Missouri & Mississippi Rivers: Origin & Length
The Missouri and Mississippi Rivers are two of the world’s major rivers that are often mentioned in the same breath. The former is the longest river in the United States, with a length of more than 2,341 miles, while the latter is the second longest river in the US and one of the longest in the world, at a remarkable 2,320 miles. But have you ever wondered, how long is the Mississippi from the Missouri?
To answer this question, we have to go back in time and trace the historical relationship between the two rivers. It all started when the Missouri formed to the west of the Mississippi at the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin Rivers. The Missouri subsequently flowed eastward, providing a natural border between the U.S. states of Iowa, Missouri, and Arkansas.
However, it was not until the mid-20th century that a significant part of the Missouri was rerouted to join the Mississippi River near St. Louis, Missouri. This rerouting project officially ended in 1940, and has since been known as the Missouri-Mississippi Confluence. The project was designed to bring both rivers closer together in order to provide better navigation and transportation services.
With this in mind, it should come as no surprise that the distance between the Missouri and Mississippi is approximately 350 miles, making it one of the longest confluences in the world. This is due in part to the fact that the Mississippi is prone to frequent flooding, which has caused the river to meander significantly along its path over the years.
The combination of these two powerful rivers provides numerous economic and ecological benefits to those who live and work along their banks. For instance, the Missouri and Mississippi offer a reliable source of freshwater to numerous communities and provide vital habitat for a variety of fish and wildlife species. Additionally, the proximity of the two rivers also offers a unique transportation corridor that enables goods and services to be sent further afield.
In conclusion, we can see that the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers have a shared history that stretches back thousands of years. Today, they remain connected by their 350-mile confluence, and their relationship continues to provide benefits to people and the environment.
Pros and Cons of the Nebraska-Missouri-Mississippi Confluence
One of the arguments in favor of the Nebraska-Missouri-Mississippi Confluence is that it has resulted in significantly improved transportation networks. As previously mentioned, goods and services can now be sent further afield as a result of the two rivers being closer together. This has not only boosted the economy of many rural communities, but it has also facilitated a greater exchange of cultural ideas.
On the other hand, there are also some drawbacks to the confluence of the two rivers. For instance, many experts agree that the presence of the Missouri and Mississippi has increased the risk of flooding in some areas. As previously mentioned, the Mississippi is prone to flooding, and when combined with the Missouri, it has resulted in the displacement of many families from their homes.
Furthermore, the confluence has had a number of negative ecological impacts. For example, the nutrient runoff from the Missouri has caused living organisms in the Mississippi to become more varied and abundant, resulting in reduced water quality. In addition, the increased flow of water has caused the banks of the Mississippi to erode, resulting in the loss of vital habitat for a number of species.
Economic & Environmental Effects of the Confluence
Despite the potential negative effect associated with the Nebraska-Missouri-Mississippi Confluence, there is no denying the economic and environmental benefits that the combined rivers bring to the region. Firstly, t he presence of the Missouri and Mississippi provides a reliable source of freshwater to many rural communities, which, in turn, reduces their dependence on expensive bottled water.
In addition, both rivers also provide vital habitat to a wide variety of species, including birds, fish, turtles, and amphibians, who depend on the waterways for their livelihood. Finally, the presence of the two rivers adds to the region’s natural beauty, and many visitors come to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and stunning scenery that the confluence provides.
Care for the Missouri & Mississippi Rivers
The Missouri and Mississippi Rivers are two of the most important waterways in the United States, and it is therefore essential that we take care of them. For instance, we need to increase awareness of the ecological significance of the rivers and continue to support conservation initiatives. Moreover, we need to ensure that all industries and businesses operating on the rivers provide safe and sustainable services.
Furthermore, we need to ensure that the level of nutrients and pollutants entering the rivers is reduced. This can be done through the implementation of wastewater treatment plants and through increased recycling initiatives. In addition, we need to continue to promote the education of local communities about the importance of preserving the rivers and the species that depend on them.
Sustainable Projects for the Rivers
If we are serious about preserving the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, then it is essential that we look at ways to implement sustainable projects and technologies. For instance, a number of innovative solutions have been proposed to reduce the amount of nutrient runoff entering the rivers. These include the use of floating wetland islands, which use natural microbes to filter nutrients out of the water.
Furthermore, the integration of green infrastructure has also been proposed as a means of reducing the risk of flooding in the region. Green infrastructure solutions include stormwater infiltration, rain gardens, and urban green spaces, all of which provide a number of environmental, economic, and social benefits.
Finally, the use of renewable energy technologies has also been suggested as a way to reduce the amount of energy consumed along the rivers. This could include the installation of solar and wind turbines, which would help to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and reduce carbon emissions.
A Collective Responsibility
The combined length of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers is more than 4,661 miles, and it is essential that we all take responsibility for looking after them. We need to ensure that the rivers are used in a sustainable manner, and that the environment and local communities are protected from any potential negative impacts. Doing so will ensure that both rivers remain a source of enjoyment and prosperity for many years to come.
