The Mississippi River is the second longest river in the United States, following the Missouri River at 2,340 miles. It is also the fourth-longest river in the entire world and spans from Minnesota down to the Gulf of Mexico. However, how long exactly is the Mississippi River?
The Mississippi is not just any ordinary river. It is the largest drainage system associated with the United States, emptying 226,000 square miles of the country’s water supply into the Gulf of Mexico. This drainage is made up of numerous creeks, bayous, and a staggering 10,000 lakes. The total drainage of this massive system of water is a whopping 42,169 square miles. On average, it is estimated that the Mississippi River discharges more than 600 million gallons of water into the Gulf of Mexico every hour.
As for the exact length of the Mississippi River, the answer to the question “how long is the Mississippi River” is often debated by hydrologists and geographers. Depending on who you ask and how the river is measured, the answer can vary from between 2,320 miles to just over 2,400 miles. The most ordinary answer, or at least the one given most often, is that the river’s length is 2,340 miles. This measurement was defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
In spite of the fact that the EPA’s answer has become the go-to authority on the Mississippi’s total length, factors such as climate, water levels and geographical boundaries can cause the river’s length to vary by several miles. Even the EPA’s measurement excludes some tributaries, creeks, and marshlands and features various straightened sections of the river due to the building of the levees during the 20th century.
As a result, some hydrologists and river experts argue that the Mississippi River’s length should be closer to 2,400 miles. This figure takes into account all of the smaller tributaries, lakes and creeks, as well as the winding bends of the unspoiled river. Other factors that could also impact the river’s length include changes in the river’s course due to natural disasters and larger-scale engineering projects.
In short, scientists may never completely agree on how to measure the length of the Mississippi River. However, they can agree that the river plays an incredibly important role in American culture, both economically and environmentally. After all, the Mississippi River has provided great economic advantages to the states along its course, supplying countless jobs and fuelling the trade industry. It has also been a major factor in the development of the American nation as we know it today. In this way, the Mississippi should always be remembered and respected for its vast and varied importance.
The Mississippi River’s Contribution to the Building of America
The Mississippi River has long been a driving force in the history of America’s development. The river was one of the primary transportation routes for those looking to travel in the early days of the nation, and the many settlements, cities and towns around it have been boosted by the river’s presence. Even today, the Mississippi River plays a vital part in the transportation of goods, making it one of the busiest commercial waterways in the world.
Additionally, the Mississippi has also lent its power to advance America’s energy production capabilities. The river is a major source of hydroelectric power, and is even home to the world’s second-largest hydroelectric dam, the Grand Coulee Dam. The Mississippi is also deeply connected to renewable energy, with numerous wind turbines built along its course to generate clean energy.
Additionally, the Mississippi is an immensely important water source for the many states along its course. In fact, over 60% of the freshwater consumed by the same states comes from the river. The river also aids in agricultural production, as it has for hundreds of years. In essence, the Mississippi River has helped shape the future of the United States in just about every way possible.
Finally, the Mississippi is also an impressive recreation spot for humans. Fishermen, boaters and kayakers all come to the river each year, eager to experience the natural beauty of one of the longest rivers in the world. The river is also home to a variety of wildlife, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Demonstrably, there is no shortage of reasons why people are entranced by the undeniable power of the Mississippi River.
Environmental Impact of the Mississippi River
Like any major body of water, the Mississippi River can suffer due to environmental threats. This can be attributed to a range of factors, which includes the depletion of water due to climate change, microbiological changes due to the breakdown of organic matter and hazardous substance contaminants.
In regard to the Mississippi’s water levels, climate change has had a significant effect on the amount of water present in the river. Experts estimate that almost 10% of the river’s water supply has been lost in recent years due to the higher temperatures associated with global warming. This could have serious implications for the water supply of the states along the Mississippi’s course.
The Mississippi’s water quality is also negatively impacted by the fact that millions of gallons of contaminated material are dumped into it each day. This material often includes fecal matter and other contaminants that cause the water to become unsanitary and unfit for consumption or recreational activities. Other reports confirm that the river could be overwhelmed by runoff from agricultural activities and urbanization.
Furthermore, hazardous chemicals and metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic have been known to contaminate the river, primarily due to industrial and urban wastewater being dumped directly into the river. This pollution causes harm to both wildlife and people, and can even lead to the development of conditions such as cancer and other severe diseases.
Finally, the Mississippi is also vulnerable to natural disasters such as flooding and drought. When extreme weather strikes, the river is more likely to experience more severe, lasting changes. For example, in the aftermath of a major storm, it can take weeks, if not months, for the river to return to its normal levels.
The Mississippi River Today
Today, the Mississippi River remains one of the most iconic waterways in the United States and a vital source of freshwater to all of the states that it touches. It is a bustling commercial route and a recreation spot, as well as an important source of hydroelectric power. However, it is also important to remember that the river remains vulnerable to climate change, pollution and other environmental threats.
To ensure that the Mississippi River remains healthy and safe for future generations, it is essential that everyone involved in its preservation—including the federal and state governments, industry and local communities—work together to find solutions. This could involve establishing local water quality standards, restoring wildlife and habitat, and promoting sustainable fishing and water recreation.
Fortunately, considerable progress is being made, with many government-funded projects dedicated to restoring the Mississippi and its tributaries. This is a positive step in the right direction and something that should bring hope to those looking to protect the iconic American river in the future.
As the second-longest river in the United States, the Mississippi is both an incredible source of natural beauty and an incredible source of economic opportunity. This colossal river has the power to sculpture American history and spark unparalleled economic growth, and in this way, it is a vital resource that we should all strive to protect.
Conclusion of Mississippi River Dam Projects
In addition to implementing indirect measures to protect the Mississippi, large-scale engineering projects are also required. In particular, the building of dams have been employed to manage flooding and regulate water levels. The Army Corps of Engineers have completed the necessary structural planning for most of these projects.
The most notable of these structures is the Grand River Dam, which is the second largest hydroelectric power plant in the world and provides three-quarters of the power used in the states on either side of the Mississippi River. The dam is located in the state of Louisiana and is designed to regulate the river flow from the states of Arkansas and Oklahoma. Another important construction is the Lake Itasca Dam, which was built to form the headwaters of the Mississippi River in the state of Minnesota.
In addition to these large-scale projects, the US government has recently issued contracts for the construction of the Offstream reservoir, a project that is intended to increase water storage, reduce flooding and provide clean drinking water. This structure is also set to provide a source of renewable energy, further cementing the importance of the Mississippi River in the modern energy market.
The Mississippi River may still be a long, winding body of water, but through the implementation of these large-scale engineering projects, it can be managed in such a way that it remains healthy and able to provide crucial economic and ecological benefits for years to come.
The Effects of Pollution on the Mississippi River
As mentioned earlier, the river is threatened by human actions as well, with pollution and runoff from agriculture, industry and development all contributing to poor water quality. As a result, aquatic life is threatened, as are people’s access to clean drinking water and recreational activities.
In recent years, some reports suggest that the quality of water flowing through the Mississippi has improved due to the implementation of stricter regulations and investment in remediation technologies. However, the river is still threatened by low oxygen levels, toxic elements, and heavy metals, meaning that it has yet to reach full health.
Certain sources of pollution remain particularly harmful, such as runoff from agriculture and urbanization. The runoff often carries high levels of nitrogen, which decreases the concentration of oxygen in the water and can lead to severe health problems and bacterial blooms. In addition, runoff from development projects can also cause sedimentation, destroying the river’s habitat.
The best way to protect the Mississippi from the threats posed by human activities is to reduce these activities. This can be done by outlawing activities that increase runoff, such as irrigation, over-fertilization and the dumping of hazardous chemicals into the river. It is also important to ensure that industries and factories are located away from the river, thus reducing the risk of contamination.
Furthermore, as the river’s water level drops due to climate change, it becomes even more important to implement strategies that will protect the fragile ecosystem or wildlife and people. This can be done by introducing conservation efforts, investing in wastewater treatment, and promoting the use of renewable sources of energy.
