Background Information
Mississippi is the second longest river system in the United States. It begins at Lake Itasca in Minnesota and terminates at an estuary in the Gulf of Mexico. Burlington, Iowa is located at the southeastern corner of the state, close to the Mississippi River.
Relevant Data
At Burlington, the Mississippi River is approximately 1,200 ft. wide. Its depth is estimated to be around 28 ft. and the speed at which it flows is around 2 mph. The river is lined with large sand deposits and is a popular spot for fishing, boating and other recreational activities.
Expert Analysis
The wide expanses of the Mississippi River make it a perfect site for water sports and outdoor activities. Burke Rundquist, a professor of geography at the University of Iowa, states that “The width of the river at Burlington is indicative of the great potentiality of this area. Its size allows for more recreational and commercial opportunities which provides significant economic benefit to the region.”
Insights and Analysis
The wide span of the Mississippi River at Burlington allows it to be a significant factor in the development of the surrounding area. Its size allows for multiple activities to be conducted on the river, providing a large opportunity to create businesses and local attractions. This is further enhanced by the area’s proximity to Lake Michigan and other nearby attractions.
In addition, the size of the river at Burlington is what makes it an optimal spot for water recreation. The large area of the river allows for more people to participate in activities simultaneously and this is what makes it an attractive destination for both locals and tourists.
Economic Impact
The wide span of the Mississippi River at Burlington Iowa provides substantial economic benefits to the surrounding community. It gives people the opportunity to have access to different types of recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. Not to mention, the area of the river also enables people to engage in commercial activities such as transporting goods and products to different locations.
Furthermore, the area near Burlington provides ample opportunities for businesses to benefit from tourism. With the wide span of the river and its close proximity to Lake Michigan, people can easily access the city and all of its attractions, providing a boost to the local economy.
Environmental Impact
The wide span of the Mississippi River at Burlington Iowa has a significant impact on the environment. Its massive volume holds vast amounts of water and this provides a suitable environment for various species of wildlife to survive. The presence of an abundant and diverse plant and animal life near the river helps enhance the natural beauty of the region as well.
In addition, the water of the Mississippi River also acts as a natural filter for pollutants and contaminants. This is beneficial for the environment as it helps ensure the cleanliness of the river and keeps the area safe for people to enjoy.
Potential Threats
The wide span of the Mississippi River at Burlington Iowa also poses some potential threats. Due to the size of the river, the flow of water can become more powerful in times of heavy rain and snow, making it more difficult to control and dangerous to boaters and other recreational users.
Furthermore, higher levels of water can also cause flooding in areas within the vicinity of the river. This increases the risk of property damage and can also create health problems for people who live close to the river.
Prevention
In order to ensure that the area around the Mississippi River remains safe for recreational use, certain precautions must be taken. First and foremost, people should avoid traveling on the river when water levels are high due to inclement weather. Secondly, the area should have structures in place to protect from the potential danger that higher water levels can bring.
In addition, local authorities should be more proactive in monitoring water levels in the area and issuing advisories to people when levels become too high. Finally, the area should have tools and equipment in place in order to quickly respond to emergencies and other situations.
