Where Does the Mississippi River Flow?
The Mississippi River is a 2,320 mile-long river that runs through 10 states in the US, spanning the entire continent from north to south. It is the fourth longest river in the entire world, and is the largest in the US. It has been used historically as a method of transportation, has been an economic hub for industry and commerce, and is home to countless species of wildlife.
But perhaps one of the lesser known facts about the Mississippi River is that it flows in two directions. Its source is located in Lake Itasca in Minnesota, from which it winds its way south-east toward the Gulf of Mexico. But along its journey, the Mississippi River bends northward to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, before continuing its onward journey to the gulf.
How Does the Mississippi River Flow Northward?
The bending of the Mississippi River due to its unique geographic formation is known as the Mississippi River Delta. This delta is a result of the geology of the area, as well as natural erosion from the Mississippi River itself. In this area, the river typically spreads out into multiple channels and its path snakes in different directions. This is why the Mississippi River’s direction sometimes appears to change, shifting from south to north.
This phenomenon is also caused by a reduction in elevation as the river continues to move downstream. As the river meanders, it slowly drops in elevation. At some points, the elevation has dropped enough that the flow of the river actually reverses and heads northward. This is known as the “Great Bend” of the Mississippi River and is where it makes its bend toward the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
How Does the Mississippi River Flow Southward?
Once the Mississippi River reaches the Gulf of St. Lawrence, it turns 180 degrees and reverses its flow, transitioning back to the south-east into the Gulf of Mexico. This is due to the Gulf Stream, an ocean current that flows from the Arctic toward the Caribbean, with a current direction that ultimately deflects the Mississippi River’s northward flow.
Because of this change in direction, the Mississippi River has more of an impact on the surrounding area than just providing transportation and commerce. As the river winds its way through the delta and down to the gulf, its powerful current reintroduces and replenishes nutrients, minerals and sediment that are responsible for supporting the economies of 10 American states.
Impact of the Mississippi River Delta on the Gulf Coast
The deposition of this sediment is incredibly important for the health and well-being of the Gulf Coast ecosystem, as they are able to store excesses in surface water from heavy and unusual rains and floods, resulting in the preservation of the wetlands and coastal areas.
Additionally, the sediment deposition helps to protect the coastal areas from storms and hurricanes, as this sediment has a natural ability to dissipate wave energy. This provides an essential and invaluable defense against the strong winds and powerful sea surges, which heavily damage the coastline.
The wetlands of the Gulf Coast, which include barrier islands, marshes, and estuaries, provide critical habitat for a variety of species of animals and fish. Without the sediment that is brought in by the Mississippi River, these species would likely suffer greatly.
Protection of the Mississippi River Delta
Unfortunately, the Mississippi River Delta has been significantly impacted in recent years due to a variety of human activities. This has resulted in a dramatic loss of land, as well as an increase in sea-level rise and salt water intrusion.
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Because of this, there have been a variety of conservation efforts put in place to protect the delta in an attempt to preserve the unique biodiversity and natural beauty that the region is known for.
This includes the establishment of the Mississippi River Delta National Wildlife Refuge and the development of a system of levees and dams to reduce flooding. Additionally, there have been programs to reduce pollution in the river, as well as efforts to restore the wetlands and estuaries that are essential for the region’s ecosystems.
Role of Humans in the Mississippi River Delta
Despite the negative impacts of human activities on the Mississippi River Delta, humans also play an important role in preserving this region’s biodiversity and health.
This includes practicing sustainable agriculture and fishing, as well as protecting buffer zones and waterways to reduce runoff, pollution, and erosion. It also includes the restoration of coastal vegetation, such as mangroves, which are capable of providing invaluable protection to the fragile coastlines.
Effects of Climate Change on the Mississippi River Delta
The impacts of climate change pose an additional threat to the Mississippi River Delta. Rising sea levels, salt water intrusion, and increases in storm surge are all potential side effects of a warming planet.
What’s more, extreme weather events such as heavy rains, floods and hurricanes can also have devastating impacts on the delta, with many scientists warning that the region could suffer even more heavily as the climate continues to warm.
In order to reduce the impacts of climate change on the delta, it is important to take proactive measures. This includes reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that are produced by burning fossil fuels, protecting critical habitats in the region, and promoting sustainable development.
Dragline Excavation and Mississippi Delta Restoration
Many of the efforts to restore and protect the Mississippi River Delta from the impacts of human activities involve the use of dragline excavation. This is a process in which dredging vessels are used to remove sediment from the delta and deposit it in new areas.
This has been done to help increase the sediment supply in areas of the delta that are suffering from erosion and to reduce the impacts of flooding, as well as to create artificial wetlands and saltwater marshes.
Decreasing Sedimentation and Mississippi Delta Restoration
However, the effects of dragline excavation are not without controversy. Many experts argue that sedimentation in some parts of the delta as a result of dragline dredging can be detrimental, as it can reduce the amount of nutrients in the water and damage seagrass beds, which are essential habitats for fish and other marine life.
Furthermore, the process of dragline dredging itself can be incredibly disruptive and ecologically damaging. This is why it is important to weigh all potential environmental impacts of any efforts to restore the Mississippi River Delta before proceeding.
Conservation Efforts to Protect the Mississippi River Delta
Though the Mississippi River Delta has been severely threatened by human activities in recent years, there are still a variety of conservation efforts in place to protect it.
By establishing protected areas, engaging in sustainable development practices, and utilizing methods such as dragline excavation, we can protect this fragile region and ensure that it remains an irreplaceable part of the natural environment.
