The Mississippi River is the largest river in the United States and a major commercial and recreational waterway. It forms a major part of the Midwestern and Southeastern United States and is fed by numerous tributaries and outlets. As a result of its role as an important waterway, questions of how long the river is, and the distance it traverses, have been asked and re-asked since the dawn of navigation.
When considering the length of the Mississippi River, measurements are taken from the Ohio River and the Mississippi’s northern tributary. This measurement spans from the southwestern city of Cairo in Illinois, just above the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, to the mouth of the Mississippi at the Gulf of Mexico. The entire length is 4,088 kilometers (2,535 miles), or 2,848,800 meters long. In addition, the entire Mississippi Basin, which includes the tributaries and outlets, is about 12,571 kilometers (7,822 miles), or 8,655,200 meters, long.
So how does this measurement hold up to other well-known rivers in the United States, and indeed, the world? To compare, the Missouri River, the Mississippi’s most significant tributary, has a total length of 3,630 kilometers (2,259 miles), or 3,516,000 meters. The longest river in the US and the fourth-longest in the world is the might Missouri–Mississippi, measuring 6,275 kilometers (3,902 miles), or 6,105,600 meters. As for the longest river in the world, the grand Amazon river in South America, it stretches over an impressive 6,400 kilometers (3,976 miles), or 6,336,000 meters
Furthermore, a stunning 60 percent of the world’s rivers are within the Mississippi’s River Basin. In addition to being used for navigation and transportation, the Mississippi River is an important source of sustenance for flora, fauna and for many cities and towns that line its banks. Additionally, the tributaries, outlets and backwater lakes along the shores of the river provide sustenance to local fisheries, and are popular places for recreation and fishing.
The Mississippi River is also important as a source of energy. Wind turbines along the river, as well as several large hydroelectric dams, help generate a significant portion of the energy used in the US. The river also contributes to the health of the environment, helping to prevent floods and purifying air and water. Still, the river has its issues. Severe storms since the early 2000s have caused numerous disasters along the river, including the destruction of dams, the displacement of thousands of people and an overall destruction of the environment.
Environmental impact
The river and its accompanying basin have long been subject to pollution from industry, agricultural runoff, and most recently, oil spills. In recent years, the US Environmental Protection Agency has been ramping up its efforts to monitor and control pollution in the Mississippi. The EPA uses satellites and numerous off-shore sensing devices to measure levels of pollutants and other contaminants, taking the necessary steps to ensure possible contamination is limited or avoided.
In the wake of the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil spill of 2010, there has been an increase in the amount of research devoted to better understanding the potential long-term effects of oil spills on the environment. While short-term damage tends to be readily observable, often the long-term damage is less apparent and less easily detected. As a result, extensive studies of the effects of oil spills in the Mississippi River Basin have been conducted.
Although the area has seen some improvement since the oil spill, the effects of pollution and oil spills are still present in many parts of the river. This is especially concerning as the Mississippi River provides sustenance to many major US cities, and its pollution could lead to serious health issues.
Shrinking of the Mississippi River
Another, more recent consequence of pollution has been the disappearance of large parts of the Mississippi River. According to recent data from the US Geological Survey, large portions of the river, including entire islands, have simply disappeared. This is largely due to erosion caused by significant industrial activity, as well as the building and maintenance of shipping canals along the banks of the river. This has had a direct impact on the health of the river, with entire stretches vanishing due to the human impact.
In order to combat the effects of erosion and other human activities, numerous conservation initiatives have been launched by the US government in recent years. The main focus of these initiatives has been to reduce the human impact on the river, by restricting and managing access to portions of the river, as well as by working to reduce the amount of pollution in the river.
Mississippi River and Sustainability
In addition to being a major commercial and recreational waterway, the Mississippi River also serves an important function for sustainability. The river serves as an important source of clean water for many cities along its banks, and as a watering hole for wildlife and plants. In light of this, conservation initiatives have been developed to protect and preserve the river, and to ensure that it remains healthy and sustainable into the future.
The US government has been working to fund projects and provide grants to support sustainable initiatives in the Mississippi River Basin and along its tributaries. This has included initiatives to improve water quality, reduce pollution and support local industries. This is especially important, as the river and its basin provide sustenance to a wide range of plant and animal species, in addition to being an important waterway for navigation, transportation and recreation.
Challenges for Mississippi River
The Mississippi River faces numerous challenges moving into the future. Climate change, in particular, is having a drastic effect on the river, with changing weather patterns, increasing water levels and the potential for more severe storm conditions. This could potentially have a devastating impact, including increased risk of flooding, increased water pollution and damage to infrastructure.
In addition, the introduction of invasive species presents another set of concerns. Invasive species, such as the Asian Carp, have been known to prey on other native species, and can lead to imbalances in the populations of fish and other creatures. This can lead to longer term changes in the river’s ecosystem.
Moreover, the rapid industrialization and overpopulation of cities and towns along the river has additionally been an issue. This increased development can lead to increased pollution, with industry and other waste ending up in the river. This in turn can lead to decreased water quality and an increased risk of health issues in surrounding people and wildlife.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is one of the most important rivers in the United States and a major source of sustenance and recreation for millions of people. However, it is also subject to numerous human consequences, from pollution and changing weather patterns to increasing water levels and the potentially devastating effects of invasive species. As a result, it is important for governments and other organisations to work together to ensure that the river remains healthy and viable for future generations.
