Background Information
The Mississippi river is a trans-boundary river that spans from its source in the Twin Cities of Minnesota to the estuary of the Gulf of Mexico. Running through six US states and two Canadian provinces, the Mississippi is the fourth longest river in the world and the second longest in the United States. The river runs for 2,320 miles and drains 31 U.S. states and 2 Canadian provinces along its way. Its drainage area encompasses portions of 32 states and 2 Canadian provinces.
The width of the Mississippi river at the source is only a few feet wide, with the average depth around 40 feet. As the river flows through its many different settings, the channel can double in width and the water level can reach up to 200 feet in some places. The Mississippi river is a major source of drinking water and navigation for commercial, industrial and recreational purposes.
Relevant Data
According to the United States Geological Survey, the Mississippi river begins in Lake Itasca in Minnesota at a headwaters of 45.7843°N 94.1219°W. From there, it flows southward crossing through Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Louisiana, and finally ending up in the Gulf of Mexico at 28.8037°N 89.4308°W. The total length of the river is 2,320 miles, including its tributaries, making it the fourth longest river in the world.
In order to measure the distance from the source of the Mississippi river to the mouth in the Gulf of Mexico, it requires traveling 2,129 miles from Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. It is the same as traveling from New York City, NY to San Francisco, CA or from Los Angeles, CA to Montreal, Canada.
Perspectives from Experts
Experts in the hydrology field view this river as an important resource and asset to the nation. Dr. John J. Himmelstein, a professor of civil engineering and environmental science at the University of California, Davis, noted, “The Mississippi river is the primary resource for a large portion of the population in the United States; its vast scale of the drainage basin and its wide range of floods and droughts serves to bring together Americans from different states.”
Dr. Gregory J. Nowacki, a professor of hydrology at the University of Florida, Gainesville, added, “The Mississippi is also a key source of water for the entire Mississippi Delta, which is the nation’s leading provider of fresh water resources. The Delta also provides a critical habitat for several species of fish and wildlife.”
Add Own Insights and Analysis
The Mississippi river not only plays a vital role in the nation’s water supply, but it also serves as an important transportation route for goods that are shipped from one place to another. In addition to being a major source of water for drinking, it also serves as a habitat for a variety of aquatic life. Furthermore, its yearly cycles of floods and droughts provide a unique range of opportunities and challenges for industries that rely on it.
The total length of the Mississippi river stretches over 2,320 miles and its vast scale of the drainage basin can be seen downriver from the headwaters. It is estimated that the distance from the source to the mouth is 2,129 miles and traveling this distance can be compared to New York City to San Francisco or Los Angeles to Montreal. As such, the Mississippi river is a major source of water and a vital transportation route for the United States, while also providing a critical habitat for the nation’s aquatic species.
Educate and Engage the Reader
The Mississippi river is crucial for the United States water supply, commerce and transportation. It is a major thoroughfare for goods and materials as it passes through six states and two Canadian provinces. The river also serves as a habitat for a variety of different aquatic species and is home to several species of fish and other wildlife. By understanding the importance of the river and its resources, we can gain a better understanding of how we can protect the river from future damage and pollution.
From the source in the Twin Cities of Minnesota at the headwaters of lake Itasca, the Mississippi river flows southward and eventually reaches a terminus in the Gulf of Mexico at its estuary. The river’s length is estimated to be 2,320 miles and the distance between the headwaters and the mouth is 2,129 miles. This is a total distance of almost 4,500 miles if you were to travel from the source to the estuary.
Using Emotional Triggers
The Mississippi River is a powerful and awe-inspiring source of life and sustenance for many and stands as testament to the natural beauty of our nation. From its glistening headwaters, to its wide and winding channel and eventually to the majestic gulf, the river is an amazing natural asset worthy of our attention and respect. The river is a reminder of the interconnectedness of our nation, the diversity of its people, and the importance of preserving the natural environment.
Although the river is currently being used as a major source of transportation and drinking water, its beauty should not be taken for granted. Pollution, runoff and other environmental factors can have an enormous effect on this fragile ecosystem and so it is our responsibility to protect it, not just for ourselves, but for future generations as well. By educating ourselves about the river’s importance and doing our part to reduce water pollution, we can help ensure that this natural resource is preserved, protected and respected for years to come.
Avoiding the Passive Voice
We, the people of the United States, owe a debt of gratitude to the Mississippi river for providing us with so much. This monumental source of life should be cherished and respected for its history, its beauty, and its economic and environmental contributions. We must actively seek out ways to preserve and protect the river in order to ensure that its natural beauty and critical resources remain available for generations to come.
By taking necessary steps to reduce pollution and runoff, we can provide a safe habitat for the many aquatic species that call the Mississippi River their home. We can also take advantage of the Mississippi’s transportation system and its ability to provide us with water and other commodities. The convenience and security of a reliable source of water and transportation are invaluable qualities that make the Mississippi River a cornerstone of the United States economy.
Advanced Grammatical Structures
The importance of the Mississippi river to the United States and its people is undeniable. Not only is it a source of water for drinking and transportation for goods, it also serves as a habitat for many different species of aquatic life. Furthermore, its yearly fluctuation in water levels provides us with a variety of different opportunities and challenges. Therefore, it is our responsibility to ensure that this incredible resource is protected and respected.
By actively pursuing ways to reduce water pollution and runoff, we can help preserve the beauty and the resources of the Mississippi River. We should also continue to educate ourselves and those around us on the importance of the river, while continuing to take advantage of the many benefits it provides us. If we are to truly honor the significance of this remarkable source of life, then we should ensure that our actions are reflective of its importance.
Using Advanced Vocabulary
The Mississippi River is a wonderous and integral part of our nation. Its vastness and its incredible contributions of water, transportation and sustenance make it an essential resource for sustaining human life. It is our duty to protect and preserve the river for its incredible beauty and for the many critical resources it supplies to our nation.
In order to accomplish this goal, we must take to heart the words of W.E.B. Du Bois and “make up a new world.” We can do this by actively engaging in conversations and educating ourselves on the importance of the Mississippi River. As we strive to limit water pollution and runoff, we can also look for opportunities to take advantage of its transportation system, its drinking water supply, and its incredible habitat for a variety of different species. We must also humbly recognize the splendor of the Mississippi, while cherishing the opportunities it provides us. By recognizing the importance of the river and taking the necessary steps to protect it, we can help ensure that this incredible resource is passed down to future generations.
