Physical Conditions of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River stretches 2,350 miles long, making it the fourth longest river system in the world. It moves through several states and climate zones, earning itself the nickname of the “Gift of the Glacial”. With its variable weather in multiple states, water temperature and flow become questions when trying to determine if the Mississippi River ever freezes.
To answer this, it is helpful to understand the different morphological and climatic conditions of the river and its surrounding areas. The Mississippi River valley is a type of meandering river, meaning it curves and bends within its own channel, eating away at its banks as it moves through but still staying within its own channel. This type of channel formation is the most common-found along the river. In addition to this, the water temperature of the Mississippi River is moderated by the inflow of its tributaries- made up of other, smaller rivers that flow into it- which helps keep the waters from freezing up due to the outside temperatures.
Weather Conditions at the Surface of the Mississippi River
After understanding the conditions of the river itself, it is important to look at the weather conditions at the surface. The Mississippi receives a lot of snow in the winter, which is mostly found in the colder climates that the river is present in. This snow, along with cold temperatures, often affects temperatures at the surface.
However, snow fall is not always indicative of large temperature drops. An analysis on snow cover and air temperature in the Mississippi area between 1960 and 2006 revealed that snow cover had no effect on air temperature, which means that the river itself does not necessarily always freeze. That’s not to say that temperatures never dip into freezing territory; during the winter, the surface temperature can be classified as very cold.
Changing Flow Rates
In addition to the necessary conditions for a freeze to occur, the flow rate of the river must be taken into account. The water flow rate is an important indicator of a river’s freeze potential. Higher flows usually require colder air temperatures for the water to freeze, whereas lower flows have a tendency to freeze with lower temperatures.
The rate of flow at which the Mississippi River moves also depends on if the river is flowing downstream or upstream. More water is needed downstream when the river carries with it large loads of soil particles, whilst upstream flows are typically faster. In the winter, the rate of flow will slow down as the energy within the river begins to decline. However, the Mississippi River is not typically affected by this slow down- the rate of speed will remain the same, or only vary slightly.
Freezing Situation of the Mississippi River
So, does the Mississippi River ever freeze? The simple answer is no, it does not. It rarely happens due to the conditions at play within the river’s physical structure and the moderated water temperature from its tributaries. Due to its meandering formation, the large groups of soil particles and debris contain particles large enough to inhibit the river’s freezing potential.
In addition, air temperatures in the winter usually don’t dip low enough for the surface water temperature to freeze significantly. Whilst the water temperature can reach 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the surface temperature generally stays above this freezing point in order for the river to keep a free-flowing nature.
Impacts on Mississippi River Climates
The inability to freeze is a blessing and still holds true in the areas surrounding the Mississippi River as well. The Mississippi River Delta is a great example of how the river’s water temperature affects its environment. Temperatures there tend to be higher than other areas in the nation due to the warm water running through the region. This warm water moderates air temperatures in the winter, protecting some of the ecosystems present in the delta. The Mississippi acts as the great climate moderator, protecting both animals and plant life from the harsh winter temperatures.
Changes to the Mississippi River Over Time
The Mississippi River has seen many changes over time, especially in the last couple hundred years. That has included the river’s actual shape, in terms of it deepening, increasing water clarity and changes to its water temperature due to the removal of tributaries and other large environmental changes.
However, one thing that is certain is that the Mississippi will continue to move along its meandering form and steer away from freezing due to the natural climate conditions that come with that shape along with water temperature modifications and moderations brought on by tributaries.
Interaction of Rivers Based on Water Temperature
The Mississippi is not the only river that experiences a battle with the cold. Numerous rivers across the US have experienced the effects of cold temperatures but have still stayed unfrozen, just like the Mississippi.
When two rivers meet, the water temperature will usually moderate depending on the size and temperature of the rivers. Bigger rivers tend to have heavier flow and remain warmer than smaller streams, meaning that the warm water from the bigger river will become the dominant factor and keep the water in both rivers from freezing.
Adaptations in the River’s Ecosystems
The Mississippi’s surrounding areas and ecosystems also see many adaptations due to the fact that the river doesn’t freeze over. Animals and plants that live in and around the river are often able to survive without the presence of the harsh climate conditions present in other areas during the winter.
In fact, the opposite often happens; the presence of the flowing, warmer water in the winter often means that species thrive in the areas. Birds and animals that migrate south in the winter are often found along the river, getting the food and water they need without having to battle a cold climate.
Conclusion of Does the Mississippi River Ever Freeze
Overall, the Mississippi River does not freeze due to its size, velocity and meandering shape along with the moderated water temperature coming from its tributaries. In addition, the climates surrounding the river are also moderated- often protecting animal and plant life from the extreme weather conditions present in other areas in the winter. The impact that the river has on its enclosing ecosystem is one of its most remarkable traits- proving to be the largest climate moderator throughout the years and keeping it from freezing despite its presence in various states- both cold and warm.
