At over 5000 km in length, the Mississippi River is the second longest river in the United States, a vast force of nature and an iconic symbol of America. Tracing its origins to the confluence of the Missouri River and the Mississippi River in St. Louis, Missouri, the combined Mississippi and Missouri River, known as the Mississippi-Missouri-Red Rock system, winds its way through portions of 10 states over more than 8,400 km, eventually dumping into the Gulf of Mexico.
The Mississippi River has been vital to the development of the United States. Snaking its way along the American Midwest, it has provided agricultural irrigation and drinking water for centuries, and it has been the subject of many songs, books, and stories, cementing its place in the American consciousness.
The Missouri River is fed by the Yellowstone and Snake Rivers and is 1,475 miles long. It traces the western boundary of the Midwest states, including South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, and North Dakota. The Missouri River eventually meets the Mississippi River south of St. Louis, Missouri. When the two rivers join, the combined length of the Mississippi-Missouri-Red Rock system is 8,601 km, making it the fourth longest river in the world.
The length of the Mississippi River was considered for centuries to be much shorter than it actually is. It was only in the 20th century, when the U.S. Geological Survey took comprehensive measurements, that the true length was revealed. Even the most sophisticated equipment of the day could not measure the winding course of the river accurately, but the survey was able to more accurately estimate the length by taking into account the meanders, bights, and riverside curves. That process revealed the astonishing fact that the river was more than twice as long as previously thought.
The length of the Missouri River alone is 950 miles. It is subject to frequent floods and is now regulated by a series of dams and reservoirs. The length of the Missouri River was also considered to be much shorter than it actually is until it was accurately measured in the late 20th century.
In addition to its length, the Mississippi-Missouri-Red Rock system has other notable features. It is the most prominent river in the United States, as well as the most heavily engineered, with numerous dams and locks to regulate its flow. The river has been a major transportation corridor since the 19th century, and it is still used for freight and passenger traffic today.
The Mississippi-Missouri-Red Rock system is also an important source of nutrients for the many types of fish and wildlife that inhabit its waters, providing habitats for bald eagles, beavers, and muskrats, among many others. In addition, it is a major source of recreational opportunities, including fishing, swimming, and boating.
Effects of Climate Change on the Length of the Mississippi-Missouri-Red Rock System
Climate change is having a major impact on the Mississippi-Missouri-Red Rock system. Research suggests that changes in climate could cause sea levels to rise, leading to increased flooding, erosion of river banks, and changes to the length of the river. The effects of these changes will be felt by those who inhabit the area surrounding the river, including the many farmers, ranchers, and small businesses that depend on the Mississippi-Missouri-Red Rock system for water and transportation.
These effects are especially pronounced during periods of intense rainfall, when increased amounts of runoff, sediment, and other materials lead to river flooding and sedimentation. This, in turn, can alter the course of the rivers, leading to erosion of riverbanks, changes in flow and sediment transport, and changes in the length of the river system. The impacts of climate change on the length of the Mississippi-Missouri-Red Rock system will be felt for centuries to come, making it a critical area of study for researchers.
In addition to these short-term changes, climate change could have long-term effects on the length of the Mississippi-Missouri-Red Rock system. Scientists have predicted that rising sea levels due to climate change could cause the river to grow by as much as a hundred miles by the end of this century. This significant increase could have far-reaching consequences, affecting water resources, transportation, recreation, and the health of the environment.
Impact of Human Activity on the Length of the Mississippi-Missouri-Red Rock System
Human activities also have had a major impact on the length of the Mississippi-Missouri-Red Rock system. The Tennessee Valley Authority and other government agencies have constructed dams and reservoirs, altering the course of the two rivers and changing their length and flow. In addition, engineering projects, farming, and chemical discharges from industrial plants have polluted the rivers, leading to algae blooms, reduced water quality, and other environmental issues.
The greatest impact of human activity on the length of the Mississippi-Missouri-Red Rock system, however, has been the introduction of invasive species. Non-native species, including Asian carp, have been a major contributor to changes in the length of the river system. These species feed on native species, disrupt the food web, and alter the river bottom and riverbanks, leading to changes in the shape of the river. Thus, human activity has had a significant effect on the length of the Mississippi-Missouri-Red Rock system.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has also taken steps to mitigate the effects of human activity on the Mississippi-Missouri-Red Rock system. The Corps has built levees and flood control systems, developed management plans for the rivers, and managed operations to protect the environment. These efforts have helped to mitigate the impacts of human activity and have allowed the river system to remain the fourth longest river in the world.
Management of the Mississippi-Missouri-Red Rock System
Given the immense length of the Mississippi-Missouri-Red Rock system, as well as its importance as a source of water and transportation, the management of this system is of critical importance. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is primarily responsible for the management of the river system, and many state, local, and federal agencies are working together to develop and implement effective management plans.
The goal of these management plans is to ensure that the river system is able to continue to provide water and transportation to the local communities, while also preserving and protecting the environment. To achieve this goal, management plans include measures to improve water quality and reduce pollution, regulate discharges from dams and locks, and reduce the number of invasive species in the river.
In addition to these management plans, federal and state legislation has been enacted to protect the river system and its resources. For example, the Clean Water Act of 1972 prohibits dumping of hazardous materials into the river, and the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 regulates discharges from dams and other waterworks. These laws and regulations have helped to protect the Mississippi-Missouri-Red Rock system, making it an important part of many states’ natural heritage.
Conclusion
The Mississippi-Missouri-Red Rock system is a vital part of American culture and heritage. With its incredible length and significance, the river system is an important symbol of the United States, and a source of natural beauty and recreational, economic, and environmental benefits. The impacts of climate change and human activity on the river system are significant, and effective management and protective legislation are necessary to preserve this important resource for posterity.
