Physical Geography
Situated at the apex of the lower Mississippi River, New Orleans is a major port city with a unique, unique physical geography. Where the curves and narrows of the Mississippi divide and rejoin, the mighty river reaches New Orleans in a wide and wide, quickly sweeping channel. At its widest point near the city, the Mississippi can be as wide as 1.5 miles across before it narrows and continues south towards the Bay of Mexico. In comparison, the widest section of the river near Baton Rouge is 1 mile and deepens as it makes its way towards the Delta.
The area around the New Orleans’ northern stop of Old Mississippi, known as The Basin due to its aquatic setting, is home to a diverse mix of protected wildlife habitats, from cypress swamps to humid brackish marshes. As the river flows on, it surrounds the city as it dives down and creates a natural buffer between the city and the surrounding landscape. This also provides a significant a source of protection due to its expansive width.
Economic Significance
Since its founding in 1718, the city of New Orleans has drawn power from the mighty Mississippi River and its commercial value to the city of New Orleans has become invaluable. As well as providing a particularly rich source of sustenance and recreation, the river sustains several of the city’s industries. The port of New Orleans is the largest port within the United States and is the center of a rich trading system.
The port provides a great model of efficiency, with boats and cargo moving in the midst of bustling activity. The slow-moving current of the Mississippi River- which can reach nearly seven kilometers per hour at its widest point- facilitates safe dockings, unloadings and navigate through the treacherous wetlands of southern Louisiana. This has been possible due to the wideness of the river, allowing for the transportation of goods quicker and more timely than ever before.
Unique Characteristics
In a traditional bucket list item, paddling on the Mississippi River is truly a unique experience. The river’s imposing width creates a sense of awe, allowing the passerby to admire its broad beauty. At many points, the river is wide enough to paddle in both directions at once and experience the various submerged protective habitats, like the cypress swamps, which are a defining feature of the river. While drifting on the shores of the Mississippi, you can also experience the lively local culture, organic farm foods and vibrant music.
Take every precaution to be safe while on the water. Some local guides recommend paddling in groups, wearing bright fluorescent colours and reserving some extra time before the sunsets to safely return to shore. The current winds around the river make it difficult to slow down, so remember to take the turns slowly and practice patience on the water.
Environmental Protection
The extensive width of the Mississippi River is not only a great feature of its natural beauty, but is also crucial to its ability to filter pollutants and provide protection against flooding. Extensive research is still being conducted on the effects of pollutants on the Mississippi River, as it can be vulnerable to extreme weather events like hurricanes and floods. As a part of the Coastal Wetlands of Louisiana Act, the US Fish and Wildlife Service is taking a proactive approach to protect the wildlife habitats, commercial fisheries and wildlife diversity of these important estuaries.
The width of the river, especially at its widest point near the city of New Orleans, is key to this approach as the larger surface area can absorb more of the shock from torrential rain, hurricanes and floods. The wetlands and marshes of the basin can also help to protect and slow the runoff, further reducing the impact of these events on the city.
Recreation and Tourism
Organised tours are ubiquitous, with guides educating travellers to the width of the Mississippi River throughout the year. Along the way, many of the stops offer paddlesports experiences, historical landmarks, incredible vistas, unique wetlands bird watching and delicious home cooked meals cooked in local restaurants.
In addition to tour participation, many people head to the area for fishing, swimming, kayaking and camping experiences. People from all walks of life are drawn to the gripping character of the mighty Mississippi, which stretches out as far as the eye can see. It is an unforgettable experience for people who want to revel in nature and explore New Orleans city and its backwaters.
Statistical Information
The Mississippi River can reach 1.5 miles wide at its widest point near the city of New Orleans. This is a both a blessing and curse, providing incredible recreational opportunities and also some environmental hazards. Depending on the season, currents in the New Orleans’ section of the Mississippi River can reach nearly seven kilometers per hour.
At any given point, the Mississippi is around one to two miles wide but the exact width depends on a variety of factors, ranging from rainfall and snow melting to spring flooding. Its size, however, does not diminish its importance in the lives of all citizens for recreation, commercial fishing, transportation, shipping and scientific research.
Infrastructure
As an important waterway of commerce, transportation is one of the main draws of the Mississippi. The river’s wide channel, while at times tremendously volatile, provides a dependable course with predictable currents. This allows ships of all sizes to sail the river safely and efficiently.
The channel is known to change width rapidly and suddenly so it can be hazardous, but the US Army Corps of Engineers has built several levees, jetties and dredged areas to make the waterway navigable. This includes the opening of locks and dams, making the journey easier and safer for boats, barges and commercial ships.
Conservation
The beauty of the Mississippi River is recognized worldwide, but with its increasing popularity comes the threat of depletion and pollution. To tackle this issue, local councils and authorities have proposed various ideas, from a more sustainable fisheries program to reducing local emissions to lessen the of pollutants in the river.
Organisations such as “Healthy Gulf” have helped tackle this issue by providing effective education programs and working collaboratively with fishing industries, researchers and local governments to ensure the river is looked after. With the support of local communities, the future of this grand old river remains safe for generations to come.
