Overview of How Many Rivers are Tributaries of the Mississippi River
Contrary to popular belief, the Mississippi River is not solely responsible for the drainage of the Upper and Lower US. It is actually part of an expansive network of rivers and creeks that serve as vital pathways for the transportation of goods, services, and human movement. In fact, the Mississippi River is mainly comprised of the combined water of several major tributary rivers.
A tributary is any stream or river that flows into a larger body of water. In the case of the Mississippi, these tributary rivers are essential in helping to maintain water levels, create habitats for wildlife, and flow downstream in order to eventually reach its destination. This article will provide a detailed look at how many rivers are tributaries of the Mississippi and the impact they have on the environment.
Tributaries of the Mississippi River
The most notable tributary of the Mississippi River is the Missouri River. It is the longest tributary of the Mississippi, comprising nearly half of the river’s total drainage area. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. Other major tributaries include the Arkansas River, the Ohio River, the Red River, the Illinois River, and the Yellowstone River.
In addition to the notable tributaries mentioned above, there are also countless smaller creeks, streams, and tributaries that make up the Mississippi River’s impressive network. Taken together, these rivers are responsible for supplying more than 41% of the US population with their fresh drinking water.
The bulk of all of the tributaries that ultimately empty into the Mississippi River stem from the Rocky Mountains in the west. From here, the tributaries trickle down into the central United States before eventually winding their way south to the Gulf of Mexico.
Importance of the Mississippi River Tributaries
The importance of the Mississippi River’s tributaries cannot be overstated. These rivers provide essential resources to areas along the way, such as irrigation, power, and industrial uses. They also provide a vital source of transportation to urban areas, as well as access to recreational activities and sightseeing opportunities.
In addition, these tributaries contain an abundance of fish and other aquatic life. They are home to numerous species of birds, mammals, and reptiles, making them an important part of the local ecology. The tributaries also help to control erosion by regulating the flow of water, thus keeping sediment and pollutants from entering the Mississippi River and causing damage.
Finally, the tributaries serve as a buffer from the potential effects of climate change, providing a measure of protection to communities along their banks. They also offer opportunities for research and study of the area’s habitats and ecosystems, allowing us to better understand and appreciate the importance of healthy watersheds.
Impact of Pollution on Mississippi River Tributaries
Despite the importance of these tributaries, pollution has become a growing concern over the years. Pollutants such as agricultural runoff, sewage, and industrial waste can find their way into the river, resulting in devastating impacts on aquatic life and the overall health of the waters. As a result, various organizations have been working to protect and restore polluted areas.
For instance, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established strict regulations and guidelines for what type of pollutants can be dumped into rivers and streams. In addition to this, organizations like the Mississippi River Basin Alliance are working to restore and maintain the health of the area’s watersheds.
The threat from pollution is ongoing, however, and this is why it is important for everyone to be aware of their impacts and make sure to do their part in keeping rivers and streams clean. By adhering to environmental regulations and reducing non-point group pollution, we can help to ensure that these tributaries remain clean and healthy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that the Mississippi River and its tributaries are essential to the health and well-being of communities in the United States. With countless rivers and creeks making up the impressive network, it is important to understand the threats that pollution poses to these vital resources. By being conscious of our impact and taking steps to reduce pollutants entering the area’s rivers, we can help to ensure that these tributaries remain clean and healthy for generations to come.
Types of Water Uses in the Mississippi River Basin
The Mississippi River Basin encompasses the 31 states and 2 Canadian provinces that make up the water’s drainage area. In total, there are over 3.2 million square miles of land and water within the Mississippi’s watershed. As a result, the basin is home to numerous different water uses, ranging from industrial and agricultural to recreational and residential.
Industrial uses of the Mississippi include the relocation of goods and commodities, such as petroleum, coal, and iron ore. The basin also serves as an important source of power, with many hydroelectric dams located along its course. Other industries such as tourism, fishing, and hunting rely on the success of the Mississippi and its tributaries.
Agriculture is another major water use in the basin, with farmers relying on the Mississippi’s waters to irrigate crops and provide livestock with an ample source of drinking water. The basin also serves as an important source of outdoor recreation, with people coming from all over the country to fish, canoe, and kayak along the river.
Finally, residential and municipal water use relies heavily on the Mississippi River and its tributaries. Cities across the basin depend on the river for the fresh water supply, and are continuously working to reduce their environmental footprint and maintain clean, healthy waters.
How Development is Impacting the Mississippi River Basin
Unfortunately, the success of the Mississippi River is being threatened by the continued growth and development of the region. With increased development comes increased pollution and sedimentation, which can cause long-term damage to the area’s aquatic habitats.
In addition, the construction of hydroelectric dams along the river has resulted in vast changes to the flow of the water and the ecosystems that depend on it. This, in turn, has caused a decrease in the number of threatened and endangered species in the area, as well as an overall decrease in the health of the river.
In order to combat these threats, numerous organizations have been working to restore and protect the river’s habitats. Organizations like The Nature Conservancy and the Mississippi River Basin Alliance are working hard to minimize the impacts of development, keep sediment and pollutants out of the Mississippi River, and restore the vital ecosystems in the basin.
Protecting the Mississippi River for the Future
The health of the Mississippi River and its tributaries is of the utmost importance, as it provides numerous essential resources to the surrounding areas. However, with the continued development of the region, the sources of pollution increase, putting the area’s aquatic habitats and species in jeopardy.
In order to protect the river for future generations, it is important to reduce non-point group sources of pollution and adhere to environmental regulations. Organizations like The Nature Conservancy and the Mississippi River Basin Alliance are doing an incredible job in protecting the area’s habitats, but we must all ensure that we do our part in keeping the river clean and healthy as well.
