Mississippi River, the fourth longest river in the world, is more than 2,340 miles (3,767 kilometers) long. It originates from Lake Itasca in Minnesota, US, and flows through 10 states before meeting the Gulf of Mexico. It is the world’s second-largest river system, with its tributaries, covering 1.2 million square miles (3.1 million square kilometer).
For centuries, the mysterious, vast and winding Mississippi has eluded accurate measurement. During the 1800s, it was generally believed to be over 3,000 miles (4,828 kilometers) long. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for the measurement of the river. In the early twentieth century, an extensive survey showed that the true distance was around 2,340 miles (3,767 kilometers).
The length of Mississippi River has drastically changed with time. Spanning over a period of 12,000 years, the river has often found a new route, leaving behind its old bed. In many cases, the land where it used to flow is now dry.
Since the river floods annually, it’s length may appear to be longer. Submerged islands and connective lakes and bayous are also included in the measurement of the river, further increasing its length. Such features include Lake Onalaska, seven major oxbow lakes, and over 50 islands.
The importance of accurately measuring the Mississippi cannot be underrated. It helps with creating maps and navigation. With such information, floodplains, navigation routes and river-related business can be managed in a better way.
According to Richard Hessell, Civil and Environmental Engineer at the University of Michigan, the precision of the measurement of the Mississippi is improving day by day. “Using aerial photography, we can now measure the width, depth and length of the river in highly accurate terms. Remote sensing and electro-optical systems placed on satellite can also measure its geographical features and length.”
To conclude, Mississippi River is 2,340 miles (3,767 kilometers) long and is the fourth longest river in the world. Its exact length has been debated for centuries but experts have since used the most modern methods to measure its length with more accuracy to understand the vast river better.
The Formation of the Mississippi
The Mississippi has an exciting origin story tracing back to ancient times. Several years ago, the North American continent was covered with a large, glacial ice sheet. As the ice melted, it left behind a network of great rivers in its wake, including the Mississippi.
The initial course of the river changed 63 times, before finally settling near its present location. The modern-day Mississippi was formed during the Holocene Epoch, which started around 11,500 years ago. A subset of this epoch lasted approximately 5,500 years before ending around 6,000 years ago.
The Mississippi has been a playground for Native Americans, a corridor for transportation, and an economic powerhouse throughout its existence. It reaches all the way from the Canadian border in the north to the Gulf of Mexico in the south and drains an incredible 40% of the area of the United States.
The river is divided into three main regions – the Upper Mississippi, Lower Mississippi, and the Mississippi Delta. Its banks are home to a variety of diverse wildlife, including fish, birds, and mammals. Species like the river otter, bald eagle, and the American alligator, have made the Mississippi their home.
The length of the river has been impacted by both naturally occurring and man-made activities. The introduction of locks and dams, and the leveling of the river to prevent flooding has altered its length.
The Mississippi River serves as a compelling reminder of the immense power of nature and always has new stories to tell, deepening with each passing year.
The Benefits of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is one of the most important and heavily used waterways in the United States. Not only is it a vital source of drinking water and recreation, but it also provides transportation and economic opportunities to the region.
Navigation on the river has increased drastically over the years, with more than 60 million tonnes of cargo being moved up and down the waters. Major crops like wheat, corn, and soybeans, are transported to the Gulf of Mexico, while appurtenances, petroleum products, and chemicals are mailed back upstream.
More than 2000 species of fish, mussels and aquatic plants rely on the river’s nutrient-rich and clean waters, providing an abundance of resources. The Mississippi and its tributaries are home to innumerable waterfowl and many species of migratory birds. The surrounding basin area is also home to a wide array of wildlife, some unseen in other ecosystems.
The river’s benefits are seen in the human population too. Every state in the US has a city along the Mississippi, many of which have now been transformed into great cities and tourist destinations. It has also helped with the development of many industrial towns, especially in the Midwest.
Contributing to the region’s ecology and economy, the Mississippi River is an essential resource for both local and global communities. Its beauty and value to life, have made it one of the wonders of the world.
The Challenges of the Mississippi River
Naturally, the Mississippi River has had many challenges over the years. Approaching the 21st century, the river’s pollution levels have grown significantly due to chemical manufacturing processes and the cooling water intakes of the various power plants located in the basin.
The problem is further compounded by periodic droughts, which reduce the river’s flow rate, leading to high concentrations of pollutants. Additionally, floods, which occur regularly along the river, further add to the contamination of its waters.
The US Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 346 million pounds of toxic pollutants enter the river basin every year. It is estimated that 20% of the river’s pollutants come from non-point sources, such as runoff from agricultural lands and urban areas.
Whereas the Mississippi River was once a thriving watershed, populated by a plethora of vibrant aquatic plants and species, these days its waters are tainted with bacterial, chemical and heavy metals, impacting its ability to support delicate ecosystems.
The biggest challenge for the aquatic flora and fauna is the period of low oxygen levels, also known as hypoxia, which routinely affects the river. Hypoxia occurs when there is too much oxygen in the river, leading to the buildup of sediments.
The situation is slowly improving with more joined efforts from both governments and individuals to help reduce pollution and restore cleanliness in the river.
The Recreational Activities in the Mississippi River
Every year, millions of people flock to the Mississippi River to enjoy its recreational activities. These activities range from sightseeing, boating, fishing, camping, and hunting.
Camping sites along the river are popular among families. Much of the campground areas feature clean bathrooms and showers with simple access to the river. The variety of fish species such as largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish make fishing particularly enjoyable.
Paddling is another popular activity among people, with Mississippi River Canoe Tours offered in many parts of the river. Allowing people to take in the beauty of the region from up close, these tours have become an ever-increasing option for travelers in the area.
People also flock to the Mississippi for the scenic beauty and wildlife it has to offer. Tour boats, river cruises and evening sails provide the perfect opportunity for visitors to observe the lush, green forest in all its glory and catch a glimpse of the local wildlife, like otters and beavers, in their natural habitat.
The Mississippi River also has an immense cultural significance, reflected in the presence of vast historical sites, art galleries and theatres in the region. The wide range of activities available, has turned the Mississippi River into a popular tourist destination.
History and Legacy of the River
The Mississippi River has a long and fascinating history, filled with many wide-reaching consequences. In the United States, European settlers encountered the river in the 1500s and it quickly became a vital artery for the nation’s economy.
The river was the stage for numerous wars and important battles, the most famous of which being the Battle of New Orleans in 1815. The United States sent a fleet of boats and gunboats down the river to fight the British during this battle.
Mississippi also was a major center for the underground railroad before the Civil War, as black slaves escaped to the north and to freedom. Thousands of people utilized the river to follow the forbidden path to freedom and to flee the oppressive conditions of their enslavement.
In the 20th century, the Mississippi became a symbol of America’s economic strength. The development of the river system had a huge effect on the shipping industry and on the development of global trade. The dense network of railway lines, highways and shipping routes along the Mississippi allowed for an unprecedented amount of movement of goods and services within the US.
On the cultural front, the Mississippi has become the home of several famous musicians, writers, and painters. Notable figure include the likes of Mark Twain and William Faulkner, whose literary works are filled with tales of the majestic Mississippi. The river even has its own music, with many musicians basing their tunes on its rhythms and geography.
Whilst it has been subject to its own share of problems and pollution, the Mississippi River is considered an integral part of the American identity today. It continues to be used heavily with transportation and tourism, and remains an important source of resources and an important cultural and environmental asset to many people living in America today.
