Background Information
The Mississippi River is the second longest river in the United States and is an incredibly important body of water for the country. It’s a very large and wide river and flows through several states. It is an important source of fresh water, provides plenty of transportation networks including barges, ferries and other river vessels and is a popular tourist attraction. It’s also a thoroughfare for plants, animals, and fish. The Mississippi River is very different today than it was when it was first explored by white settlers in the 1800s, with many tributaries changing course and sandbars forming where there used to be permanent channels. In the 190th century, the Mississippi River was seen as a huge barrier to travel and it was estimated that it had as many as 65 waterfalls. Nowadays, most of the waterfalls have been removed by man-made changes due to engineering and dredging, but it’s still an impressive river.
Today’s Depths of The Mississippi River
The depth of the Mississippi River today depends on where you are in the river. The headwaters in Minnesota are quite shallow, with the average depth being between 45-50 feet deep. The bellow headwaters near Bigfork, Minnesota, and then down to Keokuk, Iowa have much lower depths, averaging around 8-20 feet. The river then gets deeper as it flows through Iowa and Illinois, with the average depths being 40 feet. The depths increase further down river, as it passes through Missouri and Louisiana, with the averages depths reaching around 70-90 feet. The deepest part of the river is known as the Old River Bed, located in southeast Louisiana and southwest Mississippi. This is the deepest part of the river, measuring in at 175 feet.
Impacts of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River has had a huge effect on the environment and economy of the United States. It is a habitat for many different species of wildlife, as well as a source of irrigation for farms along its banks. Additionally, the river also serves as a transport route for numerous commercial goods. For instance, it has been estimated that almost 16 million tons of goods are transported annually along the river and its surrounding tributaries. The river has also created employment and business opportunities around the area, with a report stating that it provides jobs to at least 400,000 people.
Human Activity and Its Effect On The Mississippi River
The river has been heavily affected and altered by human activity over the years, with navigation and control works channeling the river to make navigation and transport of goods easier. This has caused the depth of the river to become much more shallow at various points. Recently, there have been various efforts and campaigns to try and restore the river back to more of its natural depth. Through dredging and other engineering measures, the aim is to reduce the amount of silt that has been building up on the riverbed which reduces the depth and increases the current speed, making sailing, transportation and fishing more difficult.
Key Factors Influencing the Water Level
The water level of the Mississippi River is particularly affected by two key factors: the amount of rainfall in the region, and the amount of water released from upstream dams. Heavy rainfall can often cause sudden and drastic increases in the level of the river. At the same time, the amount of water that is released from upstream dams or barriers can also impact the level of the river. Often, if too much or too little water is released, it can cause shifting of the riverbed, as well as changes in the amount of vegetation and wildlife in the area.
Reckless Development and Its Impact
With such a vast river, with so many tributaries and spans, there’s always a danger of reckless development activities having a negative effect on the overall environment and the ecology of the river. Poorly planned engineering works and dams can cause massive flooding, destruction of habitats, and even erosions which can dramatically change the shape and depth of the river. The careless use of fertilisers and industrial pollutants also pose a major threat to the river and its inhabitants, with some cities being so polluted that it endangers the lives of fish, birds, and other wildlife.
Mitigation Measures
In order to help ensure the longevity of the Mississippi River and its inhabitants, numerous mitigation measures have been implemented over the years. These range from wastewater treatment plants, to artificial wetlands and wetland buffers, which help to reduce the amount of pollutants entering the river. Additionally, there are many initiatives which aim to reduce the amount of fertilisers and pesticides used by farmers, as well as improving the overall standard of waste management. Regulatory measures have also been put in place, such as government restrictions on industrial pollution in certain areas.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is a crucial part of America’s landscape and to the ecology of the area. Today, the depth of the river can range from shallow at the headwaters to very deep at the deeper parts of the river. Human activity has had a massive effect on the river and its ecosystems over the years, with many reckless and poorly planned engineering projects having a negative effect on the environment. However, with various mitigation measures being put in place, it is hoped that the river and its inhabitants can thrive for many more centuries to come.
