The Origin of the Mississippi River in Tennessee
The Mississippi River is the fourth longest river in the world, stretching for some 2,300 miles from its source in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. It is also home to one of the most biodiverse freshwater systems in the world, comprising over 279 species of fish spread throughout current 24 states in total. The river runs through 10 states in the USA, with some 652 miles of it falling within the state of Tennessee.
The Mississippi River finds its source in Lake Itasca, a small suburban lake on the outskirts of Minneapolis. The end of the river sometimes forms a part of the nation’s boundary, with it forming part of the boundary line between Louisiana and Mississippi before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico.
Following its source in Minnesota, the Mississippi River flows southward, forming the border between the states of Wisconsin and Minnesota, then Iowa and Wisconsin, and finally Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri. It continues southward, following the border between Illinois and Kentucky, and subsequently the border between Kentucky and Tennessee. After this point, it often splits into two channels – the Ohio and Tennessee branches – before reuniting in western Tennessee. As of 2019, the Mississippi River passes through or forms the border of 13 states before eventually ending in Gulf of Mexico.
At present, the Mississippi River is 652 miles long in Tennessee. This marks just over a fifth of the entire Mississippi River, that is, about 28% of the total 2,300 miles of the river’s length. At its widest point, the river occupies one mile of width, between the states of Mississippi and Louisiana. As of 2009, this stretch of river measures at 800 feet in width, although this measurement can change depending on the the water level and weather conditions.
The Mississippi River serves functional, environmental and economic purposes. For instance, the river allows transportation of goods and commodities through barges. This river also serves as a major migratory route for many species of fish and also plays an important role in the life cycle of many wetland birds. Similarly, the river also serves several ecological purposes, such as water supply and flood control; these roles naturally benefit agriculture and industry in the areas it passes through.
History of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River has a long, colourful history that dates back to the Ice Age. During this period – roughly 2 million years ago – the earth experienced glacial expansion, resulting in the formation of several valleys and ultimately the Mississippi River. In addition, archaeological evidence also show that Native Americans have been living near the river for thousands of years. Over the years, these two major influences shaped the history of the Mississippi River and its adjacent areas.
The earliest record of the river being used for navigation and exploration is from a journal written by the French exploratory, Pierre Le Moyne. According to the journal, he explored several sections of the river from 1735 through to 1746. By 1800, the river had become an important transportation route for commodities, especially during the mid-1800s when steam-driven ships became the primary mode of transportation for the shipping industry. Parts of the river – including Tennessee – have South been used for steam-powered navigation.
Since then, the Mississippi River has gone on to have a long and tumultuous history. In the early 1900s, the riverbanks saw widespread development, with large dams and levees being built in order to regulate the supply of water and to prevent flooding. In the early 2000s, the US Army Corps of Engineers launched a multi-million-dollar effort to restore a section of the river that stretched across several states, including Tennessee, with the objective of restoring natural and ecological balance. The effort is still ongoing today.
Morphology of the Mississippi River in Tennessee
The Mississippi River is a highly dynamic and complex system, and its structure differs substantially from one part of the river to another. For instance, the river in Tennessee is characterized by wide channels, slow-moving water that often floods and several sandbars, oxbow lakes and abandoned channel loops. Furthermore, its morphology also varies significantly with varying water displacements.
The river in Tennessee is divided into various reaches and channels, each one having its own characteristics. In total, the river can be divided into six different reaches, namely the primary or mainstream channel, the historical channel, the upper backwater area, the intermediate backwaters and the lower backwaters. Other prominent features of the river in Tennessee include wetlands, floodplains and islands.
The presence of these features in the river helps to protect the river from flooding and other ecological disturbances. For instance, wetlands serve as natural buffer zones to help absorb floodwaters, while islands and floodplains provide habitats for local wildlife. Similarly, the presence of oxbow lakes and sandbars helps to reduce the power of the current, making navigation safer and easier.
Impact of the Mississippi River on Tennessee
In recent years, the Mississippi River has been linked to the economic development of several states, including Tennessee. This is partly due to the fact that the river provides navigation for vessels, allowing goods and commodities to be transported between states. At present, the river is listed as a navigable waterway, with up to three miles of its width allowed for navigation.
The river also serves an important role in ecological systems, providing habitats for many species of wildlife and serving as a migratory route for some of these species. This means that the river contributes to the conservation of local biodiversity. In addition, the river also provides clean drinking water which is essential for both human and animal life.
The river has also proved beneficial to the agricultural sector in Tennessee. It serves as a main source of irrigation, resulting in significant improvements in crop yield and food security in the state. Moreover, the presence of wetlands, oxbow lakes and other features of the river also helps to stabilise the water flow and reduce the risk of flooding.
Pollution in the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is also no stranger to pollution. In recent decades, the river has experienced a serious decline in water and land quality due to pollution from human activities. This includes pollutants from wastewater, fertilizers and industrial runoff. As a result, the river has been adversely affected, with large parts of it becoming polluted and unlivable for some species of wildlife.
The pollution of the Mississippi River is of particular concern as it could have a long-term effect on the river’s ecology, as well as on the quality of life of those living near its banks. For instance, polluted water can be detrimental to human health and can also lead to the destruction of aquatic ecosystems. Furthermore, high levels of pollution could also result in loss of water resources, as some pollutants can be dangerous to the overall quality of water.
In response to this problem, several measures have been taken by state and local government authorities to reduce pollution in the river. For instance, organizations such as the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation have implemented regulations for industrial plants situated near the river, with the aim of reducing the amount of pollutants discharged into the water. Furthermore, several federal initiatives, such as the Clean Water Act, have been enacted in order to protect the river from further damage.
Management and Conservation of the Mississippi River
In order to ensure sustainable management of the Mississippi River in Tennessee, it is first necessary to understand how the river works and the processes that affect its flow and direction. This is often done through comprehensive studies that examine the physical, chemical and biological aspects of the river.
In addition, it is also important to have effective management and conservation efforts in place to ensure the sustainability of the river. For example, conservation efforts can include the establishment of protected areas along the river’s banks, the reintroduction of native species and the regulation of human activities such as farming, fishing and mining.
The Mississippi River is also an important source of drinking water for humans, as well as for several species of aquatic wildlife. Therefore, it is important to maintain a certain level of water quality in order to protect both the resources and species of the river. One way to do this is through water treatment and pollution control initiatives, such as the installation of filters and the use of fertilizers that are biodegradable.
Finally, it is important to monitor the river’s natural environment in order to identify potential threats and respond accordingly. For instance, periodic monitoring of water flow and quality enables authorities to identify potential pollutants and pollutants sources in a timely manner, so that they can take corrective action before they become a significant issue.
