Length Of The Mississippi And Colorado Rivers
The Mississippi River is the fourth-longest river in the world and the second-longest in the United States, stretching 2930 miles from its source at Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota to its outlet into the Gulf of Mexico. The Colorado River, with its headwaters in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, is the largest river by discharge into the Gulf of Mexico, flowing 1,450 miles from its source to the lower end of a large delta near the Mexican border. But how far is the Mississippi River from the Colorado River?
Although the two great rivers are close to one another on the map, in real terms and on water, they are quite far apart. The Mississippi River and the Colorado River are more than 1,400 miles apart, with the Mississippi River located in the United States and the Colorado River located in Mexico. The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, located between the Mississippi and Colorado Rivers, serves as a geographic bridge between them. Along the way, the Mississippi River has numerous tributaries which reach well into Canada and throughout the Midwestern United States. Meanwhile, the Colorado River has multiple tributaries that stretch deep into southern Texas, Arizona, and Nevada.
Formation Of The Mississippi And Colorado Rivers
The Mississippi River is believed to have been formed during the last Ice Age, around 10,000 years ago. Prior to that, the river was a large lake fed by several smaller tributaries in modern-day Minnesota. The river was formed by a retreating glacier which created the course of the present-day Mississippi River. The Colorado River is believed to have formed slightly earlier, around 20 million years ago, when tectonic forces created the Rocky Mountains, the river’s source. It then ebbed its way south, through the desert of the southwestern United States, to its current location in the Gulf of Mexico.
The Mississippi River is deep and wide throughout its length, with a variety of habitats, aquatic life, and migratory bird populations. Its tributaries include the Missouri and Ohio Rivers. The Colorado River, by contrast, is much more shallow, with a narrow depth range and a slow flow rate. This creates more sandy and muddy areas, with a higher pH level and less aquatic life than the deep muddy waters of the Mississippi.
History Of Exploration
Exploration of the Mississippi River began in the early 1500s, when Spanish explorers began making their way up the river, searching for gold and other riches. In 1541, the river was explored by Hernando de Soto, who mapped the entire course of the river. The Colorado River first began being explored in the early 1800s, with a notable expedition in 1869. John Wesley Powell led an 18-man crew on a three-month expedition down the Colorado River, navigating through the Grand Canyon and into the Gulf of Mexico.
Today, both the Mississippi and Colorado Rivers are deeply ingrained in the history of the United States and have been of great strategic importance for the nation. The Mississippi River has been a key waterway for transporting goods and people, while the Colorado River has played an important role in agriculture, providing water for irrigating crops and regulating floods.
Economic And Ecological Impact Of The Rivers
The economic and environmental impact of both the Mississippi and Colorado Rivers cannot be overstated. The Mississippi is one of the largest producers of agricultural commodities in the United States and has been of paramount importance to the country’s development. The Colorado River provides water for almost 40 million people across seven states and is a major source for hydroelectric power for the southwestern US. It is also an important habitat for over 300 species of fish.
In recent years, the two great rivers have been the subject of potential threats from climate change, which has led to decreased water flow in both rivers. This has had an adverse effect on agricultural production, as well as an increased demand for water in the region. In addition, the increased demand for energy in the southwestern US has led to the construction of several dams along the Colorado River, which can impede annual migration of several species of rare fish.
Political Issues And Other Struggles
The long-term management of the Mississippi and Colorado Rivers has been a contentious issue between the states and countries that border the two rivers. In particular, the issue of water allocation has led to numerous legal battles and disagreements over the best way to share the precious resource. Along the Colorado River, this has become increasingly contentious in recent years due to the lack of available water to meet the growing demands of local communities.
Another potential problem facing both rivers is the rise in pollution from industrial and agricultural sources. Oxygen depletion and excess nitrogen levels from fertilizers have created a number of dead zones, where aquatic species can suffer from lack of oxygen. Conservation groups are pushing for more stringent regulations to limit the amount of pollutants entering the rivers.
Environmental Protection Organizations
There have been a number of organizations created to help protect the Mississippi and Colorado rivers. Groups like the Mississippi River Network, Save The Colorado and the Sierra Club are working to preserve the river ecosystems by advocating for better watershed management, advocating for water conservation and encouraging sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, there are several government agencies that are tasked with managing and regulating the rivers, such as the Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation.
Conclusion
The Mississippi and Colorado Rivers are essential to the economic and environmental health of the United States, with both rivers providing essential resources for numerous communities across the country. The two rivers are around 1,400 miles apart and have vastly different depths, flow rates and aquatic life. Exploration of the rivers began in the early 1500s and it has played an integral role in the country’s development. Despite the importance of both rivers, they are also facing a number of challenges from pollution, climate change, and legal battles over water allocation. To help ensure the health of both rivers, organizations like the Mississippi River Network, Save The Colorado and the Sierra Club are advocating for better watershed management and sustainable agricultural practices.
