The Connection
The Mississippi River has captivated the hearts of people from all around the globe. Not only is it a beautiful river, but it is also the longest river in North America, standing at a jaw-dropping 3,734 miles long. Along with providing sustenance for millions of people that call it home, the river is also connected to a vast network of other rivers and waterways. However, one of the most iconic connections is to the Great Lakes.
Despite being roughly 1,000 miles away from one another, the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes are eternally connected. This connection is due to the extensive Illinois Waterway, which has been in use since the late 19th century. The connection comes with a few surprising facts as well. For example, the Great Lakes are actually higher than the Mississippi River. As a result, the Illinois Waterway runs in reverse, as the water must be siphoned uphill in order for it to reach the Great Lakes.
While the connection between the two bodies of water is significant, the size of the connection is minimal in comparison. The Illinois Waterway is 370 miles in length and only represents a fraction of the Mississippi River’s total mileage. While the river may not literally connect to the Great Lakes, more than 99% of the river’s watershed is considered to be part of the greater basin system of the Great Lakes.
The Impact
Beyond being simply interesting, the connection between the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes has a measurable impact on the people that live within range. The region requires a constant and reliable water supply, and the connection between both bodies of water helps provide that. Specifically, the connection is used for hydroelectric and navigation purposes.
Rather than having to construct additional facilities to handle the burden of commerce, the connection allows for goods to be ferried back and forth without hassle. This is an especially important feat in the Great Lakes region, where the transportation of goods is of paramount importance. Furthermore, the connection to the Mississippi River provides an additional source of economic activity that can be found throughout the region.
The impact of the connection, however, extends further than just economic activity. The connection between both bodies of water helps cleanse the Mississippi’s water by transferring nutrients, sediment, and fish back and forth. This helps the environment in many forms — most notably, by allowing for improved water quality for everyone that calls the Mississippi River home.
The Dangers
Sustaining a connection between the two bodies of water is not without its dangers, however. A large number of aquatic species have become extinct in the region due to changes in the water levels in both the Mississippi and the Great Lakes, forcing many species to retreat or die out. Furthermore, the influx of water caused by the connection has created a series of environmental issues such as changes in fish populations, destruction of local ecosystems, and severe erosion.
It is also important to take into account the human element of the connection. Too much water flowing from one place to the next can cause a variety of immediate problems, ranging from accidental flooding to destruction of property. On a larger scale, the increased flow of water could cause a cascading effect of destruction — with whole communities being displaced and uprooted.
For this reason, great care must be taken both to ensure the viability of the connection, as well as to take necessary precautions against any potential for destruction. Rigorous and comprehensive regulations should be put in place to manage the connection between the two bodies of water, to ensure that each side is getting the best out of their vulnerability.
The Future
The connection between the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes is an undeniably powerful one. It provides benefits to both the economic and environmental perspective, while simultaneously providing sustenance to hundreds of thousands of people. As time goes on, the connection is only expected to become greater — as such, it will be our responsibility to ensure that it is managed well.
To that end, investments must be made in both the connection and the safety of those living near it. This could range from more robust regulations and monitoring of the region, increased investment in both the connection and the health of the local environment, and more. Whatever form it takes, the connection between the two bodies of water is a powerful one—one that will require constant vigilance to ensure that it remains healthy and functioning for decades to come.
The Benefits
The connection between the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes has been described as a “bridge” between two great bodies of water, and for good reason. The connection provides a variety of benefits, ranging from economic to environmental. It enables commerce, sustains life, and supports numerous aquatic species.
In economic terms, the connection makes it easier to ferry goods back and forth between the two bodies of water. This reduces the cost of transportation and enables more goods to be shipped with greater efficiency. This boost in efficiency is beneficial to all parties involved, as it enables the economy in both regions to flourish.
In environmental terms, the connection helps to sustain aquatic species, by providing a flow of nutrients and sediment between the two bodies of water. This helps to maintain biodiversity in both areas and improves the water quality for everyone that calls the region home. In essence, the connection provides a healthier and more diverse ecosystem for all.
The Controversy
Although the connection between the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes brings many benefits, it has also accrued some controversy as well. One of the primary areas of concern is the potential destruction from external sources, such as rainfall and flooding. These events can cause a sudden influx of water, which can then propagate into both bodies of water, causing destruction and destruction of much in its wake.
Furthermore, the importation of invasive species into both waters has been a major issue, as well. These species can cause long-term damage to both ecosystems and decrease the local biodiversity — something that is especially concerning due to the scope of the connection.
Finally, the lack of control over the influx and outflux of water has been a major source of controversy. While the connection between the two bodies of water is a good thing, it is essential that it be managed in a safe and responsible manner. This means ensuring that the flow of water remains stable and that external sources of destruction can be easily managed.
The Consequences
The consequences of an unchecked connection between the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes are potentially dire. As mentioned earlier, a sudden influx of water could destroy property and cause loss of life. It could also cause a ripple effect throughout the region, resulting in a decrease in economic activity, a decrease in local biodiversity, and an increase in pollution.
In addition, the unchecked importation of invasive species could cause lasting damage to both ecosystems, as they may end up competing with the native species, or perhaps even predating on them. Finally, a lack of control over the water flow could result in a drastic crash in water quality, leading to negative health impacts on those who call the region home.
In conclusion, the connection between the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes is an incredibly powerful one — one that can bring about both positive and negative consequences. However, with proper management, the connection could bring about a host of benefits — leading to a healthier environment, improved economic activity, and increased public safety.
