In many ways, the Mississippi River is one of the mightiest waterways in the world. It carries countless tons of water from the Rocky Mountains down to its outlet in the Gulf of Mexico. The river weaves through ten US states and forms the boundary between Arkansas and Mississippi. Throughout its winding journey, the mighty Mississippi reaches depths of hundreds of feet in certain sections. In fact, the deepest part of the Mississippi River –– located near the Memphis Harbor in Memphis, Tennessee –– measures to a whopping 210 feet!
According to Dr. Robert Criss, a professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, the deep part of the Mississippi River is so deep because of the amount of sediment that has built up over the past several thousand years. As sediment (or soil particles) accumulates from tributaries, it forms deep sections within the channels of the river. These sediment-filled sections help to funnel iron-rich minerals which, in turn, lead to deeper river depths.
Another contributing factor to the Mississippi’s depth is erosion. Over the centuries, intense force from within the waters has caused the walls of the channel to erode, making it even deeper. Earth Science professor at Northwestern State University of Louisiana, Dr. Kenneth Landers, states that, “natural shifts in the Mississippi River can also cause increased depth in some locations as the waters surge up or down the banks and into both creeks and areas that have been isolated.” This kind of vertical movement of the river is known as artificial levees, and it’s caused by events such as hurricanes, floods, and storm surges.
What is certain is that the Mississippi River is one of the deepest rivers in the United States, if not the world. According to the US Geological Survey, the average depth of the Mississippi River is just under 25 feet, with a maximum depth of 210 feet. While this is undeniably impressive, some rivers around the world have even greater depths. The Congo River, for example, reaches depths of about 750 feet!
The immense depth of the Mississippi River presents an incredibly dynamic and diverse aquatic ecosystem. It’s home to a variety of species from freshwater fish, to mollusks, to pelicans. In fact, recent research has even suggested that the deep depths of the Mississippi River may be playing a crucial role in climate change. Scientists suggest that methane is being released from below the surface of the river due to bacteria feeding on organic compounds, such as oil and gas. This could potentially impact global warming, as methane is a powerful greenhouse gas.
It’s clear that the depths of the Mississippi River have unique implications for the environment, life, and even our planet as a whole. While it may not be the deepest river in the world, the mighty Mississippi River continues to captivate the nation with its immense magnitude and power.
Floods and Erosion
With its depths reaching up to 210 feet, the Mississippi River is an incredible force of nature. However, the river often poses a great risk to nearby residents, as it can overflow its banks, resulting in flooding. Recent storms, such as Irma and Harvey, have caused devastating floods throughout, which have caused millions of dollars in damages. The sheer force of the Mississippi River can create powerful erosion, leading to further destruction of the land. In fact, land near the river has been known to drop as much as 8 feet in just one year.
Furthermore, the powerful velocity of the river can be incredibly dangerous for recreational and commercial boaters alike. Boats can easily be swept away in the powerful flow of water, so it’s important to be aware of the river’s depths and currents before venturing out.
The Mississippi River is home to hundreds of species of wildlife, including the iconic Bald Eagle, the Brown Pelican, and the Bull Shark. The sheer diversity of the river makes it a great habitat for both migratory birds, as well as various types of fish.
The power of this mighty river has had a great impact on both society and nature, and it continues to be an imperative part of the US landscape. The depths of the Mississippi River are essential to understanding the physical and environmental dynamics of the area.
The Levee System
In an effort to protect property along the river from devastating floods, engineers throughout the decades have created the Mississippi River levees. Levees are walls or barriers that help to control high water levels and protect nearby towns and cities. The levee system is an intricate network of walls, gates, and controlled spillways. They have been around for centuries and have proven to be an effective tool in preventing floods. In fact, in 1927, the development of the levees played a huge role in protecting cities such as New Orleans from the devastating flood caused by the Great Mississippi River Flood.
The US Army Corps of Engineers also acknowledge the importance of the levee system, asserting that “The levee system provides protection for property and ecosystems along the Mississippi River, as well as its tributaries. Such a system allows for controlled movement of floodwaters throughout the river system and helps reduce potential damages that could otherwise result from floods.”
The levees are continuously monitored and maintained, as floods remain a major concern. The US Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for overseeing the proper upkeep of the levees and controlling flooding through river levels. For example, they manage flood levels in the Mississippi River by controlling the amount of water released from the upstream to downstream sections.
The power of the Mississippi River is undeniable, but it is critical to keep it in check in order to avoid costly flooding. The levees created by engineers have been key in protecting the land and lining the Mississippi River with sandbags. As a result, they have enabled the Mississippi River to be safely navigated by recreational and commercial boaters alike.
Economic Benefits
The immense depth of the Mississippi River has also provided many economic benefits to the area. The river has offered numerous job opportunities for locals and visitors, with activities such as commercial fishing, pleasure boating and steamboating. Furthermore, the rich resources of the river, such as fish and other aquatic creatures, have been shared with neighboring states, giving them access to a valuable food source.
The river has also become a major contribution to agricultural activities, as it provides a source of water for the production of crops and the distribution of nutrients throughout the region. Its depths have enabled farmers and fishermen to reap the benefits of the water, as they rely on its water levels to provide sustenance to their livestock and crops. Additionally, the river also plays a vital role in the transport of goods such as food, fuel and plants.
The depths of the Mississippi River have been advantageous to both people and nature. As noted by a study conducted by the US Geological Survey, “the deep channel of the Mississippi River has the capacity to hold a huge volume of water, which is essential for maintaining healthy water levels in other parts of the country.”
Conservation Efforts
The depths of the mighty Mississippi River are not only essential for cultural and economic activities, but they are also crucial for the conservation of ecosystems throughout the surrounding regions. Various species of birds and mammals rely heavily on the river for food and shelter, which is why conservation efforts are of the utmost importance.
The US Fish and Wildlife Service has created the Lower Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge, which works to protect and preserve the habitats of the fish and mammals living in the river. Furthermore, the organization works to reduce pollution and educate people on the importance of protecting the river’s depths.
The Mississippi River is fragile and delicate, as its depths can be affected by human activities such as deforestation, farming and fishing. It is essential to take the necessary steps to protect its dynamic aquatic ecosystems, as they are essential for the livelihood of the plants and animals that inhabit the region.
Organizations, such as the US Fish and Wildlife Service, have been instrumental in raising awareness and conserving the depths of the Mississippi River. With their efforts, the Mighty Mississippi River is sure to be preserved for generations to come.
