Missouri River
The Missouri River is a tributary of the Mississippi River, making its way 2,400 miles across the Great Plains of the United States. The river originates in the Rocky Mountains of Montana and flows across Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. It is the longest river in North America and is the fourth longest U.S. river after the Colorado, Yellowstone and Snake rivers. The Missouri River Basin is the fourth largest river basin in the United States and covers an area of 573,000 square miles.
Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the largest river of the United States and the second longest river in North America after the Missouri River. It is the primary drainage system for the Great Plains region, covering an area of 1.2 million square miles. Originating in northwestern Minnesota, the Mississippi River is 2,340 miles in length, ultimately connecting with the Gulf of Mexico at a large estuary known as the Mississippi Delta. The drainage basin of the Mississippi River includes 31 US states and two Canadian provinces.
Does the Missouri River Flow into the Mississippi River?
The simple answer to the question of whether or not the Missouri River flows into the Mississippi River is, yes it does. The two rivers form a great confluence of the waters of the continent, located at the Port of St. Louis, Missouri. This area is where the two waters meet and create the mighty Mississippi – the longest river in the United States. The stark difference between the two rivers is that the Missouri is highly influenced by sediment, making its waters brown, while the Mississippi has clear blue waters.
The stirring of the river’s waters has long fascinated humans. The merging of the Missouri and the Mississippi Rivers brings water to vast areas of the Midwest and Eastern United States. Even the ancient Native Americans and European settlers were drawn to this mighty river. The power of the Missouri River has been harnessed since the 1930s, to support communities and create electricity. The river is also used to navigate and transport goods, increasing the economic activity in the region.
The Missouri River provides a valuable source of water. Over 500 rivers eventually flow into the Missouri, supporting the ecosystem of the region. Not only does the Missouri support numerous species of fish, but the erosion of rock produces valuable materials such as silt. As it flows closer to the Mississippi, the waters of the river eventually join the mighty Mississippi and provide a vital source of water to the states along its banks.
Environmental Impacts
The confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers has been affected drastically by human activity. The construction of dams, levees, and other projects have altered the river’s flow, features and water quality. Pollution from industrial and agricultural sources has caused the river to become polluted, affecting the health of humans and aquatic life. Due to extensive upstream development, the Missouri River has been largely overlooked in terms of environmental protection.
Many environmentalists are concerned about the impact of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers merging. As the Mississippi carries sediment and pollutants from upriver, it causes the Missouri to become more polluted. It has been suggested that dams be built on the upper Missouri to reduce the amount of pollution and sediment being carried downstream. This would help slow the process of siltation, while also reducing the risk of flooding.
Restoration Efforts
In order to restore the ecosystems of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, various restoration efforts are being undertaken. Federal agencies, local governments, and non-profit organizations are working together to implement plans that focus on the health, quality, and productivity of the rivers. These efforts include the removal of dams, the restoration of wetlands, and the planting of native vegetation.
Recently, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the National Park Service have been working to restore the riparian zones of the rivers. By removing man-made structures such as dams, the Corps and Park Service are improving the quality of water and increasing the population of native fish. Additionally, organizations and groups have been working to restore and protect wetlands in and around the rivers.
Economic Impact
The Missouri and Mississippi rivers have had a significant impact on the economic development of the American Midwest. The rivers provide a vital source of transportation and energy, both of which are essential to the region. The rivers also provide valuable recreational opportunities, supporting businesses by allowing people to fish, hunt, and boat. In addition, the rivers are a source of livelihood for fishermen, farmers, and local communities.
As a result of the construction of dams, levees, and other man-made structures, the rivers have changed significantly. The impact of these structures on the rivers is an environmental and economic concern as they have impacted the flow of the rivers, reduced sediment transport, and caused flooding in downstream areas. Despite these concerns, the infrastructure that has been built can help reduce flooding, improve navigation, and support energy production.
Conclusion
Overall, the Missouri River and the Mississippi River are a force to be reckoned with. Not only do they provide essential water and transportation, but they also have had a major impact on the economy of the United States. Despite the destruction of habitats and ecosystems, there are ongoing efforts to restore and protect the rivers. Through the work of government agencies, local communities, and various organizations, this great confluence of waters can be preserved.
