Few rivers in America are quite as iconic as the Mississippi River. Spanning around 2,350 miles, the river is the second longest in the United States, reaching from the Great Lakes region all the way down to the Gulf of Mexico. The mighty Mississippi has long been a source of transportation, a major factor in early settlement, and a source of recreation, but how deep is the Mississippi River? While anyone interested in the Mississippi River likely knows of its importance and breadth, there are some interesting facts when it comes to its depth.
The deepest point of the Mississippi River lies in Louisiana, in an area known as the Old River Control Structure (ORCS). The ORCS is situated along the Mississippi/Atchafalaya River Delta and acts as a flood control structure. A network of valves and two dams, both of which are part of the Mississippi river levee district, control the flow of water between the Mississippi and Atchafalaya rivers. The deepest point of the Mississippi River can be found downstream of the ORCS at this spot, and measures an impressive, but shallow by river standards, 212 feet of water.
On the flip side, shallow areas of the river are quite predominant in comparison to the deepest depths. The average depth of the Mississippi River falls in the range of 7-15 feet. Even in the deeper sections, 212 feet is still not a great deal of water relative to what may be found in other deep rivers around the world. This is primarily due to the fact that the Mississippi River is a slow moving river. The flow rate of the river is typically no more than three miles per hour and this affects the depth of the river since the current carries sediment away from the bottom.
R.J. Ryland, a geologist and professor at the University of Utah, explains, “Because the river moves slowly, the sediment gets deposited almost as quickly as it is brought downriver by the Mississippi. This is why the river doesn’t have the capacity to dig a channel very deep,” and adds, “what the Mississippi lacks in depth it makes up in other ways, such as its magnitude and iconic status.”
Due to the fact that 8 of the 10 US states with the most river miles lie on the Mississippi, it has shaped the landscape of the American Midwest as it reaches from Wisconsin to Arkansas. In fact, some of the most famous sections of the Mississippi River, such as the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, are more than two miles wide.
The Mississippi River is certainly quite large and of course, iconic, but the average person may be surprised to learn how shallow it really is when compared to other rivers. Even at its deepest point, the Mississippi River only reaches 212 feet, which is certainly dwarfed by other big rivers.
The Economic Impact
The Mississippi River not only offers recreational value, but its economic impact is immeasurable as well. The river has long been used to transport goods and people all throughout the Midwest. This continues to be an important aspect to the region’s economy and prosperity. Even after the introduction of roads and railroads, goods shipped along the Mississippi are still an important part of the Midwestern economy.
Today, the river remains a vital method of transporting goods, with over 420 million tons of freight estimated to be sailed along the Mississippi River each year. In addition to freight, the Mississippi also hosts an abundance of recreational boats and pleasure craft. Businesses that offer riverboat trips are plentiful, with most of them running along the mighty Mississippi between the Port of New Orleans and St. Louis.
The Mississippi also provides an important source of hydroelectric power. Eight of the largest hydroelectric power plants in the US sit along the banks of the Mississippi, contributing an estimated 10% of the nation’s total hydroelectric power. It’s estimated that the total hydroelectricenergy generated by the Mississippi River accounts for about 17% of the United States’ total hydroelectric production.
Environmental Impact
Though the Mississippi may have its benefits, it also has repercussive effects on the environment. One of the most significant environmental impacts of the Mississippi River is the fact that it acts as a major contributor to soil erosion and flooding in certain areas. This is because the river flows much slower than other rivers in the region, and it has various eddies and other backflow mechanisms, which can lead to a buildup of sediment near the shores.
In addition, flooding is a major concern along the Mississippi River, particularly in the region near its delta. This part of the river holds immense amounts of water, which can quickly overflow and lead to extensive amounts of flooding. This flooding can not only damage property but wildlife and ecosystems as well.
The Mississippi River is also responsible for the movement of pollutants from one region to another. This is due to the transportation of pollutants from the headwaters of the river to the mouth, where the contamination eventually enters the Gulf of Mexico.
Reducing Pollution
One way in which the pollution of the Mississippi River has been addressed is through the implementation of the Clean Water Act. This was put in place to impose restrictions on the release of pollutants into the river and its tributaries, with the aim of reducing the levels of contamination in the water. Furthermore, the River Management Society, an organization devoted to improving river health, has also taken on various initiatives that have had a substantial impact on the state of the river, including working with cities and communities to reduce runoff near the banks of the river.
Wildlife of the Mississippi
Besides transportation, the Mississippi River also provides a habitat for various kinds of wildlife. Birds, fish, and mammals are all found in the waters of the Mississippi River, and the number of species inhabiting the river is estimated to be more than 70. The most notable species include bass, carp, catfish, and gar, which are all popularly caught in the river.
The river is also home to numerous species of waterfowl, such as ducks and geese. Additionally, turtles and beavers can both be found along the river banks. The river also has several species of large reptiles and amphibians, such as alligators, which can be found in the warmer parts of the river.
Conservation Efforts
The ecological importance of the Mississippi River has been recognized by many conservation organizations, who have taken various steps to protect the river’s ecosystems and habitats. To this end, the National Park Service has designated over 25,000 acres of the Mississippi River as the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, with the aim of protecting the river’s natural beauty and resources.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has also taken ongoing steps to help preserve and repopulate the native fish species of the river. Since many of these species have been affected by the changes to the river’s environment, the agency has been doing its part to replenish their numbers.
The Mississippi River has been of immense importance throughout history and no doubt will continue to play a vital role in the region’s economy, ecology, and culture in the future. It’s important to take steps to protect the river, both to preserve its natural beauty and to make sure its resources are enjoyed by future generations.
