Formed by numerous tributaries in northern Missouri, the Mississippi River is an iconic landmark in the state. It begins in Lake Itasca and eventually stretches over 2,000 miles, reaching the Gulf of Mexico. But those driving past the river in the Show Me State may be curious: how deep is the Mississippi in Missouri? Answering this question requires looking at both the particular geography of the state, as well as the larger underlying forces for river hydrology.
Missouri’s portion of the Mississippi is divided into three distinct regions: the Upper, Middle, and Lower. According to the US Army Corps of Engineers, the depth of the Upper reaches of the Mississippi in Missouri range from 2.7 to 9.8 feet. This section, which stretches along most of the southeastern part of the state, is relatively shallow and flat. The Middle portion of the Mississippi in Missouri is characterized by sharp bends and winding pathways, and depths range from 0.7 to 19.7 feet. At last, the Lower region, located quickerly in the Bull Shoals Lake, is much deeper than the other two, boasting average depths of 13.6 to 32.7 feet.
Depth, of course, is not merely a matter of geography. A host of hydrological factors shape the river’s flow, including surface runoff, as well as sediment deposition and removal. As the US Fish and Wildlife Service highlights, “the main stem of the Mississippi River can be thought of as an ever-changing railway of sediment,” with both long- and short-term influences dictating the depth of the mighty river.
Then, of course, there’s the human factor. The US Army Corps of Engineers explains that people have a huge influence on the depth of the river, through measures such as channelization, levees, and flood control projects. Pilings and other forms of infrastructure can also block the path of the river, reducing the volume of water and thus the depth of the Mississippi.
In summary, the depth of the Mississippi River in Missouri varies quite a bit, not only between its three distinct regions, but also within each of them. Factors such as geography, hydrology, and human activity all play a role in shaping the depths. To truly answer the question of “how deep is the Mississippi River in Missouri?” requires taking a closer look at each of these elements.
Geology of Missouri Mississippi River
The geology of the Mississippi River in Missouri is a combination of three distinct regions: the Upper, Middle, and Lower. The upper reaches are much more shallow and flat than the other two portions and consist of depths ranging from 2.7 to 9.8 feet. The Middle region is quite winding with depths ranging from 0.7 to 19.7 feet. Lastly, the Lower Region is much deeper than the other two, boasting average depths of 13.6 to 32.7 feet.
The geology of the river is also linked to its course – the portion of the river which passes through Missouri meanders for many miles, which contributes to the differences in depth. It is also important to note that these depths fluctuate depending on season and other environmental characteristics. Flooding and drought, for example, can cause changes in the river’s depths.
Aside from being affected by the geology of the river bed, the depth of the Mississippi is also affected by the depth of the underlying groundwater. The depth of the Mississippi in Missouri is linked to the underlying water table, which is regulated by the fluctuating climate of the region.
Finally, it is worth noting that the construction of dams has had an impact on the geology in and around the Mississippi in Missouri. Dams can often limit the flow of the river, reducing the depths in certain areas. Designing these dams to prevent flooding has become an important part of engineering the river to balance both safety and sustainability.
Hydrology in the Mississippi River
The hydrology within the Mississippi plays a big part of the depth of the river in the Show Me State. The US Fish and Wildlife Service explain that the main stem of the Mississippi River can be thought of as an ever-changing railway of sediment. Over time, the river’s path is shaped by both long-term and short-term hydrological factors such as surface runoff, sediment deposition, and even the longterm weather patterns of the region.
The Mississippi in Missouri is primarily fed by smaller tributaries, which carry both water as well as sediment downstream. This sediment can be deposited and slowly build up around the riverbed. Once the sediment builds up, the river is pushed to flow around it, changing the course and even the depth of the waterway. Depending on the climate and the weather, this process can take place at a fast or slow rate.
In addition to the sediment, the hydrology of the Mississippi is also affected by the flow of certain tributaries rivers. The flow and the current of rivers such as the Hatchet, the White and even the Missouri itself can cause changes in the Mississippi’s path, as well as its depth. In some cases, the flow of these rivers can even create rapids and falls.
It is also worth noting that water flow and currents are not the only part of the Mississippi’s hydrology. The river flow is also affected by the temperature of the water. Temperature can affect the rate and direction of flow, as well as the shape and depth of the waterway.
Human Interference in the depth of the Mississippi
Humans also play a role in determining the depth of the Mississippi River in Missouri. The US Army Corps of Engineers point out that humans have a huge influence on the river’s flow, whether it be through the construction of improvable structures such as levees, or even flood control projects. Both the construction of such infrastructure and the presence of large man-made obstructions such as pilings can block the route of the river and cause dramatic changes to the depth of the waterway.
In addition, the flooding of the Mississippi can be largely attributed to human activities. As more and more people move to urban areas and increasingly divert water for domestic and industrial purposes, the amount of runoff from the Mississippi’s tributaries has increased dramatically. As a result, the flow – and thus the depth – of the river can be greatly extended.
It is also worth noting that the US Army Corps of Engineers regularly uses flood-control projects to regulate the depth of the Mississippi in the Show Me State. By constructing or improving levees, the USACE is able to better protect cities, towns, and settlements along the river. This, in turn, can cause the river to become either shallower or deeper depending on the season. For example, they can deepen the river to prepare for flooding during the spring and summer months, or reduce the depth in order to reduce the risk of flooding during the fall and winter months.
Effects of Climate on the Mississippi River
The climate of Missouri greatly affects the depth of the Mississippi River. Droughts, for example, can cause higher water levels due to increased evaporation of water from the river. In addition, floods can also cause changes in the depth of the Mississippi, as large amounts of rainfall can cause the water level to rise.
Moreover, the temperature of the water in the Mississippi can also cause changes in the depth. Despite the seemingly uniform temperatures of the water, they do, in fact, vary along the 2,000-mile stretch of the Mississippi River. As the temperature of the water increases, the gradient force of the river decreases. This makes the river much shallower, and it can even lead to the formation of rapids – often seen in the Upper part of the Misssissippi in Missouri.
As climate change continues to alter the planet’s ecosystems, the health of the river may also be at risk. The increasing temperatures caused by global warming have been found to have a substantial effect on the depth of the Mississippi. This, in turn, can cause further changes in the flora and fauna of the region, as many species rely on the various depths of the water.
The various depths of the Mississippi in Missouri make navigating the river quite the challenge. The US Coast Guard advises that the varying depths need to be accounted for in order to have a safe and successful journey when traveling the Mississippi. This can be done through the use of nautical charts, which provide detailed notation of the depths of the river.
Aside from the depths of the river, it is also important to be knowledgeable about the currents and the general flow of the river for safe passage. Traveling on the four navigable parts of the Mississippi in Missouri, with the exception of the Upper region, can cause significant difficulties due to the curls and bends in the water. The US Coast Guard also recommends having some knowledge of the vernacular and conventions used for navigation and communication on the river for an even smoother journey.
It is worth noting that kayaks and other small vessels can be utilized to navigate the Mississippi in Missouri. Given the varying depths and sometimes tricky currents, it is important to read up on water safety and river navigation before embarking on any trip. A vessel may have to be pulled where it can’t be paddled and even then, currents can make the journey both thrilling and dangerous.
Conclusion
To summarize, the depth of the Mississippi in Missouri is quite varied, with three distinct regions featuring depths ranging from 3 to 33 feet. The depth of the river is shaped by geography, hydrology, and human activity, with changes in the river shape, sediment deposition, and even engineering projects all having an effect. Climate change also plays a role, with rising temperatures putting further strain on the waters of the Show Me State, and navigation of the river can be difficult due to the shifting depths and currents.
