The Mississippi River is one of the most mighty and awe inspiring rivers of the world. Spanning over 2,320 miles, the river is the fourth-longest river system on earth, starting at Lake Itasca in Minnesota and eventually winding south where it reaches the Gulf of Mexico. Serving as one of the key transportation systems for over two centuries, the river has powerful economic and cultural significance in the country and especially in some of the cities that line it. One of these is Moline, Illinois, a city located at the headwaters of the Mississippi River. To understand how wide the Mississippi River is at Moline, we need to take a closer look.
First, Moline is a city located in Rock Island County of northwestern Illinois – one of the few remaining cities in the state which still touches the Mississippi River. The city is home to a number of historic sites as well as important transportation links; thus, it serves as an important gateway to the rest of the region. Moline gets its name from the river, being named after the large Native American village which once stood near its banks.
When it comes to the width of the Mississippi River, there is no single answer. At Moline, the Mississippi can be anything between 700 and 2200 feet wide. Depending on the water level, it averages around 1500 feet across, with the majority of the width being north of the city. The widest part is just a few miles from Moline, near the Rock Island Dam. Here, the river can be up to 2200 feet across.
From a scientific point of view, it is interesting to explore the force of the Mississippi River at various points along its course. The force of the river is determined by its water speeds and the presence of obstacles and bends. At Moline, the force of the Mississippi is considered moderate and does not pose any major challenges, although it is still enough to support the goods shipped along the river.
Elaborate engineering projects have been undertaken over the years to keep the river open and to prevent floods, including the construction of dams, levees, and locks. All of these help to control the water flowing and reduce erosion. The bottoms of the river are gradually getting filled up with sediment, leading to a gradual narrowing of width.
The width of the Mississippi at Moline may be variable, but life still goes on in the city. Recreation enthusiasts flock here for various activities, from kayaking and motor boating to skiing and tubing. Besides, thanks to its location, Moline is considered as a strategic trading destination as more and more international companies have their logistics hubs here.
Economic Benefits
For many years, Moline has been one of the main beneficiaries of the Mississippi River’s economic power – and not just in the city but in the entire region. The city’s history is deeply intertwined with the river, where it has served as an important transportation and trading hub. Its proximity to the river has attracted many businesses, creating an economic powerhouse in the area.
The biggest plus of being close to the Mississippi River is undoubtedly the abundance of recreational activities. Many local businesses are created around the river, from boat tours and charters to fishing guides and water sport facilities. The river can also be used for power production, and at Moline, there is a hydroelectric power plant that uses the Mississippi to generate green energy.
Moline is also important from the strategic point of view, as it serves as an important point of connection with other cities in the river’s basin. The river has been used for transportation for many centuries, and today it continues to be an important trade route for Illinois, Iowa and other states in the contiguous United States.
Environmental Concerns
One of the main issues that the Mississippi River is facing is water pollution. Across the river, there is a multitude of chemical plants and toxic waste sites, all of which releases vast amounts of pollutants into the river. Moline has a responsibility to remain vigilant and take protective measures to prevent such pollution. Fortunately, the city has its own water treatment facility, which can clean up water before it gets released into the river.
The river has also been subjected to alterations, with the construction of several locks and dams, which can disturb its natural flow. As the river has been used for navigation for over two centuries, such alterations are inevitable and will likely continue to this day. Consequently, it’s important to limit their impacts as much possible.
Lastly, another environmental concern is the presence of invasive species, like the Asian Carp, which has caused considerable damage to the region’s ecosystems. This can make the water unsafe for recreational activities, as these species sometimes carry diseases. To combat this, Moline works with other cities and states to take preventive measures and to limit their spread.
Conservation Efforts
Moline takes several measures to ensure the conservation of the Mississippi River. The city has established various organizations dedicated to the preservation of the river and its surrounding environments. There are also a range of environmental benefits associated with such efforts, such as the creation of green spaces, the preservation of the city’s historical sites, and the promotion of sustainable tourism.
Moreover, Moline is actively involved in conservation projects that help reduce pollution and run-off from chemicals and other materials which can affect the river. Such efforts include the installation of bioretention and filtration systems and the promotion of wetlands conservation. Another major project is the undertaking of projects that help protect the river’s banks and its shores, to keep erosion at bay and to protect the habitats of the numerous species that live in and around the Mississippi.
In addition, Moline collaborates with other cities and states to ensure the protection of the river. By working together, all involved parties can find creative solutions to tackle the challenges posed by the river’s conservation, such as harvesting sustainable fish or tackling invasive species.
Conclusion
At Moline, the Mississippi River is around 1500 feet wide, but its width can range anywhere from 700 to 2200 feet. While businesses have benefited from its power, the waters of the Mississippi River are also subject to intensive industrial activity, as well as the presence of invasive species and pollution. To tackle the challenges posed by the river, Moline takes a range of conservation measures, from installing filtration systems to establishing organizations dedicated to its preservation.
