Background information
The Mississippi River is the second-longest river in the United States and part of the world’s fourth-largest river system. It begins in Lake Itasca, Minnesota and flows south for 2,320 miles, ending in the Gulf of Mexico. Along its path, the river passes through or borders 10 US states and borders two Canadian provinces. Its watershed drains 40% of the United States.
The Mississippi River has historically been known to freeze in areas of its course – at some points freezing solid. The last time it has frozen solid is generally accepted as during the winter of 1937-1938. That year, cold weather began a few weeks after Thanksgiving and didn’t let up until well into March. The Mississippi was almost completely frozen over the entire length, with Lake Pepin reported as the thickest ice since 1867.
Relevant data and expert perspectives
Scientists and climatologists know there’s an increasing likelihood of winter temperatures being warmer, so the Mississippi has a decreased chance of freezing. With more rapid and unpredictable changes in weather patterns, the Mississippi is more likely to experience drastic temperature swings as opposed to overall cold temperatures that are necessary to freeze. These sudden temperature changes cause less ice formation.
The most recent freeze of the Mississippi River was in January 2018 when the river’s temperature fell drastically. According to meteorologist Nate Leding at the National Weather Service in St. Paul, Minnesota, the river’s temperature dropped to 27 Degrees Fahrenheit in the St. Paul area. Although the river froze in some areas in 2018, it did not freeze solid. Further upriver in the Twin Cities area, the river froze over enough that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had to install ice breakers in order to keep water moving.
Climate specialist Shaun Anderson from the Minnesota State Climatology Office offered his expert opinion on the chances of the Mississippi River ever freezing solid again with climate change:
“Given the changing climate, it is much less likely for this to happen in the future. Warmer air temperatures and more precipitation in the form of rain will become the norm. The massive volume of water flowing down the Mississippi River and the ever-present flow of water, even when it is iced over, will make it increasingly difficult for the water to freeze solid over its entire 2,300-mile length.”
Analysis of issue
With the global climate in flux, it’s safe to assume that the days of the Mississippi ever freezing solid again are all but gone. Warmer winters, shorter winters, and more frequent rain fall are all contributing to less Ice formation along the Mississippi.
It’s hard to buy into the idea that global warming has left us with a more hospitable and accommodating climate all year round. Along with the warmer winter, we are seeing more extreme weather. Flash floods, droughts, tornadoes, hurricanes, and other natural disasters can be directly linked to climate change. All of these are causing damage to not only the environment, but also to humans and our livelihoods.
The Mississippi river freezes over reasonably often, but doesn’t usually freeze solid. In recent years, winter storms and snow cover have both been patchy. This is due to a decrease in natural insulation on the ground and the warmer average winter temperatures. The reported ice depth this year averaged a mere 3-5 inches. This is an issue we should all take into consideration and tackle head-on, as the river is an important resource for freshwater and transportation.
Impact of climate change
Climate change has had an indelible effect on the traditional forming of the Mississippi River’s ice cover. In the past, thick ice could form for weeks, with temperatures dipping well below zero. However, due to warmer temperatures, the formation of ice has been slowed, not just on the Mississippi River, but across the country.
The changing temperatures have caused ice formation to fluctuate drastically. Some winters see unprecedented stretches of cold, while others go by with a barely perceptible winter. In the same way that the weather has become unpredictable and inclement, the Formation of Ice on the Mississippi River has become more unreliable.
The warm winter weather of recent years poses another issue: As the ice melts, the high temperatures leave behind puddles of water, creating moist and wet areas that serve as breeding grounds for mosquitos. This leads to an increase in mosquito-borne illnesses like the West Nile virus. These viruses not only break down human health but also the health of livestock and horses, blinding horses and putting chickens at serious risk of disease.
Effect on wildlife
The differences in temperature and weather patterns have also had an effect on the life of the birds and wildlife living near the Mississippi River. Ice fishing and outdoor activities on the river typically generate a huge boost in the local economy, providing jobs and tourism. However, due to frequent warmer winters, fewer and fewer people are seen out on the frozen lake, and thus fewer resources exist for the animals native to the area.
For example, birds such as eider ducks need ice in order to feed and breed. The ice helps them dive and fish, while providing a safe place away from predators. Without the formation of ice, however, these birds are left unable to protect their eggs, leading to a drastic decrease in their population.
Human Health
It is increasingly important to acknowledge climate change and the role it plays on human health. The warmer winter weather not only leaves us with a lower quality of life when it comes to enjoying seasonal activities, but it also leaves us vulnerable to the spread of disease.
With warmer winters, our bodies become accustomed to the weather and epidemics become more frequent and more severe due to the changes in temperature and atmospheric pressure. Additionally, water-borne diseases that were rarely seen in the past now become more common due to the presence of stagnant water flowing in and around the Mississippi.
Environmental Impact
The environmental impact of global warming is especially evident when looking at Mississippi’s frozen river. Without the formation of a thick sheet of ice, water levels rise and become more stagnant, causing flooding in some areas while making it harder to travel along the river.
The warm winter weather of recent years is also creating a situation where intense rains last longer and the spring and fall months become wetter. This leads to a rise in the water levels of the river and disruption of the traditional migratory habits of certain species of fish.
The role of humans
The bottom line is this – humans are playing a huge role in the climate changes we are seeing, and it’s our responsibility to take action to reduce our impact. We can start by acknowledging the changing weather patterns and vowing to do something to help.
There are numerous ways to reduce our environmental impact, from conserving water and energy, to reducing the amount of waste we produce. Reducing the use of cars and other modes of transportation, cutting down on the amount of paper and plastic we use, and cutting back on the amount of animal products we eat can help to lower our carbon footprint.
Additionally, it’s important to support organizations that are working to reduce the effects of climate change while also engaging in voluntary efforts to redistribute resources, such as planting trees and advocating for changes in energy policies.
Efforts to combat climate change
Organizations around the world are working to combat climate change and its effects on the Mississippi River. Governments and citizens alike are engaging in activities such as tree planting, composting and collecting rainwater to reduce the levels of Carbon Dioxide affecting the atmosphere.
This is great news for our environment, as trees are essential for maintaining a healthy climate. Trees absorb Carbon Dioxide from the atmosphere and store it, at the same time releasing oxygen. Rainwater harvesting helps to decrease water wastage, which not only helps reduce the levels of Carbon Dioxide, but also helps preserve water for future use.
Aside from physical activities, the government is also promoting clean energy sources, energy conservation, and waste management. These measures have helped the United States become one of the leading countries in terms of reducing emissions, and have seen a dramatic decrease in the emissions produced per capita.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is an invaluable resource to the environment, economy, and humans in general, and its importance due to climate change cannot be overstated. It’s quickly becoming clear just how affected our planet is, and how dire the consequences could be. As a result, it’s essential to take measures to combat climate change and its effects on the Mississippi River. There are a variety of measures we can take, both individually and collectively, to try and mitigate against the harm it’s causing. We need to take action now, before it’s too late.
