Mississippi River : Rivers Flowing Into USA’s Major Water Body
The Mississippi River is one of the longest rivers in the United States, with a length of about 2,350 miles. It flows through ten states, beginning in northwestern Minnesota and ending in Louisiana. All of the states that it passes through contribute to the many rivers that flow into this great water body.
If one takes an in depth look at the many rivers that flow into the Mississippi, it is impressive. There are over 200 labeled rivers and hundreds more, unnamed streams and creeks, all contributing to the largest watershed in North America. Some of these rivers are fed by lakes, streams and wetlands, which adds to the incredible ecosystem of the Mississippi River and its tributaries. This river system is responsible for the enormous flow of water that is vital to the many animals, plants, and people that have made the Mississippi their home.
The principal rivers that are credited with flowing into the Mississippi are the Missouri, Ohio, Arkansas, White, Red, Minnesota, Tennessee, Yallobusha, and St. Francis rivers. The longest river that flows into the Mississippi is the Missouri River, stretching 2,341 miles alongside the Mississippi, and being the longest tributary of the Mississippi. The second longest river is the Ohio, flowing for about 1,400 miles and including several tributaries as well. The smallest river to flow into the Mississippi is the Yallobusha, only lasting 93 miles before it meets the Mississippi.
The Ecological Perspective of the Rivers Flowing Into the Mississippi
The many tributaries of the Mississippi play an important role in the health of the river system, not to mention the tremendous diversity that is possible on banks of the various water sources. They feed the Mississippi and provide habitat to many creatures, like trees, fish, and birds. One such species, the American alligator, is known to have lived in many areas surrounding the rivers flowing in to the Mississippi and utilizes the many bodies of water and nutrition for its survival. As for the tree population, the tributaries of the Mississippi can be excellent for cypress growth and regeneration.
The watershed of the lower Mississippi, known as the Mississippi Delta, which includes many of these flowing rivers, is an important agricultural region for many states that the Mississippi borders. The nourishment of the land for farming and additional water recreation is largely supplied via the tributaries that encompass the Mississippi River.
The Role of Humans and Environmental Consequences
Though rivers can provide multiple benefits to humans, they are also subject to contamination due to various human activities along it. In the recent years, there have been high levels of nitrogen and phosphorous present in these rivers, along with other pollutants. The process of river eutrophication is greatly attributed to these human activities, which has more than doubled the amount of nitrogen and phosphorous in areas near the Mississippi since the 1940s. It is caused by the extra nutrients in the water, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, coming from fertilizers, sewage, and other industries and activities near the rivers. As these rivers flow into the Mississippi, they bring along these extra nutrients and cause increased plant growth and algae blooms, due to the spike in nutrient levels.
Restoration and revitalization efforts
Due to the human influence of these pollutants, many conservation and restoration programs are beginning to take place in parts of the Mississippi River, such as the Lower Mississippi River Management Program. This program works to lessen the effects of human activities along the river and to reduce the amount of pollutants and waste entering the Mississippi River. The program also works on “habitat stabilization and restoration projects”, which provides a platform for the regrowth of vegetation along the Mississippi Delta and its tributaries.
Restoration work on the rivers surrounding the Mississippi has included the implementation of city-wide stormwater systems and the installation of wetlands, since they have been shown to clean the water and filter out pollutants like plastics and other contaminants. This ongoing effort is designed to focus more on the quality of the water that is flowing into the Mississippi so as to improve the health of the ecosystems proximate to the Mississippi.
The Effects of Climate Change on the Mississippi River and its Tributaries
Climate change has been impacting rivers in the United States and all over the world, with increased droughts, floods, or both. Although large rivers like the Mississippi are typically resilient to climate change compared to smaller rivers, the effects on the Mississippi are still evident. As temperatures increase, water levels decrease and not only does the amount of water decrease, but its quality decreases as well. These changes put more pressure on the ecosystems of the rivers and tributaries due to increased nutrient pollution and chemical contamination of the water, both of which are released from the warming climates.
The Role of Rivers in Human Life
The role of rivers in human life is undeniable, with so much human activity taking place, both along and in the rivers. In the United States, the rivers are mainly used for transportation, energy, and recreation. Even though pollution is still an issue, especially in some areas of the Mississippi and its tributaries, resources like oil and minerals are still extracted and transported by these rivers on a daily basis. The same goes for recreation, although pollution may still be present, individuals still use these rivers to fish, swim, and boat.
Eminent Scholar Notes on the Role of Rivers in US
Renowned Harvard professor of Conservation Biology and Water Policy, Dr. James Smith notes that “Rivers in the United States can only be beneficial if managed properly. We must focus on the management of these rivers, from reducing the amount of pollutants entering the water sources, to protect the environment and ensure that these rivers remain healthy for everyone.”
The Current State of Rivers in US
The current state of rivers in the US is a mix of both clean and polluted water sources. Even though the government is working on reducing the amount of pollutants in the US rivers, there are still many areas that are not being managed properly. As a result of this, the rivers in these areas are being affected by contamination of different kinds, leading to health and environmental issues.
Proposals for Long Term Solutions
There are a few proposals for long-term solutions, such as the American’s Watershed Initiative (AWI). The AWI is a plan that focuses on restoring the quality of the rivers and streams in the United States by addressing issues like the improvement of water quality and conservation plans. Its main priority is towards the restoration of river resources, with the government providing funds for research and the application of new research in the field, as well as educating communities on the importance of preserving and maintaining the nation’s rivers.
Ultimately, it falls to the people of the US to continue to dedicate efforts and resources in protecting and preserving these rivers, so as to prevent negative consequences such as water contamination and overuse of resources, tributary by tributary.
