The Length of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is one of the most iconic rivers in the United States. It’s an impressive river, rising in Minnesota and flowing south and then east all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. But how long is it? That is a question many people have, as the Mississippi River is a major feature of travel, commerce, and culture in much of the country. The answer is that the Mississippi River is approximately 2,320 miles long, which is approximately 3,734 kilometers. That translates to approximately 93,640,848.9 centimeters – or over 93.6 kilometers.
The exact length of the Mississippi river is hard to pin down as small portions of the river change over time. In 1993, the United States Geologic Survey estimated the length at 2,320 miles. However, by the time of its 2004 study, the upstream length quoted was 2,340 miles. Its end point in Louisiana moves around over time depending on the formation and erosion of the banks. Nonetheless, these figures are, in general, accepted as the overall length of the river.
The Economy of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi river supports a vibrant economy. It’s the second-longest river in the United States, flowing through 10 states and emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. It provides a significant economic contribution in the form of jobs, economic investment, commerce, and recreation. Thousands of businesses make use of the river to transport goods and provide services, including shipping companies, regional ports, barge companies, and railroads.
The importance of the Mississippi cannot be understated. It provides irrigation for rice and crops, supplies drinking water for much of the country, and creates impressive scenic views along its path. In addition, it provides reliable routes for goods transport from its source in Minnesota to its mouth in Louisiana. The river is so important to the commercial and recreational life of the area that Congress is currently working on an initiative to increase the infrastructure of the area and make repairs to the navigation channels to prevent flooding and erosion.
Geographical Effects of the Mississippi River
The size and length of the Mississippi River have a wide range of geographical effects. It’s one of the most powerful rivers in the world, with a drainage area of around 1.2 million square miles. The river has seen significant changes over centuries due to the presence of a river delta downstream, where sediment is deposited and the river widens. This creates a myriad of intricate channels and wetlands, significantly influencing the environment in the surrounding biome.
The Mississippi River is also responsible for some of the most important environmental changes in the Americas. The growth of the delta affects water levels in the Gulf of Mexico and can lead to flooding along the gulf. As the waters move through the delta, they also bring nutrients and sediment to the nearby bays and marshes. This, in turn, affects aquatic life and supports the growth of lush wildlife.
Environmental Risks of the Mississippi River
Though the Mississippi River is an important part of the economic and social history of the United States, it has also carried its share of environmental risks. Accidental or careless polluters have caused the river to become contaminated over the years. It’s estimated that it carries 1.5 million metric tons of nitrogen pollution each year, primarily from fertilizer runoff from agricultural operations. Additionally, the Mississippi River carries polluted air from industrial sources along its banks.
The nitrogen pollution leads to high levels of nitrogenous compounds in the Mississippi River, which can have an overall negative effect on marine life. This includes not only the aquatic species, but also the waterfowl that depend on the river for their food and water, as well as the plants and trees that grow along the riverbanks.
Impact of Engineering on the Mississippi River
Human engineering efforts have had an enormous impact on the Mississippi River. Beginning in the 1800s, channelization was used to shorten the length of the Mississippi in an effort to control flooding and increase navigability. This involved increasing the slope of the river, narrowing it, and constructing beds of rock. This process, while providing short-term benefits, has had a long-term negative impact on birds, reptiles, and other wildlife.
Over the centuries, engineering projects have resulted in the disruption of spawning grounds and the destruction of wetlands, the loss of river sand, and the erosion of banks, significantly affecting the natural environment of the river. As a consequence, the health of the river and its surrounding environment have been in decline.
Conservation of the Mississippi River
Given the environmental degradation of the Mississippi River, there has been an effort to protect and restore the river. In the 2000s, groups such as the Mississippi River Climate Change Coalition and the Upper Mississippi River Conservation Committee have been working together to conserve and restore the river. The National Wildlife Federation has also joined the effort, advocating for river restoration, research into uncertain environmental effects, and the development of policies to protect the river.
There are a number of ways to help conserve and protect the Mississippi River. Efforts to reduce pollution, such as reducing oil and gas spills and improving wastewater management, are critically important. Protecting sensitive habitats and wetlands is also essential, as is the continued effort to spread the message of river conservation to the public.
Economic Implications of Mississippi River Conservation
Environmental conservation of the Mississippi River is beneficial not only for the health of the environment, but also for the economy. Economic activity is heavily reliant on the river. Fishers, farmers, manufacturers, and transportation companies all depend on the river for their income. Conserving and restoring the water quality of the Mississippi River will help keep jobs and the local economy in the area flourishing.
Moreover, conserving the river provides an additional economic investment in the form of tourism. People come from all over the world to experience the river and its environment. Protecting the river means protecting its surrounding ecosystems, which will increase revenue from tourism, as well as from investments from conservation groups and organizations.
Scientific Knowledge of the Mississippi River
In recent decades, there has been an increased focus on understanding the science of the Mississippi River. With the help of new technologies and research, scientists are beginning to uncover the secrets of the river, learning more about its history, natural environment, and how it is affected by development and pollution. This information can then be used to protect and restore its biodiversity and ecosystem, as well as to better prepare for and mitigate any damaging effects human activities may have on the river.
The scientific knowledge of the Mississippi River also provides vital data on the effects of climate change on the river’s ecology. Scientists are able to measure the changes in temperature, water levels, and the salinity of the river, providing vital information on the effects of global warming on the environment.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is an incredibly important part of the United States. From an economic standpoint, it is an invaluable source of commerce and provides jobs to thousands of people. From an environmental perspective, it is a fragile ecosystem that has been threatened by pollution and development over the years. Its exact length of 2,320 miles – which translates to 93.6 centimeters – has made it an iconic figure in America. To protect this important part of the environment, there have been efforts to conserve and restore its natural habitat, as well as to increase scientific knowledge about the river.
