The Magnificent Mississippi River
Mississippi River is one of the most important waterways in the United States and the third-longest in the world. It runs through ten states and its waters play an integral role in commerce and navigation, potable water use, flood control and environmental conservation. This article will explore the width of the river at areas that are not affected by engineering and its potential significance.
The Mississippi River averages about one mile in width. This figure is a function of its length, which is more than 2,300 miles, and the rate of expansion as it flows downstream. At this point, the widest stretch of the river is reported to be up to five miles. Estimates suggest that the river narrows as it progresses over a great distance, eventually decreasing to about 300 feet wide in some areas.
The average width of the Mississippi River has implications for environmental and economic activities. In certain sections, its width contributes to the river’s navigability, permitting the use of larger vessels and enabling them to travel further distances. Additionally, the width of the river affects sediment transport and the speed of water movement through it. Its width also affects floodplain mapping, flood control structures and ecosystem productivity.
According to experts, there are a variety of factors that contribute to the Mississippi River’s width. These include its topography, the type of sediments it contains, the land use activities of its banks, the prevailing wind patterns, the amount of rainfall over the course of the year, and the rate at which the river has been channelized and dike by humans.
Interestingly, the Mississippi River has been constructed and channelized by humans in places like Missouri and Illinois, resulting in a straight and narrow channel as opposed to the shallow, braided channel design. This reduces the total area of floodplain available and changes the hydrology of the river. It has been argued that unnatural channelization of the river has led to a reduction in width.
Then there is the matter of levees. Levees constructed along the banks of the Mississippi River have the potential to reduce the width of the river. This is particularly true in the lower Mississippi where levees can stop the normal flooding and sediment shifting processes, leading to a narrower river. The effects of levees on the width of the Mississippi River is an issue of debate, with some experts believing it should not be allowed.
In conclusion, the Mississippi River has an average width of around one mile, though this figure is affected by factors such as its length, topography, sediment transport, the land use activities of its banks and the prevailing wind patterns. Additionally, unnatural channelization and levee construction by humans can potentially reduce the width of the river.
Value of River Widening
The widening of the Mississippi River has several advantages. One of the most important is providing more space for stormwater. By increasing the area of floodplain and diversifying the type of habitats, more water can be retained in the basin, aiding in flood prevention. Widening the river can also provide room to dredge channels, increase bridges and add shoreline protection.
River widening can have beneficial impacts on commerce. By providing deeper, wider, and more reliable ship channels, it can contribute to increased economics in the region. This is of great value for business owners along and near the river. Additionally, it can result in job opportunities created by dredging operations, development of waterways for recreation, and, if allowed, installation of turbines for energy production.
The widening of the Mississippi River is also beneficial for the environment, providing habitat areas for aquatic species. For example, marshland, tall grass beds, and driftwood collect in the backwaters of an extended river, providing the perfect environment for various bird species, who rely on this ecosystem to find food, shelter, and breeding grounds. Additionally, having an extended river can help with the restoration of native species such as sturgeon, freshwater mussel, and state-protected fish populations.
Moreover, having an expanded floodplain can help mitigate damage done to nearby communities. This is due to the river having more room to spread out, also reducing damage caused by superstorms. Flood flats can also help young fish and other organisms find shelter as they make their way to the open sea.
River Widening Limitations
There are also certain challenges associated with river widening. Engineered levees, such as those typically constructed along the Mississippi River, do not typically allow for the expansion of the floodplain or aquatic ecosystem. This limits the habitats and resources available to fish and other aquatic species.
Engineered levees also cause additional challenges. For example, as a levee blocks the overflow of water, the natural habitat of the river narrows, leading to an increase in concentrations of pollutants and debris. Pollutants are more likely to remain in a smaller area, leading to ecological decline.
River widening is a costly endeavor, with the technology, labor, and necessary material needed to expand a channel adding up to millions of dollars. Large-scale projects such as those needed to widen the Mississippi River require significant investments from communities and their governments.
River widening can also force an increase in the local water table. This can lead to increased deposits of sediment and erosion. The sediment can release industrial contaminants and toxic compounds that may pollute the river, adversely affecting the environmental health of the river.
Conclusion
The average width of the Mississippi River is one mile, though this figure can be affected by its length, topography, sediment transport and the land use activities of its banks. The widening of the river provides several benefits regarding commerce, the environment and its ability to reduce damage to nearby communities. However, there are certain challenges associated with river widening, such as the costs, the possibility of increasing the local water table and more.
