The Mississippi River, the 4th longest river in the world, is one of the world’s most iconic waterways and beloved natural wonders. Measuring at 2,340 miles, the Mississippi travels from the Headwaters of Lake Itasca, Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, traversing through several states before it reaches its destination.
In terms of specifics, the average depth of the Mississippi River is between 11 and 12 feet, although during specific points in time and in areas subject to flooding, depths have exceeded 30 feet. The depth of the river could also differ based on the season and the weather conditions in the region. In terms of width, the Mississippi can reach up to 1.5 miles between Minnesota and Louisiana.
In terms of measuring the length precisely, most professionals use modern meter-based instruments. This can be slightly complicated as the Mississippi meanders and flows, creating small corners and loops along the way. As such, it is officially measured according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The latest measurement by the USGS was 2,320 miles from the Headwaters in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico.
For those of us who prefer miles, 2,320 miles is equivalent to around 2,727 km. To gain a real appreciation of the magnitude of the Mississippi River and its sheer size, consider this fact: if you drove the entire length of the Mississippi, without a break, it would take you just under 50 hours!
As we’ve seen, the Mississippi is no small feat. The river plays an enormously important role not only in terms of serving as a major source of water, but also in terms of providing many communities with recreational activities, such as fishing and boating. It’s essential to ensure the river is preserved and cared for in order to keep the water source clean and viable.
Climate Change
Climate change is an important factor to consider when discussing the Mississippi River and its future. As temperatures continue to rise and climate change progresses, the effects of melting polar icecaps, raging water levels, and altered water flows will all impact the functionality and beauty of the Mississippi. For instance, flooding along the Mississippi regularly destroys homes and livestock, as well as disrupts transportation and other infrastructure.
It is predicted that in times to come the water flows in the Mississippi River will be subject to more extreme and unpredictable weather conditions, potentially resulting in worse flooding phenomena and transforming entire states along the river. Moreover, warmer temperatures will lead to more bacterial growth in the water, making its utilisation for a variety of purposes more difficult, if not impossible.
In order to prevent the Mississippi River becoming a casualty of climate change, action on an international, national, and local level must be taken. From up north to the south, continuous efforts to reduce carbon emissions, reduce water wastage, and mitigate the effects of climate change, must be taken in order to preserve this iconic river and its surroundings.
The People of The River
But the Mississippi isn’t just a physical entity, it’s also connected to the people who live along and use the river. In communities like Memphis and New Orleans, especially, the culture of the region simply would not exist without the river. From the rich history to the riverboat stories to the cafes on each corner, the Mississippi creates a culture around itself.
Many of these communities, which have a special relationship to the river, are placed within the two lower tiers of the animal. The southern people of the Mississippi owe their livelihoods, lifestyles and music to the great river. In the Delta, jazz giants like Fats Waller and Miles Davis grew up hearing riverboat songs and renditions of spirituals, blending them into music that is still heard all over the world today.
The mighty Mississippi has connected people to the past, present and future. Hundreds of migrant workers came and went through the “North Star State,” hauling goods on the river, working on plantations, and contributing to a vibrant river culture. Testament to this fact, many of the shanties, churches, and markets that once lined the river banks still stand today.
If this history proves anything, it’s that the Mississippi River is deeply cherished, long-loved and will live generations to come.
Environmental Impact
Despite its grandeur, the Mississippi has been subjected to pollution in recent decades. Run-off chemical and agricultural waste can have dire consequences for flora and fauna and the water present in the delta, especially when it comes to the gulf’s ecosystem. Pollution stemming from human activities like runoff agricultural, chemical, and waste has created a problem at various points of the river. Pollutants like DDT, PCBs and, even today, oil and gas, have also found their way into the river, furthering its decline and placing a strain on its existing health.
To try and combat pollution, eco-friendly legislation has been put in place in certain states. Mississippi, for example, has implemented numerous regulations to try and reduce chemical runoff and improve water quality. Additionally, many states have enforced artificial flood control systems aimed at preserving existing structures, like levees and dams, instead of investing heavily in reconstructing lost ones. Nonetheless, major improvements are yet to be seen.
In order to repair the damage to the Mississippi River, major investments in stream reconnections, swamp recoveries and revitalization projects must be made in order to protect the area surrounding the river and allow delicate ecosystems to flourish. It is essential to ensure the river banks are composted and replanted, to ensure safe habitats for fish, birds and other wildlife. Moreover, businesses must make sure they are operating sustainably and responsibly, to protect the river and its inhabitants.
Activist Work
For years, there have been activists campaigning to keep the Mississippi River in its natural state and to combat human damage. Through organisations like the Lower Mississippi River Conservation Committee (LMRCC), which was founded in 2011, individuals are trying to protect the Mississippi River and the cultural and ecological patchwork it has created.
The LMRCC, along with activists across the United States, recognises the importance of the river and its tie to the people living along it. They are doing important work to protect this important river and have established the Mississippi River Network to boost support and guide pro-river initiatives.
Environmental activists have also called for more eco-friendly legislation to be put in place which will protect the river and its surroundings. Through protests and campaigns that have seen river cleanups and parkland expansion, these activists are hoping to restore the beauty and glory of the Mississippi River.
Furthermore, activism in this area has helped put the spotlight on the challenges affecting the river and its future. By bringing the issue of the Mississippi River to the attention of the general public and policy makers alike, activists are creating much-needed awareness and are pushing for people to take a stance in order to preserve the river and its natural beauty.
Innovative Solutions
In addition to activism, there have been various efforts to find revolutionary, eco-friendly solutions to the Mississippi River’s health. The Mississippi River Fund is one such organisation, founded to help repair the river’s health by bringing people, businesses and policymakers together. The idea is to foster better practices in order to ensure the safety and integrity of the river’s ecosystem.
From an engineering point of view, several innovative solutions have been proposed in order to the Mississippi’s structural weaknesses and reverse the effects of climate change. The Army Corps of Engineers, for example, is proposing ideas such as flood control reservoirs and large-scale barrier walls to reduce the risk of dangerous floods.
Scientists such as Dr. John Townsend from the University of Mississippi are also exploring ways to develop new materials and tools to help clean the river and reduce water pollution. This includes research into certain plants that are known to absorb to pollutants both quickly and effectively, as well as robotic tools that can be sent down into hard-to-reach areas of the river in order to monitor and clean debris and pollutants.
Ultimately, it’s clear that innovative and sustainable strategies are needed to protect and repair the Mississippi River. With so much intertwined between the river and the people who depend on it, it’s essential that we find ways to not only preserve but to restore the river and to help ensure it lives on for years to come.
Global Significance
Without doubt, the Mississippi River’s international importance cannot be understated. Not only does it carry immense cultural and ecological significance, but it also contains a wealth of water, sediment and sand, making it a vital mode of transportation for both goods and people. In many ways, the river is an economic artery, contributing to the livelihoods of many and in turn, stimulating the economic development of the communities it serves.
Moreover, the Mississippi is a major source of freshwater, with an estimated 500 million gallons of water entering its tributaries daily. The abundance of freshwater creates a valuable ecosystem, providing a home to various species such as Pelicans, Alligators, and more recently Manatees, as well as livelihoods to fishermen and sailors. Despite this, the river’s ecosystem is threatened with pollution, invasive species and irresponsible farming, putting the future of the area and its inhabitants into question.
In order for the Mississippi and its inhabitants to remain safe and prosperous, long-term solutions must be found. With all of this considered, it’s clear that the Mississippi River is an integral part of the landscape of the United States and of humanity as a whole.
Protecting the Future of the Mississippi
In order to improve the waters of the Mississippi, strong legislation and incentives must be put in place. Textiles, fertilisers and other industrial leftovers must all be managed and reduced, while more comprehensive plans must be brought forth in order to reduce the environmental and biological impacts of the agricultural sector. Urban economies must learn to build sustainably, rainwater collection systems must be further encouraged, and more energy efficient methods must be employed alongside smart transportation systems, in order to reduce water and energy wastage. In addition, flood mitigation plans must be updated and presented to communities in order to protect not only their homes but their livelihoods.
Finally, resilience plans must be developed and implemented in order to protect future generations from extreme weather events. These plans must remain consistent, relevant and informed based on the current state of the river and coordinated between NGOs, governmental organisations and private companies in the area. It is these activities that must be taken seriously if the Mississippi and its people are to remain resilient and beautiful for years to come.
