Definition of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is a large, deep and important river in North America, running some 2,340 miles (3,765 km) from its source in Lake Itasca, Minnesota, to its termination in the Gulf of Mexico near New Orleans, Louisiana. It is a major river of the United States, receiving more than 400 tributaries and carrying more than 1 million gallons of water each day. The Mississippi River is recognized as the fourth largest river in the world by volume – trailing only the Nile, Amazon, and Yangtze rivers.
The name Mississippi is from the Ojibwe language. First documented by the French explorer Jacques Marquette in 1673, the Mississippi is the United States’ second longest river and has watersheds in 32 US states and two Canadian provinces. Along its length, the Mississippi River contains a wide variety of environment, from its origin in the Headwaters of the north, to its delta at the Gulf of Mexico.
Length of the Mississippi River
The length of the Mississippi River is 2,340 miles (3,765 kilometers). This great waterway flows through Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. The length of the Mississippi includes the short 4.2-mile-long Lake Onalaska, which was formed by a dam on the Wisconsin River, but the lake is not included when discussing the length of the entire Mississippi.
From its source at Lake Itasca in Minnesota to its mouth in the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi River is the fourth-longest river system in the world. Its length is similar to that of the Nile in Egypt and the Yangtze in China.
Effects of the Mississippi River on the Surrounding Area
The Mississippi River has a dramatic effect on the communities and land along its path. It can cause flooding, create landforms and affect how humans utilize the land. The river flooded its banks some 24 times between 1543 and 1998, leading to a variety of effects.
For example, people living along the Mississippi in Louisiana and Mississippi often face floods, especially in areas with low elevation. This leads to increased levels of soil erosion, which can cause land losses due to expanding storm surges. Flooding can also result in contamination of the water, with harmful chemicals and other pollutants. People who live in or near these areas are also vulnerable to health risks from water-related diseases.
Uses of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River has long been used for transportation, with steamboats traveling up and down its length from the early 19th century. People have also built locks and dams to control the river’s flow, allowing for ships to navigate the course more easily. Shipping in the Mississippi is quite common, and it is one of the busiest shipping channels in the United States.
The river also provides irrigation to farms and cities along its length. Some areas that are prone to droughts are also supplied with water from the Mississippi. The river aids in the production of agricultural products, and it also serves as a source of hydro-power – with the majority of hydro-generating stations within the watershed.
The Ecosystem of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River and its tributaries provide an ideal habitat for a variety of species, from mammals to fish and reptiles. The wetlands found along the Mississippi provide a safe environment for threatened species like the American alligator and rare birds like the bald eagle. The river is also home to various species of fish, including trout, bass, catfish and carp. Additionally, the Mississippi provides vital habitat for numerous migratory birds.
The presence of the river also helps support aquatic ecosystems. The water is able to filter out pollutants, keeping the environment much cleaner than it would be without the Mississippi River. The wetlands along the course of the river also act as a natural filter, helping to clean out sediment, chemicals and other pollutants.
Protection of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is an invaluable resource that requires stewardship and protection. In recent years, there has been a strong focus on protecting the river from pollution and taking care of the river’s ecosystem. Numerous organizations have taken up this cause, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Nature Conservancy.
The EPA has worked to reduce the amount of pollutants entering the Mississippi River, including controlling the amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and other substances released from farms and industries. Other efforts have focused on maintaining the river’s natural flow, protecting wetlands and preserving native habitats for animals. The Nature Conservancy has also launched initiatives to ensure the conservation of species found in the river, as well as the preservation of aquatic habitats.
Recreation on the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is a popular destination for recreational activities. People can enjoy activities such as fishing, camping, swimming, birdwatching, and hiking. The river is home to numerous parks and trails, which provide opportunities for people from all backgrounds to explore and take part in nature-based activities.
The Mississippi also offers some of the best whitewater rafting in the United States. With its exciting rapids and beautiful scenery, rafting on the Mississippi is an unforgettable experience. The river is also a haven for kayaking, canoeing and sailing enthusiasts.
Importance of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is an essential part of the geography, history and culture of the United States. It serves as the lifeline of many cities, towns and communities along its length, supplying them with transportation, freshwater, food, energy and recreation. The river also plays a vital role in the US economy, as ships transport goods from places like Minneapolis to the Gulf of Mexico.
The Mississippi River is not only important for the US, but for the entire world. Its waters are connected with waterways around the world, and its tributaries provide essential habitat for many species of animals and birds. Without the Mississippi, the history, culture and economy of the United States, and the entire world, would be drastically different.
Longterm Impact of the Mississippi River
The impact of the Mississippi River on the US and the world will continue long into the future. From its source to its delta, the river’s waters support numerous communities and species, creating a thriving ecosystem that provides a lifeline for the United States. With proper stewardship and protection, the Mississippi can remain a healthy waterway for many generations to come.
The river has been influencing the US for centuries and will likely continue to do so for many years to come. It is essential that people take proper care of the Mississippi, ensuring that its ecosystem can thrive and its waters can remain clean and safe.
Impact of Humans on the Mississippi
Humans have had a dramatic impact on the Mississippi River, both in the present and in the past. From the construction of dams to the over-harvesting of fish, people have altered this great river in numerous ways. In the modern era, pollutants from industry and agricultural runoff have led to dramatic changes in the river’s ecology. This has in turn led to the destruction of habitats and the decline of certain species.
In order to protect the Mississippi River, it is essential that people not only do their part to reduce the amount of pollutants entering the waterway, but also be aware of the effects their actions can have on the environment. Allowing the Mississippi to remain clean and healthy is not just important for today, but for the future of the entire river system.
Preservation of the Mississippi
In order to protect the Mississippi River, numerous conservation efforts have been initiated over the years. There is a concerted effort to reduce the impact of human activity on the river, especially through reducing the amount of pollutants entering the waterway. Additionally, organizations like the Nature Conservancy and the EPA are working to preserve the wetlands and species that inhabit the Mississippi.
Protecting the Mississippi River is essential for the health of the entire waterway and ecosystem. Only through taking steps to reduce human impact and preserving the river’s natural habitats can the Mississippi River remain vibrant and healthy for future generations.
