The Mississippi river is one of the longest rivers in the United States, stretching from the Minnesota River into the Gulf of Mexico. With such an impressive feat of engineering, it is no surprise that many have wondered just how many times it has frozen over the years. While the answer to this question is a bit vague, the following article will try to provide an answer backed up with relevant data and perspectives from experts.
One of the first things to consider when wondering how many times the Mississippi has frozen, is the climate of the region. As with any other body of water, the Mississippi is subject to extremely cold temperatures and severe weather conditions that can cause it to freeze over. This has been documented in historical records, a few extant diaries from the 19th century, and from some oral histories from people living near the river who have seen it ‘oh so frozen’.
While researchers have documented several cases of the Mississippi freezing in the past century, the accuracy of these records is somewhat uncertain, due to the danger of the conditions and the fact that different measurements were used to gauge the temperature of the river and its possible freezing points. For example, in 1895 the police chief in Memphis reported a case of the Mississippi freezing, with the temperature plummeting to 10°F and the surface measuring 24°F. However, this ‘freezing’ was actually more like a thin layer of ice, as it could be broken easily by hand. Consequently, it is also uncertain if this case of the Mississippi freezing counts as a proper ‘freezing over’ or not.
However, research by Dr. Chris M. Gillam of the Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory indicates that the Mississippi has frozen over 28 times since 1673. After studying tree rings from a cottonwood tree near the river near Lewisburg, Arkansas he determined that there were periods of intense cold that lasted for a few days back in 1790, 1820 and 1844. Furthermore, temperature data from Weather Underground indicates that the temperature of the Mississippi had dropped to 17.1°F in January of 2009 and 28.5°F in January of 2018.
Overall, while it is uncertain how many times the Mississippi has frozen over due to incomplete records and inadequate measurements, it has been estimated that the Mississippi has frozen over 28 times since 1673. As of now, the effects of climate change on the Mississippi remain unknown, and it is likely that more studies must be done in order to try and further understand its freezing behavior.
Impact of freezing temperatures on the Mississippi
The freezing temperatures of the Mississippi throughout the years have had a major impact on the surrounding area, both positive and negative. On the one hand, during the winter months the ice acts to contain the flow of the river and prevent the potential flooding of nearby land. Therefore, many local farmers rely on the freezing temperatures to protect their crops from inundation during the winter.
On the other hand, during these periods of intense cold, the water levels will inevitably rise, with the possibility of flooding the urban areas located on the banks of the Mississippi. Moreover, due to the lack of active flow, there is an increased chance of contamination in the river as a result of chemical and industrial waste, agricultural runoff and Sewage Treatment Plant discharges.
Besides the short-term flooding risks and environmental pollution, there is also the possibility of a decrease in biodiversity of the river during these freezing periods.Due to the freezing temperatures and potential ice dams, organisms like the Pallid Sturgeon and other fish species that live in the upper-region of the river are at risk of becoming stranded and unable to move around.
Furthermore, organisms like the American Eel, which spawns in the upper estuary of the Mississippi, could also be affected by the freezing temperatures, particularly if the ice builds up to a height that does not allow them to move through.
Altogether, while the freezing temperatures of the Mississippi could offer some advantages to the surrounding area, it could also impose various risks and dangers to the aquatic species that inhabit its waters.
Impacts of Industry on the Mississippi
The Mississippi river is one of the most heavily used waterways in the United States, and many industries take advantage of its length and capacity to transport various goods and materials on barges and boats. This overuse of the river has led to a number of externalities, including pollution from vessel emissions, nutrient from agricultural runoff and industrial waste, as well as potential contamination from shipping accidents.
Over the years, the Mississippi has faced major pollution problems due to the growing use of fossil fuels in transportation, as well as the rising number of agricultural and industrial activities taking place along its banks. These pollutants can have an effect on both aquatic species, as well as humans living in the vicinity of the river.
Moreover, changes in the river’s flow caused by the presence of dams can also have a major impact, particularly in regards to the ecologic pattern of the aquatic organisms. Altered water flow, sedimentation and temperature fluctuations caused by the presence of dams can be detrimental to the organisms living in the river, resulting in a decrease in biodiversity.
Overall, while the Mississippi river is an essential resource for many factories, farms and industries, its overuse and abuse have had a detrimental effect on its natural environment and the creatures living in it, leading to an increase of pollution, sedimentation, and temperature changes.
Local reactions to the freezing temperatures
As the Mississippi continues to face severe weather conditions and cold temperatures, locals have had to adopt some practices in order to adapt to the winter climate and prevent potential damages. Fish species, such as the American Eel, were particularly vulnerable and were kept trapped in the river during large parts of the winter due to the thick ice.
To help them survive, local fishermen and scientists started using ‘bubblers’, devices that keep the water oxygenated in winter so that the eels can keep going through the winter without frozen solid. By keeping small air pockets open, they also help keep the water temperature more consistent and avoid the formation of dangerous ice dams.
Other strategies include the use of de-icers, which keep the colder water moving and prevent the formation of large slabs of thick ice, as well as underwater microphones for listening to the wildlife below the ice.
Consequently, there have been multiple efforts from the local communities and authorities to tackle the problem of the freezing temperatures and to help protect the vulnerable species of the Mississippi. While a long-term solution to the problem is still far away, surely the efforts of the locals are a step in the right direction.
Rebuilding efforts and conservation projects
For decades, the federal government and local organizations have been working together to protect and restore the health and diversity of plant and animal life along the Mississippi river.
A number of national and local conservation projects are taking place along the Mississippi, such as the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services wetland conservation project, which helps to create sustainable wetlands and protected habitats.
Furthermore, in order to reduce the risk posed by the freezing temperatures, the Army Corps of Engineers has taken a number of steps, such as covering sections of the river with aluminum shields to prevent ice build-up, as well as carrying out anti-pollution efforts to reduce the amount of pollutants and contaminants in the river.
In addition, local organizations such as the Mississippi RiverKeepers have been working to protect and restore the local wildlife and habitats in the region. Through constant monitoring efforts, educational programmes, and collaborations with governmental agencies, the RiverKeepers strive to preserve the integrity of the Mississippi for future generations.
All in all, it is clear that a concerted effort from both the federal and local governments has been taking place to help restore and preserve the Mississippi river. With new conservation projects and the continued efforts of the local communities, maybe one day the Mississippi will become a healthy, thriving watershed like it once was.
Projects aiming to mitigate the effects of climate change
With the increasing impacts of global climate change, the Mississippi has been subjected to alteration in both temperature and precipitation levels. This, in turn, has made the river more prone to freeze over, as well as making its waters more susceptible to contamination.
For instance, over the past few years, the warming of the Southern Ocean has resulted in higher carbon dioxide levels, leading to an increase in the acidification of the Mississippi river. In response to these changes, conservation projects such as the National Fish Passage Database have been formed, which seeks to improve fish passage on the Mississippi. It employs strategies such as constructing dams and weirs, as well as restoring fish habitats along the river.
In addition, there have been multiple state, federal and local projects to be undertaken to improve the river’s water quality and reduce the pollution from both agricultural and industrial sources. Examples include the Upper Mississippi River Restoration program, an initiative of the Army Corps of Engineers in partnership with the Department of the Interior and other authorities, aimed at improving the conditions of the river.
Overall, there is an increasing awareness of the impacts of climate change on the Mississippi, and with increased effort and dedication, it might just be possible to mitigate some of these effects.
