The Ohio River, arguably one of the most important waterways in the United States, runs a 981-mile-long saga from its source in the backwaters of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to its destination in Cairo, Illinois, where it finally feeds into the Mississippi River. The question, seeking to establish whether the Ohio River drains into the Mississippi River, has intrigued geologists and laypersons alike, but often, is left unanswered.
The Ohio River has its source in the Allegheny River when it meets the Monongahela River, right in the heart of Pittsburgh, a major US city. From there onwards, it flows to the west-southwest across Ohio, during which it collects several tributaries. It then passes through Kentucky, and then,West Virginia, before it finally merges with the Wabash River, and carries on due west
Meanwhile, the Mississippi River, the longest river in North America, originates from the theoretical convergence of three different rivers, namely the Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin rivers, at the aptly named source of the Mississippi River, in Minnesota, USA. It then flows southwards and westwards, acquiring several tributaries on its way, one of these being the Ohio River.
The Ohio River meets the Mississippi river in Cairo, Illinois, where an underwater sinkhole carries the water into the Mississippi. Geographically, the two rivers are located around the 37 N latitude, the same latitude as Richmond, Virginia, which serves as a good interposition.
Though numerous studies have been conducted to establish the importance of this merger, and the effects it might have on the ecosystem of the Mississippi river, most have not been able to coherently validate their theories. The consensus amongst most experts lies in the fact that the watershed of the Ohio river contributes a significantly larger amount of water to the Mississippi river, thereby making it larger and more powerful. In this sense, it’s safe to say that the Ohio River drains into the Mississippi in one way or the other.
Through this massive water input, the river is made more powerful and carries more silt – a form of sediment consisting of soil, sand, or organic material. This leads to erosion, which can create side channels and make the Mississippi wider, as any given amount of its flow is spread over a larger area. In this way, it can be said that not only does the Ohio River physically drain into the Mississippi, but it also adds to its volume, power, and width.
The river’s effects do not end here, however. One of the most important points attributed to this merger is that the Ohio River connects the Gulf of Mexico region with the eastern parts of the US. This leads to mountains of benefits ranging from transportation, exploration of resources, to archeological studies and more. Thus, it is not just the meeting of two rivers, but of an entire region.
Wildlife impacts
The meeting of these two rivers also has a major influence on the surrounding wildlife of both rivers, though not always positive. Higher levels of silt and erosion mean that the water quality and clarity of the Mississippi might be diminished, leading to the introduction of more pests and a decrease in fish population nearby. Additionally, the increased flow and spread of disease-ridden silt into the soil in certain areas can lead to a decrease in the local flora and fauna.
Economic impacts
From an economic point of view, the merger of these two rivers brings about an increased level of trade opportunities. The longer, wider waterway now provides the perfect avenue for transport between the two regions. Sea vessels can now travel from the Gulf of Mexico all the way to the eastern region, through the Ohio River and the Mississippi. This facilitates the exchange of goods and resources, leading to a major improvement in both regional economies. Additionally, the ensuing betterment of infrastructure and transportation also brings in more tourists and consequently, more revenue.
Land reclamation impacts
The influx of large amounts of silt into the Mississippi also serves to be beneficial in the long run, by increasing the fertility and richness of the soil. This, in a way, leads to land reclamation, which would help in areas of agricultural pursuits, as well as in preserving cultural heritage.
Pollution impacts
The Ohio River is one of the most polluted waterways in the US, with numerous industrial plants, waste sites, and other contributors. The merger of the two rivers consequently leads to the spread of pollution from the Ohio into the Mississippi, and therefore, is leading to a great environmental concern among the locals of both regions.
It is safe to say then, that the Ohio River surely drains into the Mississippi, and viceversa, leading to a massive abundance of benefits and opportunities. However, with great benefits come equally significant concerns and risks, demanding regulation, decommissioning, and stringent legislation to control the ill effects of this historic merger.
