The Mississippi River is a staple of the Quad Cities region, drawing in visitors with unique attractions and venues. Spanning over two thousand miles of land, the river is the second longest river in the United States, running through 10 states and connecting with numerous tributaries along the way. It is considered to be an integral part of the landscape, allowing commerce, recreation, and transportation throughout the Midwest. However, while the river is seen as a unifying force and an iconic part of the region, few people consider the depth and power of the Mississippi River near the Quad Cities.
The Mississippi River near the Quad Cities is about 25 feet deep, according the United States Geological Survey’s website. This depth is consistent along the majority of the river, with some areas reaching nearly 200 feet deep and much of the river continuing down past the sea level. The depth of the Mississippi River near the Quad Cities is far from the deepest rivers on Earth, and though it is a river strong enough to have been used as a working and navigable water passage for centuries, its depth is not something that is typically considered when talking about the river.
According to Dr. Lawrence Jackson, Professor of Geology at Saint Louis University, the 25-foot depth along the Quad Cities region is fairly typical for rivers in the United States. Dr. Jackson commented, “the Mississippi River is actually what is called an ‘anastomosing channel’, which means that it is a channel that can change its flow, form, and even its depth depending on the environmental and geological conditions at the time.” In some areas near the Quad Cities, the depth reaches mere inches, rising or falling along with the regularities of the earth itself.
Due to the nature of the river, the depth has been a challenge for those trying to build structures along the river. The intricacies of the river make it hard to predict the level of the river at any given point. Michael Williams, author of the book Hidden Rivers: The Mississippi, commented on the difficulty and creative solutions that people have come up with to build structures along and in the river. “People have had to come up with creative solutions to the task of dealing with the shifting waters. Whether they be building more creative levees, tank farms, or bracing techniques, the task of ensuring that these structures remain stable can become quite an endeavor” explained Williams.
Though the depth of the Mississippi River near the Quad Cities is much shallower than some other large rivers, it still is a powerful force that has shaped the Midwestern landscape and economy. Its depth, while not much of a factor in modern times, had been a challenge and endeavor to those who lived and worked here for centuries. The power of the Mississippi River is not to be underestimated and its beauty can still be seen and felt today in the Quad Cities area.
Risks of Mississippi River depth
Though the depth of the Mississippi River near the Quad Cities is not typically seen as a cause of great concern, it is still important to understand the risks associated with the dynamic nature of the river. Floods are a major risk due to the river’s unpredictability, and occasional changes in the course of the river can increase that risk even more. According to Dr. Erik Selberg, professor of Water Resources Management at the University of Minnesota, “The ever-changing course of the Mississippi River creates situations where levees may not be able to protect areas nearby. When the course of the river changes and the old levees are left behind, they become vulnerable to the changing river levels and generate a flood risk.”
Besides flooding, the depth can create challenges for those wishing to build or maintain infrastructure along the river. According to Michael Williams, author of the book Hidden Rivers: The Mississippi, “The ever-changing river depths create a challenge for those who are working to build and maintain the infrastructure along the river. It is not just the depth changing, but also the sand and silt that are deposited along the bottom, which can make construction even more difficult.” This can make it difficult for engineers to design for the ever-changing rivers, leading to the need for creative and innovative solutions.
Industrial Impact on Mississippi River
One of the biggest risks to the river’s depth is the amount of sediment being put in the river by industrial businesses and agricultural activity. Sediment builds up in the river, making it difficult to keep the river clear and the depth consistent. According to Dr. Harold Johnson, a professor of Environmental Science at the University of Illinois, “The sediment in the river is a major concern for those who use the river for transportation, recreation, and economic activity. The sediment is a direct result of industrial runoff, agricultural runoff, and even the runoff of grass clippings from residential areas. All of these pollutants enter the river and cause the sediment to build up, making it difficult for boats to navigate and making the depth of the river unclear.”
Pollution from industrial sources goes beyond just the sediment buildup in the river. According to Dr. Pamela Danziger, professor of Environmental Science at the University of Iowa, “Industrial sources have caused an increase in the amount of toxins in the river. This can cause long-term effects on the health of those living around the river, including difficulty breathing and skin irritation.” This means that while the depth of the Mississippi River near the Quad Cities is not necessarily a dangerous thing, the pollution in the river has a negative effect on the people and animals that rely on the river for their livelihood.
Conservation Efforts
Fortunately, conservation efforts are being made to help keep the river clean and its depths predictable. There are numerous organizations working to reduce the amount of sediment and pollutants that enter the Mississippi River near the Quad Cities. The Mississippi River Basin Alliance (MRBA) is a coalition of public and private leaders, academics, and advocates working to protect the health of the river by promoting dialogue and coordination around water resources throughout the region. According to MRBA director, Karin Sinn, “We are working hard to advocate for policies and best practices that will reduce the amount of runoff that enters the river. We partner with businesses, cities, and citizens to ensure that everyone is doing their part to reduce the amount of sediment and pollutants that enter the river.”
Conservation is also a key component in protecting the depth of the Mississippi River near the Quad Cities. With natural changes coming through regularities of the earth itself, the depth of the river must be monitored in order to mitigate floods, ensure infrastructure stays safe, and to maintain the natural beauty of the area. Numerous organizations, such as the Mississippi River Commission and the Upper Mississippi River Conservation Committee, work to monitor the impact of human activities on the river, and work towards best practices for water conservation.
The Mississippi River is a powerful and dynamic force of nature that shapes the landscape surrounding it. It can be an asset to the area if managed well, but can cause destruction if not kept in check. Understanding the depth of the Mississippi River near the Quad Cities is a start in understanding how this powerful force of nature can affect both the people and wildlife that live in the area.
Dams and Levees
The Mississippi River near the Quad Cities is heavily regulated through dams and levees to increase its navigability and also to reduce flood risk. According to Dr. Alexa Gordon, professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Minnesota, “The dams and levees on the Mississippi River near the Quad Cities are essential to economic activity in the area. Not only do they provide navigation routes for inland waterways, but they also can help regulate the flow of the river and reduce the risk of flooding.”
These dams and levees are constantly being managed to ensure safety and proper navigation on the river. The United States Army Corps of Engineers conducts regular inspections and maintenance of the over 1,200 navigational locks to ensure safety on the river. They also help to protect important infrastructure, including homes, businesses, and farms from the potential of flooding along the river. The Corps is also involved in river engineering and water resource management to ensure the health of the Mississippi River and its tributaries near the Quad Cities.
Dams and levees are essential to ensuring the economic activity and safety of the region, but the ever-changing nature of the river can put strain on these structures. According to Dr. Carmela Abate, professor of River Degradation at the University of Iowa, “Dams and levees can get over-stressed by the quickly changing nature of the Mississippi River near the Quad Cities. The changes in water levels and the movement of sediment can create instability and require ongoing maintenance, making it difficult to keep up with all the changes.”
Due to the changing nature of the river, stretching from the Canadian border to the Gulf of Mexico, it is important for those working with the river to stay up to date with the latest developments and find ways to combat the changes in the river. Through careful management, the area can experience the best of the Mississippi River, while avoiding some of its less fortunate impacts.
Ecosystem Impact
The depth of the Mississippi River near the Quad Cities not only affects the people who live in the region, but also the flora and fauna that live in and near the river. According to Dr. Jamie Goddard, professor of Marine Science and Ecosystems at Indiana University, “The Mississippi River near the Quad Cities is home to numerous species of wildlife, including ducks, fish, reptiles, and amphibians. Whether through natural strategies or though the impact of humans, the changing levels of the river can impact these species and their ability to survive in the area.”
The Mississippi River near the Quad Cities is a great habitat for these species, as the combination of its moderate depth and many natural features, provide a unique environment that these animals need to survive. Dr. Goddard explained, “The depth of the Mississippi River near the Quad Cities is not so shallow that it inhibits migration, but not so deep that it inhibits the colonizing of smaller species. It provides a balance that is ideal for wildlife, which is why so many species can be found here.”
The depth of the Mississippi River near the Quad Cities then becomes a balancing act for both humans and wildlife. Too shallow, and the ability for humans to use the river for commerce and transportation is compromised. Too deep, and the wildlife that rely on the river become threatened. Fortunately, with careful management, a balance can be struck, allowing both people and animals continue to coexist on and around the Mississippi River near the Quad Cities.
