Overview
The Mississippi River is one of the world’s major waterways, with a name synonymous with exploration, history, economics, and culture. The question this article seeks to answer is: does the Mississippi River ever flow north? Although the answer is complex, in short, it does not. To explain why, this article will discuss the history, geography, and hydrology of the Mississippi River and its relationship with the nature of rivers in general.
History
The Mississippi River is one of the oldest river systems on the planet and has a storied history. It has been the site of many important battles, discoveries, and cultural landmarks. For centuries, the Mississippi River has served as a major trade corridor, allowing goods to travel from the Great Lakes in the north to the Gulf of Mexico in the south. It has also been an important ecological resource, nourishing a vast array of wildlife.
In 1682, the Mississippi River became part of the United States when French explorer Robert de La Salle claimed the area for France. Over the next two centuries, the river evolved into a major shipping route for agricultural and industrial products. The Mississippi River was crucial for the development of this region of the United States, and it continues to influence the area to this day.
Geography
The Mississippi River runs from its headwaters in Minnesota, winding southwest into its delta near New Orleans, Louisiana. Along its more than 2,300-mile journey, the river cuts through seven states, forming the borders of multiple states and connecting major cities like St. Louis, Memphis, and New Orleans. In total, the Mississippi River touches some parts of ten states, and its watershed is home to more than 18 million people.
Hydrology
The Mississippi River is an example of a river that generally follows what is known as the hydrologic cycle. In this cycle, the river starts with its source in the north and flows southward, with water eventually flowing back north into the Gulf of Mexico. As such, the Mississippi River does not usually flow north, but instead follows a general southward trend.
For portions of the river, the hydrologic cycle does not follow the same pattern. In certain areas of the Mississippi Delta, like along the “bird foot” region of the delta, the rivers can be pushed northward in certain conditions. These occurrences are infrequent and unpredictable, making them virtually impossible to plan around.
Overflow
In addition to pushing the river north, heavy rainfall and flooding can cause an overflow of the Mississippi River. When this happens, the river water can enter other bodies of water, both in the northern and southern directions. This is due to a phenomenon known as backwater flooding, and it can have a dramatic effect on the waters and lands that the river touches.
The most famous example of backwater flooding is the overflow of the Mississippi River in 1927, when flooding caused the river to spread across several states and caused billions of dollars in damage. Backwater flooding is an occurrence that can push the Mississippi River north and disrupt the normal hydrologic cycle.
Human Influence
In addition to floods, human activities have caused changes in the general path of the Mississippi River. Engineers have built levees and dams to control the river’s course and flow, allowing them to both prevent flooding in certain areas and create new channels for navigational and commercial use. In some areas, these interventions have been successful in pushing the river’s course north.
Despite the occasional redirection of the Mississippi River, it remains true that the river generally flows southward and does not flow north. The hydrologic cycle, flooding, and human intervention are all factors that can affect the Mississippi River’s path, but they generally do not cause a reversal of the river’s course and generation of a northward flow.
Geology
Finally, the geology of the Mississippi River basin plays an important role in dictating the course of the river. The bedrock beneath the river is softer in the north and harder in the south, creating an incline which encourages the river’s southward flow. Thus, even if there are periods of heavy flooding or human influence, the natural tilt of the river basin ensures that the Mississippi remains on a southward path.
Impact
The southward flow of the Mississippi River has had a major impact on the history of the United States. By providing a major trade corridor and a natural barrier, the river played a key role in the westward expansion of the nation. In addition, it has been a major factor in the development of the country’s distinct economy and culture.
The impacts of the Mississippi River are not unique to its course. The river has allowed numerous species to thrive in the vicinity of its basin, including several endangered species. The river is also an important source of drinking water in parts of the country, and its waters are used in industries around the country for various purposes.
Conclusion
Overall, it is clear that the Mississippi River does not flow north, despite the occasional disruption of its course. It is a southward-flowing river that has had a huge impact on the history and culture of the United States, as well as its environment. Its flow is heavily influenced by hydrology, geology, flooding, and human activity, but all in combination serve to guide it southward.
