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<p>The Mississippi River Basin is a vast and diverse area spanning over 1.5 million square miles in the United States alone. It encompasses 41% of the lower 48 states in the US, with its furthest reaching ripples touching ten more states. Aside from the United States, the drainage area drains all of southern Ontario, southern Manitoba and much of Saskatchewan in Canada as well.</p>
<p>The Mississippi River Basin officially started its formation around two million years ago when a series of prehistoric rivers combined forces to form the legendary Mississippi. A few different factors contributed to this occurrence; glacial melt water helped widen the area, the river’s own erosion wore down rock and sediment, and various sediments, originating from the Red River of the north, Yellowstone and the Ohio, were deposited in and around the basin.</p>
<p>Today, the Mississippi River Basin remains an iconic symbol of the United States, engraved and etched into the landscapes and lifestyles of people who live within its walls. The river itself has been channelized and bridged to accommodate faster and more efficient boat traffic, and this has allowed for cities to become established along its banks. From the port town of Natchez to the bustling city of Memphis, each is a landmark testimony to the power of the river and its tributaries.</p>
<p>Institutions across the basin have been actively studying and monitoring the environmental effects of the Mississippi and its tributaries for many years. Could the sediment, in part due to human activities, be a cause for concern for the whole basin? These questions have been especially relevant since the 1950s, when significant changes in agricultural practices, industrial runoff, and construction of dams and levees have been observed.</p>
<p>Studies undertaken by entities such as The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have produced critical and detailed analysis of the environment as it relates to the Mississippi River Basin. Their work has concluded that the “habitats and fisheries in river basins such as the Mississippi have been significantly degraded, primarily due to urban and agricultural development,” and that there are “significant nutrient, sediment, and pesticide loads entering the system from tributary inflows.” These findings set off alarm bells for both researchers and inhabitants of the Mississippi River Basin – necessitating the need for immediate action to prevent any further degradation of the ecosystem.</p>
<h2>Effects on Wildlife</h2>
<p>The effects of the behemoth river’s formed sediment and pollutants on wildlife, too, have been noteworthy. Both naturally present flora and fauna in the Mississippi River Basin, as well as artificially introduced species, have been making attempts to adapt and even flourish along the river’s course. It is common to witness populations of smaller animals such as fish, otters, and mollusks that appear to survive due to their hardiness and the ability to change their activities in order to adapt to the environment.</p>
<p>In the larger species, however, this adaptation is not seen as often. While many ducks, shorebirds and other birds still call the Mississippi River Basin home, their numbers have been cut down significantly. Conservationists attribute the cause for their decrease to the growing human population in the area. Since human settlements require a certain amount of resources that are also essential for the maintenance of a healthy and stable wildlife population, the two are in competition with each other.</p>
<p>This is a cause of concern for numerous experts and ecologists – who fear that an increase of human presence in the area can further disrupt the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Fortunately, though, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken measures in an attempt to mitigate the negative effects of the human occupants, and initiate conservancy efforts to ensure the wellbeing of all species residing within the Mississippi River Basin.</p>
<h2>Levees and dams</h2>
<p>The effect of human activities on the Mississippi River Basin isn’t limited to pollution and resource depletion. Built to modify the flow of the river and help control the intensity and magnitude of flooding, levees and dams have become a mainstay of the Mississippi River. Although major levees came into existence during the 1960s and 70s, the initial levee building process dates back to the early 19th century.</p>
<p>Levees have been employed to reduce the chances of flooding as well as to aid midwestern farmers in irrigating their land during periods of drought. While most levees are constructed using stone, some also include sections of gravel, soil, and sand which can provide extra support during periods of heavy rainfall or high water levels.</p>
<p>On the other side of the spectrum are the dams that have been employed to generate hydroelectricity – generated by the pressure of the river’s flow. The US Army Corps of Engineers has carved more than 1,000 dams into the landscape since the 1800s, and although these have been beneficial in providing reliable power from renewable sources, some environmentalists worry about the implications of these dams on the overall health of the river.</p>
<p>They worry about the effects of impounded waters which can cause altered flow patterns, unnatural increases in sediment deposition, and even potential soil erosion. These effects can further influence the surrounding wildlife, leading to the alteration of their habitats, food sources, and overall quality of life.</p>
<h2>Soil Erosion</h2>
<p>Soil erosion has become a serious issue in the Mississippi River Basin as well. As agricultural activities in the region increase and many trees are cleared to make way for increased farming, naturally present soil is even more susceptible to being washed away.</p>
<p>This, compounded by the unnatural flow of water which is often directed around levees, has caused portions of valuable land to disappear into the water each year. This results in less than desirable soil properties such as decreased fertility, reduced water-holding capacity, and decreased root growth for future crops.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, when it comes to dealing with soil erosion, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Conservationists have suggested various methods of controlling erosion, however, all are subject to the availability of land, soil, and water resources which are already extremely scarce in the larger Mississippi region.</p>
<p>More research into new methods and technologies to reduce soil erosion and its related effects are underway to help keep the Mississippi River Basin healthy and functioning as best it can. Governments, as well as private firms are investing in resources that aim to conserve soil, and even restore lost lands, to ensure that the area can continue to exist for many years to come.</p>
<h2>Contaminated Water</h2>
<p>The Mississippi River Basin is home to several large cities, all of which consume large amounts of water on a daily basis. In some cases, this water is taken straight from the river, while in other cases it is taken from lakes and streams that are fed by the river.</p>
<p>Although the quality of rivers and lakes in the basin can be considered satisfactory, certain pollutants, such as petroleum products, heavy metals and pesticides, can be misguided into the water source due to activities such as farming. These pollutants can cause severe illness in humans, and changes to the natural flora and fauna as well as the water they consume.</p>
<p>Multiple studies have been conducted to determine the true impact of these contaminants, and most have concluded that the majority of water sources in the Mississippi River Basin are perfectly safe for human use. However, in more recent years, researchers have recommended that more stringent measures should be taken to prevent any further contamination of the already fragile environment.</p>
<h2>Population Growth</h2>
<p>The Mississippi River Basin is also home to some of the larger cities in the country, including New Orleans, Memphis and St. Louis. These cities, along with many others, contribute significantly to the population of the basin, many of them relying on the resources of the river itself.</p>
<p>The population continues to grow, and with this population growth comes an increased demand for limited natural resources such as water, food, and timber. As the human settlements get larger, the wildlife and ecosystems in the vicinity are often neglected and threatened, leading to the alarming disappearance of certain species of birds and fish, as well as the clearing of forests for more homes and farms.</p>
<p>To deal with the population growth of the Mississippi River Basin, state and federal agencies have been placed on high alert to watch out for any dramatic changes in the use of water and development of land in the area. Although the population is expected to continue to grow, it is also likely that the development occurring in the area will plateau and even decline as population growth is managed.</p>
<h2>Technology</h2>
<p>The power of technology has become an instrumental tool when it comes to the well-being of the Mississippi River Basin. All over the United States and even the world, engineers and scientists are developing ways to monitor the rivers, lakes and streams of the area in real-time.</p>
<p>These technologies also enable them to identify any potential risks, such as algae outbreaks, extreme weather events, and pollution, and initiate plans to reduce the impact these risks have on the environment. Satellite images and drones, meanwhile, allow researchers to observe the basin from a safe distance and help identify sections that need further attention and conservation.</p>
<p>Furthermore, social media and environmental websites can be used to help spread awareness of any threats occurring in the area, as well as helter-skelter campaigns for people willing to do their part and contribute to the preservation effort.</p>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>The Mississippi River Basin is a dynamic and ever-changing area that has been subjected to countless man-made and natural influences. Despite the many challenges it faces at the moment, the basin is a testament to the resilience of nature, and the incredible power of the river itself, which continues to forge new paths and create thousands of tributaries in its wake.</p>
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<p>The Mississippi River Basin is a vast and diverse area spanning over 1.5 million square miles in the United States alone. It encompasses 41% of the lower 48 states in the US, with its furthest reaching ripples touching ten more states. Aside from the United States, the drainage area drains all of southern Ontario, southern Manitoba and much of Saskatchewan in Canada as well.</p>
<p>The Mississippi River Basin officially started its formation around two million years ago when a series of prehistoric rivers combined forces to form the legendary Mississippi. A few different factors contributed to this occurrence; glacial melt water helped widen the area, the river’s own erosion wore down rock and sediment, and various sediments, originating from the Red River of the north, Yellowstone and the Ohio, were deposited in and around the basin.</p>
<p>Today, the Mississippi River Basin remains an iconic symbol of the United States, engraved and etched into the landscapes and lifestyles of people who live within its walls. The river itself has been channelized and bridged to accommodate faster and more efficient boat traffic, and this has allowed for cities to become established along its banks. From the port town of Natchez to the bustling city of Memphis, each is a landmark testimony to the power of the river and its tributaries.</p>
<p>Institutions across the basin have been actively studying and monitoring the environmental effects of the Mississippi and its tributaries for many years. Could the sediment, in part due to human activities, be a cause for concern for the whole basin? These questions have been especially relevant since the 1950s, when significant changes in agricultural practices, industrial runoff, and construction of dams and levees have been observed.</p>
<p>Studies undertaken by entities such as The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have produced critical and detailed analysis of the environment as it relates to the Mississippi River Basin. Their work has concluded that the “habitats and fisheries in river basins such as the Mississippi have been significantly degraded, primarily due to urban and agricultural development,” and that there are “significant nutrient, sediment, and pesticide loads entering the system from tributary inflows.” These findings set off alarm bells for both researchers and inhabitants of the Mississippi River Basin – necessitating the need for immediate action to prevent any further degradation of the ecosystem.</p>
<h2>Effects on Wildlife</h2>
<p>The effects of the behemoth river’s formed sediment and pollutants on wildlife, too, have been noteworthy. Both naturally present flora and fauna in the Mississippi River Basin, as well as artificially introduced species, have been making attempts to adapt and even flourish along the river’s course. It is common to witness populations of smaller animals such as fish, otters, and mollusks that appear to survive due to their hardiness and the ability to change their activities in order to adapt to the environment.</p>
<p>In the larger species, however, this adaptation is not seen as often. While many ducks, shorebirds and other birds still call the Mississippi River Basin home, their numbers have been cut down significantly. Conservationists attribute the cause for their decrease to the growing human population in the area. Since human settlements require a certain amount of resources that are also essential for the maintenance of a healthy and stable wildlife population, the two are in competition with each other.</p>
<p>This is a cause of concern for numerous experts and ecologists – who fear that an increase of human presence in the area can further disrupt the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Fortunately, though, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken measures in an attempt to mitigate the negative effects of the human occupants, and initiate conservancy efforts to ensure the wellbeing of all species residing within the Mississippi River Basin.</p>
<h2>Levees and dams</h2>
<p>The effect of human activities on the Mississippi River Basin isn’t limited to pollution and resource depletion. Built to modify the flow of the river and help control the intensity and magnitude of flooding, levees and dams have become a mainstay of the Mississippi River. Although major levees came into existence during the 1960s and 70s, the initial levee building process dates back to the early 19th century.</p>
<p>Levees have been employed to reduce the chances of flooding as well as to aid midwestern farmers in irrigating their land during periods of drought. While most levees are constructed using stone, some also include sections of gravel, soil, and sand which can provide extra support during periods of heavy rainfall or high water levels.</p>
<p>On the other side of the spectrum are the dams that have been employed to generate hydroelectricity – generated by the pressure of the river’s flow. The US Army Corps of Engineers has carved more than 1,000 dams into the landscape since the 1800s, and although these have been beneficial in providing reliable power from renewable sources, some environmentalists worry about the implications of these dams on the overall health of the river.</p>
<p>They worry about the effects of impounded waters which can cause altered flow patterns, unnatural increases in sediment deposition, and even potential soil erosion. These effects can further influence the surrounding wildlife, leading to the alteration of their habitats, food sources, and overall quality of life.</p>
<h2>Soil Erosion</h2>
<p>Soil erosion has become a serious issue in the Mississippi River Basin as well. As agricultural activities in the region increase and many trees are cleared to make way for increased farming, naturally present soil is even more susceptible to being washed away.</p>
<p>This, compounded by the unnatural flow of water which is often directed around levees, has caused portions of valuable land to disappear into the water each year. This results in less than desirable soil properties such as decreased fertility, reduced water-holding capacity, and decreased root growth for future crops.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, when it comes to dealing with soil erosion, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Conservationists have suggested various methods of controlling erosion, however, all are subject to the availability of land, soil, and water resources which are already extremely scarce in the larger Mississippi region.</p>
<p>More research into new methods and technologies to reduce soil erosion and its related effects are underway to help keep the Mississippi River Basin healthy and functioning as best it can. Governments, as well as private firms are investing in resources that aim to conserve soil, and even restore lost lands, to ensure that the area can continue to exist for many years to come.</p>
<h2>Contaminated Water</h2>
<p>The Mississippi River Basin is home to several large cities, all of which consume large amounts of water on a daily basis. In some cases, this water is taken straight from the river, while in other cases it is taken from lakes and streams that are fed by the river.</p>
<p>Although the quality of rivers and lakes in the basin can be considered satisfactory, certain pollutants, such as petroleum products, heavy metals and pesticides, can be misguided into the water source due to activities such as farming. These pollutants can cause severe illness in humans, and changes to the natural flora and fauna as well as the water they consume.</p>
<p>Multiple studies have been conducted to determine the true impact of these contaminants, and most have concluded that the majority of water sources in the Mississippi River Basin are perfectly safe for human use. However, in more recent years, researchers have recommended that more stringent measures should be taken to prevent any further contamination of the already fragile environment.</p>
<h2>Population Growth</h2>
<p>The Mississippi River Basin is also home to some of the larger cities in the country, including New Orleans, Memphis and St. Louis. These cities, along with many others, contribute significantly to the population of the basin, many of them relying on the resources of the river itself.</p>
<p>The population continues to grow, and with this population growth comes an increased demand for limited natural resources such as water, food, and timber. As the human settlements get larger, the wildlife and ecosystems in the vicinity are often neglected and threatened, leading to the alarming disappearance of certain species of birds and fish, as well as the clearing of forests for more homes and farms.</p>
<p>To deal with the population growth of the Mississippi River Basin, state and federal agencies have been placed on high alert to watch out for any dramatic changes in the use of water and development of land in the area. Although the population is expected to continue to grow, it is also likely that the development occurring in the area will plateau and even decline as population growth is managed.</p>
<h2>Technology</h2>
<p>The power of technology has become an instrumental tool when it comes to the well-being of the Mississippi River Basin. All over the United States and even the world, engineers and scientists are developing ways to monitor the rivers, lakes and streams of the area in real-time.</p>
<p>These technologies also enable them to identify any potential risks, such as algae outbreaks, extreme weather events, and pollution, and initiate plans to reduce the impact these risks have on the environment. Satellite images and drones, meanwhile, allow researchers to observe the basin from a safe distance and help identify sections that need further attention and conservation.</p>
<p>Furthermore, social media and environmental websites can be used to help spread awareness of any threats occurring in the area, as well as helter-skelter campaigns for people willing to do their part and contribute to the preservation effort.</p>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>The Mississippi River Basin is a dynamic and ever-changing area that has been subjected to countless man-made and natural influences. Despite the many challenges it faces at the moment, the basin is a testament to the resilience of nature, and the incredible power of the river itself, which continues to forge new paths and create thousands of tributaries in its wake.</p>
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