Does the Mississippi River flow into the Great Lakes? This is one of those questions that has a simple answer, but a much complicated answer when multiple perspectives are taken into account. It all boils down to the fact that the Mississippi River follows a path of diversionary courses and is ultimately discharged through the Gulf of Mexico and into the Atlantic Ocean. While the Mississippi River basin defines all parts of the continental United States it does not include the Great Lakes region.
As the second longest river in North America, the Mississippi River starts in lakes Itasca, Minnesota and eventually flows for 2,300 miles across most of the country and terminates in the Gulf of Mexico. The three great tributaries of the Mississippi River include the Missouri, Ohio and Arkansas Rivers. In total, the river basin consists of 31 states and both of North Dakota and South Dakota. The combination of the Mississippi, Ohio and Missouri rivers is known as the “Father of Waters,” due to its importance in connecting the nation and promoting culture, industry and trade.
The most compelling evidence for the lack of a connection between the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes is the fact that the Mississippi and Great Lakes are part of two distinct “water basins.” As a result, any water exchange between the two areas would be blocked by the barrier posed by the Great Lakes Basin. The only part of the Mississippi River that intersects with the Great Lakes is the St. Marys River, which is the outlet between Lake Superior and Lake Huron. Despite the two areas being proximity to each other in terms of geographical locations, they are separated by a distinct divide.
In addition to geography, the fundamental microclimate of the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River area must be discussed. The Great Lakes are surrounded by an unobstructed network of rivers and are essentially disconnected from the Mississippi River basin. These microclimates have an additional impact in terms of species variation and diversity, as the main contributors of life in the Great Lakes are aquatic species, while the Mississippi River’s contribution is agricultural species.
In summary, it cannot be denied or denied that the Mississippi River does not flow into the Great Lakes. In essence, the Great Lakes are surrounded by its own ecosystem, which is largely isolated from the Atlantic-Gulf region and the Mississippi River basin. The St. Marys River serves as the only connection between the basins and allows for a very limited exchange of water and wildlife.
Climate
The geographical divide between the two areas affects not only the geopolitical boundaries but also results in two distinct climates: a colder climate for the Great Lakes area, and a milder climate for the Mississippi River area. For the most part, the climatic influences surrounding the Great Lakes can be attributed to their location, which is closer to the northern polar regions. By contrast, the Mississippi River area is more temperate and less affected by the Arctic air of its northern neighbor.
The differences in climate also depends on the source of precipitation that falls onto the two areas. For example, the Great Lakes are influenced by the Arctic air coming over the Canadian Arctic and Arctic air masses descending down from northern Canada. By contrast, the Mississippi River area tends to receive more precipitation from the Gulf of Mexico, leading to a higher volatility in yearly temperatures and precipitation levels.
The effects of climate changes on both regions can also be felt. In the case of the Great Lakes, the water levels have been declining since the early 1990s due to high levels of evaporation. This drop has led to a reduction in the number of native fish species and an increased risk of recreational boating accidents. On the other hand, the area around the Mississippi River has seen an influx of tropical storms and hurricanes over the past several decades.
Pollution
Another key difference between the two regions is the amount of pollution. The area around the Great Lakes has long been known for its significant levels of industrial and agricultural pollution. This pollution has caused significant health risks to the powerful waterways and their subsequent wildlife, as well as a decrease in the river’s native fish populations. Conversely, the Mississippi River area has seen less of an environmental impact and far less pollution, due in part to the robust number of regulations in place to protect the river.
However, all is not well in the Mississippi, as the area is still subject to agricultural runoff into the river and its tributaries. This runoff carries pollutants such as fertilizers and pesticides, which can cause serious health issues and contaminate the river basin. The best way to minimize the risks associated with this runoff is to limit soil erosion in agricultural lands and to maximize the use of renewable forms of energy.
In addition, the effects of climate change have become more pronounced in the Mississippi River Basin. The changing climate has caused the river water level to fluctuate, with areas of the river subject to drought conditions and at times, with record flooding and levels of sediment buildup. As a result, the native fish populations are at greater risk due to rising water temperatures.
Cultural Impact
Moving on to the cultural impact of the Mississippi River and Great Lakes, it’s clear that the two areas have had a profound effect on American history and culture. The Great Lakes out of the Great Lakes were used extensively as a trade route and by explorers during the Age of Discovery. As such, the region that sits along the Great Lakes is home to some of America’s most iconic cities, such as Chicago and St. Louis.
The Mississippi River, meanwhile, served as a destination for the early settlers and Native Americans who were part of the westward expansion. By traveling up the length of the river, settlers were able to establish farms and create vast networks of trade and culture. As a result, the Mississippi River Valley still carries a strong sense of culture and community pride.
Economic Impact
The Mississippi and Great Lakes also have an immense economic impact on the countries in the region. The Great Lakes area is home to vast manufacturing centers and other industrial activities that drive the local economies. In addition, the large number of fresh-water rivers make the area ideal for aquaculture, fishing and tourist activities. On the other hand, the Mississippi River Valley is home to vast areas of agricultural production and serves as the epicenter of the nation’s food exports.
The connection between the two bodies of water is far more profound than simply geography and climate. The Mississippi and Great Lakes are two key economic engines of the United States, offering immense benefits to citizens, businesses and tourists in terms of trade, recreation and quality of life. The importance of their connection can be seen in the ways that they shape the physical, cultural and economic landscapes of their respective regions.
Environmental Impact
Finally, one cannot begin to discuss the importance of these two regions without considering their environmental impact. The Mississippi River crosses a wide swath of the continent, and its tributaries contribute to the areas’ most valuable resources. The Great Lakes, meanwhile, are a haven for wildlife and have a major impact on the region’s air and water quality.
The changes in both regions due to human activities can be seen in the form of pollution, habitat fragmentation and climate change. The Great Lakes, in particular, are being threatened by a variety of forces, including invasive species and agricultural runoff. On the other hand, the Mississippi River is highly regulated in an effort to limit the degradation of its rich habitats.
In order to counter the effects of human expansion and development, policy makers in both regions have put in place several protective measures. These measures have included new regulations, land conservation efforts and ecological restoration projects. Through these initiatives, the Great Lakes and Mississippi River areas have been able to maintain their unique ecological integrity and foster a healthy environment for future generations.
