The Mississippi River and its tributaries are a pivotal resource for the Midwestern United States. Carrying much of the nation’s water, the Mississippi and its tributaries move vast amounts of water both east and west and provide necessary nutrients and habitat for wildlife. The amount of water the Mississippi River and its tributaries drain has been a topic of much speculation and study, and even today there are varied estimates on just how much water is moved every year.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota estimate that the Mississippi and its tributaries drain upwards of 382,000 square miles of land in 31 US states. The main stem of the Mississippi River alone drains over 200,000 square miles and travels approximately 2,340 miles to its mouth where is empties into the Gulf of Mexico.
The amount of water flowing into the Gulf of Mexico via the Mississippi River is estimated to be between 1.3 and 2.3 million cubic feet per second, or enough to fill Lake Michigan twice a day. This massive amount of water provides sport fish with ideal spawning grounds and has been a major resource for the navigation of goods and people since the 19th century.
Aside from the many human and animal uses for the river, the Mississippi and its tributaries also produces vast amounts of electricity. In fact, the Mississippi River is one of the most hydropower-producing rivers in the United States. The electricity from the river is essential to meet the ever-growing demand for electric power in the region.
The Mississippi River and its tributaries not only provide many services to both people and wildlife, but it also plays a vital role in the earth’s natural hydrological cycle. It is estimated that as much as 20 percent of the Mississippi’s water is directly released into the Gulf of Mexico after seasonal floods, during which up to 4 million acre feet of water can enter the Gulf in a single month. This water is the main source of nutrients for the delta, which produces some of the most productive fishing in the US.
In addition to its role in the hydrological cycle, the Mississippi River and its tributaries also provide an important source of recreational activities. Anglers, sightseers, and boaters are all attracted to the river’s beauty and abundance of wildlife. These activities provide both a much needed recreational outlet and a potential source of income.
The Mississippi River is an essential resource for the entire continent and its tributaries are just as important. Those tributaries drain enormous amounts of water and play a vital role in the hydrological cycle, providing nutrients, energy, and recreation for its inhabitants.
Economic Benefit
The Mississippi River and its tributaries provide not only ecological resources, but they also offer economic benefits. In the past, the river was the main artery of commerce, connecting the Midwest with the Gulf of Mexico. It provided the primary mode of transportation for goods, people, and supplies and allowed trade to flourish between the Midwest and the rest of the country. The Mississippi River and its tributaries also formed natural lines of defense for early settlements along its banks.
Today, the Mississippi River and its tributaries are just as important for businesses. The river provides an incredibly efficient way for goods to travel from the Midwest to the Southeast, Gulf, and even to other parts of the world. Shipping with barges is both cost and time efficient, and helps to drive the economy of many cities along the Mississippi River.
The river is also a major source of renewable energy. The hydropower that is produced by the river and its tributaries makes an incredible impact on energy production in the US. in fact, according to the US Department of Energy, hydropower is estimated to provide 36 percent of the nation’s renewable energy.
In addition to energy production, the river and its tributaries provide recreational activities such as boating, swimming, and fishing. These activities produce tax revenue, travel income, and jobs, as well as provide many recreational opportunities for residents and tourists alike.
Environmental Impact
The Mississippi River and its tributaries have an incredible influence on the environment. The massive amount of water it transports and the nutrients it delivers to the Gulf of Mexico, have a major influence on the ecology of the region.
The nutrients from the Mississippi provide essential nitrogen and phosphorus, both of which are key to maintaining the aquatic balance of the area. The river also provides an ideal spawning ground for many species of fish, as well as a vital habitat for many species of birds and mammals.
However, this great abundance also comes with its share of environmental risks. The increased amounts of pollution, sediment, and nutrients can lead to hazardous algal blooms, eutrophication, and dead zones. These conditions can be damaging to both local plants and animals as well as to the quality of the drinking water.
The heavy agricultural use upstream from the Mississippi also increases the risks of pollutants entering the river. Pesticides, fertilizers, and other agricultural chemicals can have a damaging effect on river ecology, leading to decreased oxygen and nutrient concentrations in the water.
In addition, the increased amount of water that the Mississippi River and its tributaries drain can lead to flooding in the region. Heavy rains and snow melts can lead to massive flooding events that can cause major damage to property, destruct local ecosystems, and threaten people’s livelihoods.
Conservation and Management
Management of the Mississippi River and its tributaries is essential to ensuring its health and safety. The US Army Corps of Engineers, state and local governments, and the communities that line its banks have worked together to create a plan to ensure the river stays healthy.
The US Army Corps of Engineers for example uses a series of dams and levees to control the flow of the river, reducing the risk of flooding and providing essential infrastructure for navigation. Other agencies have also worked to regulate pollutants and protect the river from over extraction by limiting the amount of water that can be removed for consumption.
In addition to government efforts, local communities have also been working to preserve and protect the Mississippi River. Many organizations, such as the Mississippi River Network, are committed to educating and engaging the public in river conservation through their volunteer and educational programs.
These efforts have had a positive impact on the river’s health and are slowly beginning to show results. Studies show that the river has become cleaner, its habitats have improved, and the local fish populations have become healthier.
Environmental Education
Environmental education is essential to maintaining the health of the Mississippi River and its tributaries. By educating the public about the importance of the river and its tributaries, we can ensure that it remains a key resource for future generations.
Environmental education does not just have to take place in the classroom. Innovative ways to engage the public such as river clean-ups, festivals, and field trips can be fun and effective ways to raise awareness of river conservation and management. This kind of education can make a tremendous long-term difference, not only in the health of the river, but in the health of the communities that depend on the river.
Environmental education is vital to ensuring the river’s health for the future. Not only does it raise awareness of river conservation, but it also promotes responsible use of the river and its tributaries, which are essential to the health and wellbeing of both people and wildlife.
Conclusion
The amount of water the Mississippi River and its tributaries drain is immense, and its importance to both people and the environment is undeniable. Its contribution to the hydrological cycle and its role in the economy and ecology of the region cannot be understated. Through conservation, management, and education, the health of the Mississippi and its tributaries can be preserved for future generations.
