The Mississippi River Basin covers parts of ten states in the United States. But just how many states are part of the Mississippi River Basin? In order to answer this question, we need to examine the geography of the basin, the rivers and streams that flow into the basin and the states that are connected to those rivers.
The Geography of the Mississippi River Basin
The Mississippi River Basin is one of the largest drainage systems in the United States. It covers an area of approximately 1,245,000 square miles and stretches from Illinois to the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi itself travels across more than half of the states in the United States, including more than three-fifths of the contiguous United States. It is a major source of water used for agriculture, industry and power generation.
The Major Rivers of the Mississippi River Basin
The Mississippi River is the largest river within the basin and the one that it is most recognized for. Other major rivers include the Missouri River, the Ohio River, the Arkansas River and the Red River. All of these rivers are connected to the Mississippi and flow into the river basin.
States Part Of The Mississippi River Basin
The ten states that are considered part of the Mississippi River Basin are Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee and Wisconsin. These states border the major rivers that drain to the Mississippi River.
Economy Of The States Within the Mississippi River Basin
The economies of these states are heavily dependent on the Mississippi River and the water sources within the basin. Many of these states have a large agricultural sector that relies heavily on the water from the Mississippi River to supply crops with water. In addition, many of these states have large ports that are used for shipping goods, which also rely on the river and its sources.
Environmental Impact Of The Mississippi River Basin
The Mississippi River Basin has been heavily impacted by human activity. Overdevelopment near rivers and streams has caused pollution of the rivers and streams. In addition, dams and levees have been built to control water levels and this has also had an impact on the environment of the basin. As a result, many species of fish and other animals have been affected.
People Of The Mississippi River Basin
The people of the Mississippi River Basin are a diverse group of people who come from many different backgrounds. Many of them rely on the rivers for their livelihood. Fisherman, shipping companies and other industries depend on the rivers and have been impacted by the changes in water levels and pollution.
Conservation Efforts In The Mississippi River Basin
In recent years, there have been a number of conservation efforts in the Mississippi River Basin to reduce pollution and improve water quality. These efforts have included water conservation, water treatments and other initiatives to ensure the health of the basin.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River Basin encompasses parts of 10 U.S. states and covers an area of roughly 1,245,000 square miles. It is a source of water for agriculture and other industries and is home to a diverse population of people. As a result, conservation efforts have been undertaken to reduce pollution and improve water quality in the basin.
