Mississippi river is one of the most important waterways on the continent and one of the largest in the world. It has a length of around 4,000mi and has a width of three miles in some places. People are always fascinated by the size of the river and are often curious as to how many square feet it encompasses. The answer to this question varies depending on the area of the river being studied.
In its entirety, the Mississippi River is estimated to contain around 190 million square feet. This number is based on an estimate of the size of the watershed and the area that it encompasses from the Mississippi headwaters to the Gulf of Mexico. However, the square footage could change depending on how precisely the area is measured.
Experts believe that the square footage of the Mississippi River can be substantially higher when considering the other rivers that are connected to it. In particular, the Missouri River and its tributaries, which are a total of over 7,500 miles in length, could add significantly to the total square footage of the Mississippi river. Furthermore, the basin of the Mississippi River includes a larger area when including the other rivers that contribute to it.
A more accurate measure of the Mississippi River’s size can be gathered by looking at the surface area it encompasses. Calculating this area gives the number of square feet in the river, taking into account its meandering course. According the U.S. Geological Survey’s estimation, the surface area for the Mississippi River is about 250,000 square miles. This is equivalent to about 155 billion square feet, which is much higher than the figure given for the square footage of the watershed.
It is important to consider the depth of the water in the river when calculating the square footage of the Mississippi River. The depth of the Mississippi usually varies between two and 12 feet, but could be much deeper in areas like the mouth of the river, where it empties into the Gulf of Mexico. Extrapolating the surface area to calculate the volume of the river, which depends on the depth, allows for an even more accurate estimate of the total square feet encompassed by the Mississippi River.
Flow Rate
Another method of measuring the square feet of the Mississippi River is to calculate the rate of flow. This can provide more accurate information on average square footage covered by the river and its tributaries. The average flow rate for the Mississippi River is around 45,000 cubic feet per second. This means that for every second, the river is displacing about 45,000 square feet of water. Multiplying this by 60 would cover the area of one minute, and multiplying it by 60 again would cover an hour. This can be extrapolated to cover an entire day, or any other amount of time.
Calculating the flow rate for the Mississippi River and its tributaries is a great way to measure the total square footage it encompasses. This provides an accurate representation of the size of the river, with the estimate being more accurate than measuring the surface area or the watershed. As the flow rate of the river is constantly changing throughout the year, the square footage of the Mississippi River is never exactly the same.
Height above Sea Level
Another way to calculate the total square feet of the Mississippi River is to measure its height above sea level. Although this method may seem abstract at first, it is actually very straightforward. By measuring the height of the river over sea level and then calculating the area that this encompasses, an accurate estimate of the square footage of the Mississippi River can be drawn.
For example, a measurement of 200 feet above sea level would result in a total area of 2,000 square feet. This is because the area of a triangle is equal to the product of the base and the height, divided by two. By extrapolating this over the entire length of the Mississippi River, an accurate estimate of the total square feet covered by the river can be made.
An Enduring Mystery
The exact number of square feet in the Mississippi River is a mystery that has yet to be solved. While experts may have an estimate, the actual number of square feet in the river can’t be determined with absolute certainty. The value is constantly changing due to the river’s variability in depth, flow rate, and height above sea level throughout its 4,000 mile journey.
Therefore, while the total square feet of the Mississippi River is an alluring mystery, estimates can still provide insight into the size of the river. By utilizing a variety of methods to measure the area, such as surface area, rate of flow, and height above sea level, an accurate estimate of the square footage of the Mississippi can be made.
Economic Value
The Mississippi River also has significant economic value, not just for the states it passes through, but for the entire nation. Its ability to flow smoothly over such a large area provides numerous benefits for a variety of industries. This includes providing an essential transportation route for goods and services, providing clean drinking water, and creating recreational opportunities. All of these benefits are enhanced by the size of the Mississippi River and its ability to cover a large surface area.
Furthermore, the high square footage of the Mississippi River contributes to tourist attractions such as river paddling and commercial fishing fleets in the area. This allows for people to experience the size of the river, while also making use of the natural resources it provides.
The economic value of the Mississippi River has been estimated to be over $100 billion, making it one of the most important economic resources in the nation.
Management and Preservation
Although the Mississippi River is an important asset to the United States, it is important to not take it for granted. Over the years, the river has been exploited for its resources, leading to issues such as pollution and habitat destruction. As a result, it is important to take steps to ensure the health of the river and its surrounding environment.
One way to do this is to implement regulations and policies to limit the amount of pollution entering the river. Additionally, steps should be taken to protect the habitats and species around the Mississippi River. This would include limiting development in the area and creating more protected areas. Finally, initiatives should be taken to educate people on the importance of preserving the river and its surrounding environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Mississippi River is one of the largest rivers in the world and has a significant economic and ecological value. In the different sections of this article, we have discussed the different aspects of the Mississippi River and the strategies used to preserve its health. We have also seen how the size of the river varies depending on the area that is being measured, with an estimated total of almost 190 million square feet in its entirety.
Ultimately, the exact number of square feet in the Mississippi River may never be known, but it is still an important asset to the nation and should be valued accordingly. By taking steps to protect the river and its environment, we can ensure that the Mississippi River remains an important economic and ecological asset to the United States.
