The Mississippi River is the second-longest river in the United States, running from the shore of Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. It has numerous tributaries and a vast network of creeks, streams, and man-made canals, all of which contribute to the total water flow. But how much water does the Mississippi River and its tributaries carry? Let’s look at the facts.
The Mississippi River and its tributaries discharge an average of 590 million U.S. gallons of water into the Gulf of Mexico every single minute. This adds up to around 100,000 cubic feet per second. This makes the Mississippi River one of the largest water resources in the world. In fact, it’s the fourth-longest river in the world, after the Nile and the Amazon.
The Mississippi drainage basin includes parts of all or parts of 31 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces. In the United States, these include Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, and more. The basin also contains a handful of large lakes, including Lake Winnebago, Lake Winnibigoshish, and Lake Pepin. These all contribute to the total water flow.
The water flow in the Mississippi River and its tributaries varies greatly throughout the year, depending on factors such as climate, rainfall, and snowmelt. For example, during periods of heavy rainfall, the river may flow as much as 17% faster than its average flow rate of 590 million U.S. gallons per minute. On the other hand, during periods of extreme drought, the flow rate can slow to as little as 2% of its average rate.
According to the U.S Army Corps of Engineers, the total volume of the Mississippi River and its tributaries is estimated at 6,160,000 cubic feet per second. This number takes into account all of the water sources, from lake inflows to groundwater, as well as the distribution of water throughout the basin.
The Mississippi River and its tributaries are essential to the health of both the landscape and the people who live in the basin. The river’s water is used for drinking water, agricultural irrigation, cooling of power plants, industrial uses, and even recreation. Furthermore, the river provides habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, including fish, birds, reptiles, and mammals.
The fact remains that the Mississippi River carries a massive amount of water, and it’s only getting bigger. Climate change and human intervention are resulting in more water entering the basin, leading to higher flows and potentially disastrous flooding events. It’s imperative for those in the basin to take steps to manage the river’s resources in a responsible manner.
Jordan River Tributaries
The Jordan River is the longest tributary of the Mississippi River, and it plays a vital role when it comes to the river’s water flow. The Jordan River has a total length of approximately 1,160 miles, and its tributaries provide 22,900 cubic feet per second of water.
The Jordan River’s major tributaries include the Des Moines, Cedar, and Rock rivers. The Des Moines River is the longest, at 340 miles in total length. The Cedar River is about 210 miles long, and the Rock River is about 160 miles long. All of these three rivers flow into the Mississippi River at various points along its course.
These tributaries greatly add to the total volume of water the Mississippi River and its tributaries can discharge into the Gulf of Mexico. In fact, it’s estimated that the Des Moines River, Cedar River, and Rock River all contribute to around 20% of the total water volume discharged from the Mississippi River each year.
The Jordan River is also home to a rich and diverse array of aquatic life, including many species of fish, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. The river’s many marshes, swamps, and lakes serve as important habitat for these creatures and provide vital resources like food and spawning grounds.
The Jordan River and its tributaries are also a popular spot for recreational activities like fishing and canoeing, as well as hunting and bird watching. As such, they’re a vital resource for the tourism industry, providing revenue and jobs to the people who live along the river.
Natchez Trace Tributaries
The Natchez Trace Tributary is a major tributary of the Mississippi River, with a total length of about 690 miles. Its major tributaries include the Pearl River, Big Black River, and Yazoo River.
The Pearl River is the longest of the Natchez Trace tributaries, at 500 miles in length. It flows from southwestern Mississippi into Louisiana, and is a major source of freshwater for the region. The Big Black River is about 150 miles long and flows through Mississippi, while the Yazoo River is around 100 miles and originates in Mississippi and flows south into Louisiana.
The Natchez Trace Tributary has a major contribution to the total water volume of the Mississippi River and its tributaries, with a total annual discharge of around 7,000 cubic feet per second. As such, it plays an important role in the health of the ecosystem and the vitality of the communities living along the river.
Furthermore, the Natchez Trace Tributary is a major tourist destination, offering visitors the chance to explore numerous waterways, trails, and parks. The river is home to many species of fish and wildlife, and its vast marshes and wetlands serve as important habitat for these creatures.
The Natchez Trace Tributary is also essential for the region’s economy, providing vital resources like food and water, as well as recreational opportunities. As such, it is an important aspect of the region’s culture and heritage.
Missouri River Tributaries
The Missouri River is the longest tributary of the Mississippi River, with a total length of approximately 2,341 miles. Its major tributaries include the Platte, Kansas, and Osage rivers.
The Platte River is the longest of the Missouri River tributaries, at around 1,100 miles. It flows from North Dakota through Nebraska, Kansas, and into Missouri, where it joins the Missouri River. The Kansas River is approximately 500 miles in length and flows through Kansas and Missouri, while the Osage River is around 350 miles and becomes a major tributary of the Missouri River in Missouri.
The Missouri River and its tributaries provide a huge amount of water to the Mississippi River, with a total annual discharge estimated at 17,000 cubic feet per second. This is around 18% of the total water volume discharged from the Mississippi River each year.
The Missouri River also serves as an important resource to the people living along it. It is used for drinking water, hydropower, and recreational activities like fishing, boating, bird watching, and more. Furthermore, the river provides habitat for numerous species of fish and wildlife, many of which are endangered or threatened.
In short, the Missouri River and its tributaries play an essential role in the health and vitality of the region. It is a vital source of water, electricity, recreation, and ecological interdependence, and it needs to be protected and cared for by those in the area.
Red River Tributaries
The Red River is the third longest tributary of the Mississippi River, at 1,360 miles in total length. Its major tributaries include the Arkansas, Ouachita, and Saline rivers.
The Arkansas River is the longest of the Red River tributaries, at around 1,200 miles in total length. It originates in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and flows through several states before entering Texas and emptying into the Red River. The Ouachita River is approximately 200 miles in length and flows through Arkansas, while the Saline River is about 120 miles in length and originates in Louisiana and empties into the Ouachita in Arkansas.
The Red River and its tributaries provide a significant amount of water to the Mississippi River, with an estimated annual discharge of around 1,500 cubic feet per second. As such, it plays an important role in the health of the ecosystems and communities living along the river.
The Red River is also a popular tourist destination, offering visitors the chance to explore numerous parks, waterfalls, and riverside trails. Furthermore, the river is home to numerous species of fish and wildlife and serves as important habitat for these creatures.
The Red River is also essential for the region’s economy, providing vital resources like food and water, as well as recreational opportunities. As such, it is an important aspect of the region’s culture and heritage.
