The Mississippi River, meandering through North America, is not just an iconic landmark – it is the fourth longest river in the world. Spanning over 2,320 miles, it runs through ten US states, four of which are named after it – Minnesota, Mississippi, Iowa, and Missouri. It further passes through two Canadian Provinces.
How wide is the Mississippi River, then? The wide-reaching expanse of the Mississippi River varies from place to place, being at its narrowest near Lake Itasca in Minnesota, where it is less than 100 feet, and widest near Baton Rouge in Louisiana, where it reaches over 7 miles! All in all, the average width of the Mississippi River is an estimated 2,320 feet.
The depth of the Mississippi River is no less diverse than its width, widely varying from around 30 feet near Lake Itasca to as much as 210 feet at the mouth of the Gulf of Mexico. Nonetheless, the rate at which the current of the Mississippi River moves is consistent, barring few exceptions, usually measuring as high as 3 miles/hour.
There are numerous factors affecting the width of a river, such as its age, the underlying bedrock, and the amount of water flowing in it. The Mississippi River is relatively young – it was formed only around 10,000 years ago – and is characterised by a gently sloping bedrock, liable to deepening and widening its margins. In addition, the large amount of water leaving the Mississippi River and pouring into the Gulf of Mexico means that the Mississippi Delta is eroding and consequently, the river is growing wider.
The wide reach of the Mississippi River is an important component of its renowned beauty and charm. With the range of its width and depth lending it an ever-exciting flow and dynamism, the Mississippi River has fascinatingly adorned the midst of nature’s terrains, making it an even more attractive tourist draw. In fact, several visitors fondly describe overboating in the waters of the Mississippi River as a near mystical experience.
One must also not forget the enormous environmental and economic importance of the Mississippi River. It serves as a source of hydropower, irrigation, recreation and fishing, providing livelihoods to thousands of humans, thus playing a pivotal role in the economy. Further, it is a haven for a range of diverse wildlife, ranging from the small mussels to the larger fish and mammals.
Hence, it can rightly be said that the wide and varied expanse of the Mississippi River has made it one of the most admired and powerful rivers in the world, captivating it into the hearts of people all across the globe.
River Hydrology of the Mississippi
The US Geological Surveys’ National Water Information System (NWIS) states that the total drainage area of the Mississippi River is 3,299,997 square miles. This very river is said to annually discharge an estimated 595,000 cubic feet/second of water into the Gulf of Mexico, making it the fourth largest contributor to the ocean out of all the rivers worldwide.
Hence, it is safe to say that the overall hydrology of the Mississippi River is extremely significant. The river, along with its tributaries, supplies water to multiple states and flows the lifeblood for the wetlands, thereby establishing thriving habitats for a host of flora and fauna.
What’s more, an array of human activities such as industrial and agricultural activities are heavily dependent on the Mississippi River as well. From providing water for recreation and irrigation to powering downtown Minneapolis and Memphis, the river is undoubtedly an invaluable asset.
However, the excessive use of the river and its tributaries has had an adverse impact on its hydrology in the recent years, caused primarily due to pollutants, resulting in contaminants seeping into the water. Increased pollution has led to elevated levels of turbidity, making it harder for marine life, especially the small organisms, to obtain oxygen and survive.
In light of this, there have been several clean-up initiatives in recent times, aiming to reduce the levels of pollution and restore the hydrology of the Mississippi River. Though efforts are being made, the long-term health of the river has yet to be restored.
Human Impacts on the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River and its tributaries have been used as a mode of transportation for centuries and continues to be heavily utilized now as well. The river plays host to more than 700 miles of navigable waterways, making it viable for recreation, shipping and commercial navigation.
But, it’s the large-scale river-control projects, launched over the 19th and 20th centuries, that have had the greatest human impact on the Mississippi River. Attempts have been made to deepen some portion of the river and channel away sediment and loose particles, thereby prohibiting the alluvial processes that tend to cause flooding in the region.
Furthermore, the construction of dams and locks has also had a substantial influence. With the implementation of levees and dredging, along with the modification of different tributaries, floodplains and wetlands, the river has been drastically changed.
Although the Mississippi River is still a major influence in the policies of land use and urbanization, the most drastic of human influences have undoubtedly been the multiple attempts made to control its flow.
Conservation Efforts for the Mississippi River
The exceedingly wide-reaching Mississippi River has not just been subject to human domination; there have been several efforts to conserve this natural wonder. For instance, the Upper Mississippi River Basin Association strives to preserve the important waterway by encouraging people to become engaged in spreading awareness and knowledge of water resource management. It also intends to support inter-state management on water resources.
In addition, several initiatives are in place that aim to protect the wildlife, protect and restore the river’s leading ecosystems, reduce water pollution sources and promote the well-being and education of the local people living near the Mississippi River. Numerous environmental organizations are partnering up to restore the habitats and landscapes that once adorned the river.
The impact of these efforts is already visible. Just in the span of two decades, the number of sea mammals visiting the Mississippi River has increased seven-fold, thanks to the stricter regulations around emission of pollutants and the building of acoustic deterrents for the ships. The initiative of creating wildlife corridors for the migrating animals has also been widely applauded.
In the long run, environmental education regarding the protection of water resources, enhancement of collaborative relationships to support water resource management and reinforcement of water-related research are all imperatives steps taken to ensure the future conservation of the Mississippi River.
Conclusion
To conclude, the sheer size of the Mississippi River is a testimony to its significance, both emotionally and economically. Its wide expanse and dynamic flow create a mesmerizing scenery that lures in tourists and inspires implicit awe. In addition, the river is essential to the environment and economy of the states, owing to the variety of flora and fauna, water activities and the natural resources it provides. In the light of this, it is safe to state that the size of the Mississippi River, along with its rich environmental and economic importance, are irrefutably spectacular to behold.
