montana, through parts of Wyoming, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri before emptying into the Mississippi River near St. Louis. The Missouri-Mississippi river system is the 4th longest river system in the world and plays an important role in the history, economy and ecology of the United States.
Relevant Data
The Missouri River has a breadth of 500-1200 feet and a depth of three to five feet. It has a mean discharge rate of 67,200 cfs, making it the largest tributary of the Mississippi by volume. The Lower Platte and Middle Platte rivers also feed into the Mississippi forming a confluence in St. Louis.
Expert Perspectives
Brian Williams, a hydrologist from the US Geological Survey believes that the Missouri River is an integral part of the Mississippi River system. He believes, “The Missouri River is widely recognized by scientists as the main source of sediment and water that creates a floodplain for the lower Mississippi Valley. Without the Missouri, the ecological balance of the lower Mississippi Valley would be significantly altered.”
Tom Johnson, a riverboat captain with years of experience on the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, adds, “My time navigating the rivers has given me a unique view of the impact of the Missouri on the Mississippi. During periods of flooding along the Mississippi, the Missouri River can discharge millions of gallons of water into the larger river system and help lower the flooding risk downstream.”
Insight and Analysis
The Missouri River plays a critical role in the formation and maintenance of the Mississippi River. The powerful flow generated by the Missouri helps to ferry sediment and water downstream, which not only helps to keep the Mississippi River’s current strong and steady but also helps to create a massive floodplain around the two rivers. This floodplain helps to provide habitat for numerous species of fish, birds, and mammals and helps to ensure the health of the entire river system.
Not only does the Missouri River provide a critical contribution to the health of the Mississippi River, but it also has a significant impact on human life. The two rivers have been the lifeline of the nation since the early days of the US. From providing a means of travel and shipping goods, to being the source of irrigation, building materials, and energy, the two rivers have been essential to the economic and cultural development of America over centuries.
Socioeconomic Impact
The Missouri-Mississippi river system has been vital to the national economy throughout its history. From its position as a fur trading route during early American expansion to today’s modern barges, the rivers have provided a vital means of transporting goods, making it an economic force that cannot be ignored.
Its economic power includes more than just transportation. The rivers provide the perfect environment for agricultural expansion and irrigation. This has enabled farmers and ranchers to utilize the rivers’ nutrient-rich waters to produce food for America’s growing population. On top of this, the rivers produce vital amounts of hydroelectric power, providing a reliable source of energy for neighborhoods and businesses near the rivers.
Conservation Efforts
The Missouri-Mississippi river system has seen its share of environmental problems in the past. From industrial pollution to toxic runoff, the rivers have been subject to numerous threats to their health. In response to these threats, conservation efforts have been put in place over the past few decades to ensure the health of the rivers and their ecosystems.
These efforts are multi-faceted and include educating the public, restoring wild areas, and implementing new fisheries management regulations. The National Park Service and the Army Corps of Engineers have worked together to address issues ranging from water flow to soil erosion. All of these efforts are designed to maintain the health and balance of the Missouri-Mississippi river system for generations to come.
Environmental Benefits
The Missouri-Mississippi river system not only provides important economic benefits but has significant environmental benefits as well. The floodplain created by the two rivers creates unique habitats for wildlife. The intense flow of the rivers creates oxygen-rich environment that supports fish and other aquatic life, allowing them to thrive. The nutrient-rich rivers also provide crucial habitat for various species of birds and mammals.
The rivers are also home to numerous protected species. Species such as the bald eagle, piping plover, pallid sturgeon, and least tern have all been able to find refuge and thrive in the protected areas of the rivers. This has enabled them to not only survive but to reproduce and help maintain the balance and diversity of the river system.
Interconnected Ecosystems
The Missouri and Mississippi rivers are part of an interconnected ecosystem that extends far beyond their immediate banks. The two rivers provide a high level of connectivity to entities that are miles away from their sources. The rivers provide critical resources and habitats to all of the areas they touch, and their health and wellbeing is of critical importance to the local flora and fauna.
For this reason, it is of utmost importance that conservation and other environmental efforts continue to keep the water and ecosystems of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers healthy and vibrant. These rivers stand as a testament to the value of the environment, and their preservation and protection will help guarantee the wellbeing of our planet for many years to come.
