Geography of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the fourth longest in the entire United States and stretches from Minnesota to Louisiana. The third longest tributary in the country is the Alabama River which is the main branch of the Mobile–Tensaw Delta. It is formed by the confluence of the Tombigbee and the Black Warrior Rivers and its length is 315 miles (507 km).
The Mississippi River’s width in Alabama is around 300 miles (483 km). Its total length in the state is nearly 400 miles (644 km) with its width ranging from 1.2 miles (2 km) to 19 miles (31 km). The river provides a vital waterway route for freight transportation and river cruises through the state.
The main outlet of the Mississippi River is the Gulf of Mexico and its primary source is Lake Itasca in Minnesota. Along its course, it passes through ten states including Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee. The river’s annual discharges are the highest in the U.S., and the basin covers 40 percent of the country’s land area.
Environmental Impact of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River plays an important role in the economy and ecology of Alabama. It supplies water for recreational areas, irrigation and navigation throughout the state. It also serves as a habitat for various types of fish, aquatic plants and wildlife. The river’s extensive floodplain areas, oxbow lakes, wetlands, and backwaters are essential for maintaining water quality and providing diversity for various wildlife species in the state.
The river has an ecological impact on Alabama due to the massive amount of water it receives from upstream states. Over the years, agricultural and urban runoff from these states have caused excessive amounts of nutrients and sediment to enter the river in Alabama, resulting in oxygen depletion, decreased water clarity and eutrophication. The nutrients and sediment cause harmful algal blooms which can lead to the death of aquatic organisms and contaminate water sources used for human consumption.
Various conservation measures have been developed in Alabama to reduce nutrient runoff into the Mississippi River, such as the implementation of non-point source control programs and funding of conservation easements. These initiatives are a step in the right direction to improve the health of the river and its ecosystems.
Economic Benefits of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is one of the most important waterways in the United States, and it has brought great economic benefits to the state of Alabama. It has long been used as a transportation route for commercial and recreational vessels as well as a highway for cargo barges.
The state is home to several major ports—Mobile, Decatur, and Florence, among others—which have served as important shipping points for goods headed up and down the Mississippi. Additionally, the state’s extensive coastline has lead to its riverside cities, towns and tourist attractions becoming popular stops for river cruises.
The river has also proved advantageous for businesses in the state looking to capitalize on the commercial opportunities it offers. The Alabama Marine Resources Division provides information on the businesses which utilize the Mississippi River as a means of transportation. These companies include fish processors, cargo and grain, chemical and oil terminals as well as other types of businesses.
In addition, the Mississippi River has encouraged tourism in the state, bringing visitors from all over the world who are eager to explore this vital waterway and its history. These visitors help create jobs and boost the local economy, as well as generating income from taxes and fees associated with recreational activities such as fishing, boating and camping.
Protection of the Mississippi River in Alabama
The Mississippi River is a vital waterway for commerce, transportation and recreation, and the state of Alabama is aware of the need to protect its rivers and wetlands. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) works to preserve the health and beauty of the state’s rivers and wetlands and monitor water quality. The department also works to reduce sediment and nutrient runoff into the river and its tributaries.
Alabama’s rivers and wetlands are subject to various federal and state regulations, including the Alabama Pollution Control Act and the federal Clean Water Act. These regulations are designed to protect water resources from pollution and the spread of aquatic invasive species. The ADCNR also works to enhance the riparian habitat, restore fish and wildlife populations, and protect Alabama’s aquatic resources.
The Mississippi River also benefits from the state’s efforts to protect its freshwater resources. The Alabama Rivers and Streams Act was passed in 2009 to protect the state’s rivers and streams from changes that could harm the water quality and habitats along them. This law requires conservation practices for development sites and includes measures to protect water resources, such as the establishment of buffer zones to reduce erosion and sedimentation.
Statistical Analysis of the Mississippi River
Data collected by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) shows the Mississippi River to have an average width of 7.3 miles (12 km), with a minimum of 1.2 miles (2 km) and a maximum of 19.2 miles (31 km). These measurements taken in the state of Alabama during April 2015 show an increase in width in comparison to 2012, which had an average width of 5.5 miles (9 km). The increase suggests that the river is becoming more active.
The average annual flow of the Mississippi River in the state of Alabama is approximately 2.7 billion gallons per day (10.3 billion liters). This data collected in April 2020 shows an increase from 2018, which had a flow of 2.3 billion gallons per day (8.6 billion liters). This indicates that the Mississippi River is becoming more productive in supplying water for its many uses.
The USGS also reports that the highest monthly flow of the Mississippi River in Alabama was 12.4 billion gallons per day (46.9 billion liters). This was recorded in April 2011 and is nearly five times higher than the average annual flow of the river. This demonstrates the tremendous power of the Mississippi River and its ability to sustain local ecosystems and economic activities in Alabama.
Economic Impact of the Mississippi River on the State
The Mississippi River is an important economic asset for the state of Alabama. The river provides numerous jobs and economic opportunities for the residents of the state, as well as drawing in visitors for recreational activities.
The state’s ports, riverside destinations and recreational activities are all major sources of revenue for businesses in the area. This includes fishing and hunting guides, restaurants, lodging and attractions often located along the banks of the Mississippi River. The river also provides a vital corridor for cargo barges carrying a variety of goods and materials.
It is estimated that the river contributes billions of dollars to the economy of the state of Alabama each year. This includes a significant amount of agricultural income generated from the Mississippi Delta, as well as investments in businesses and tourist activities. Additionally, the Mississippi River provides energy through hydroelectric power plants located along its banks, which generate electricity for the state’s residents and businesses.
Finally, the river’s natural beauty also helps to lure tourists and vacationers from all around the world, offering them a unique combination of sights, activities and opportunities for recreation.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is an important distribution artery for freight and recreational vessels in the state of Alabama. Its width in the state is approximately 300 miles and its annual discharges are the highest in the United States. It is also an important factor in the economy and ecology of Alabama, providing a habitat for wildlife, a water supply for irrigation, and a corridor for cargo barges. The Mississippi River also has an economic impact on the state, as its presence attracts visitors, creates jobs and generates income through tourism and freight transportation.
