The Mississippi River is the second-longest river in the United States and is popularly known for its thrilling outdoor recreational activities and abundant wildlife. Many assume that the river is never-ending and has no bottom, and there have been a lot of local tales about the same- but is it true?
It is believed that parts of the Mississippi River could be bottomless or have a very deep depth. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, the Mississippi River has a depth that generally ranges between 3 – 8 feet. Over a distance of 2,320 miles, the Mississippi River covers many different conditions. But the most interesting section of the river is around the Gulf of Mexico, which has an average depth of around 200 feet, with a maximum depth of over 500 feet near an area called New Madrid Bend.
Experts believe that the deepest part is located near the mouth of the river, where the water runs at a slow speed. According to Alfred C. Parr of the U.S. Geological Survey, “The offshore areas are so deep in some places, and the river has such strong current towards its mouth that the bottom can be easily lost in the down-current”.
The width of the Mississippi River is also quite diverse, usually ranging from 2 to 10 miles wide near its headwaters at Lake Itasca, to over 20 miles wide near New Orleans. As the width of the river also affects its depth, it can vary in certain areas. However, most of the Mississippi River’s depths are less than 30 feet, which makes it a great place to fish, paddleboard, and do other water activities without fear of getting too deep into the river.
But what about the deeper parts of the river? Don’t worry, it’s not as mysterious as some locals make it sound. There are rafts and boats at the deeper parts of the river, and people even take boat trips to get close to the bottom of the river – the Delta Queen steamboat offers such a service.
However, even the Delta Queen Steamboat can only go so deep- the ship can’t venture too far down the river. It’s a fact that the river has no bottom, so even further downstream, it’s possible that it is even deeper than what the Delta Queen can reach.
Apart from its size and depth, the Mississippi River is also known for its strong currents. Due to its slow-moving nature and its often large rainfalls, the river has a powerful current. In some areas, this current is so powerful that it can drag down boats and other vessels. But it is also this current that can create the bottomless effect at certain points of the river.
Effects of Environmental Pollution on Mississippi River
The Mississippi River has been affected by pollution and development. Polluted water from farms and industries have led to the proliferation of water-borne diseases, hazardous levels of pollutants and algal blooms. The river gets contaminated which lowers its oxygen levels, causing the death of aquatic plants, fish and other animals.
To combat this, many cities have imposed a “no discharge” policy for industries near the river, as well as other regulations for boats, barges, and watercrafts. Local, state, and federal governments have also implemented policies to keep the water quality high. They have encouraged the planting of vegetation near the riverbanks and enacted laws that punish those who pollute the river.
Despite the efforts, the Mississippi River remains at risk. Toxic chemicals continue to pollute the river and the surrounding areas. There is also an increase in the amount of industrial waste, agricultural runoff and sewage, which further pollutes the river.
In some areas along the river, people are advised to stay away from the water due to its hazardous levels of pollutants. As of now, the states along the river are taking steps to protect it, but more needs to be done to help address its pollution.
Invasive Species of the Mississippi River
In the Mississippi River, invasive species like the Asian Carp, Blue Crab and Zebra mussels have caused great harm to aquatic life. These invasive species compete with native species for food and other resources. The Asian Carp is a huge threat to the native fish species, as they consume large amounts of plankton, the primary food source of the fish.
The Blue Crab competes with native crabs and other crustaceans. The Zebra mussel also feeds on native mussels and larvae, which can reduce the population of mussels in the area.
The spread of species is often caused by human activities. Boats and ships from foreign ports often carry non-indigenous species, which can spread very quickly in a new environment. In addition, canals, lock systems and pipelines that allow water to move between different river systems can also spread invasive species.
The governments of the states along the Mississippi River have adopted measures to protect the river from invasive species. Boats are routinely inspected for any foreign species, and fishing activity is regulated. The states have also forbidden the release of species like carp, crayfish and mussels into the river.
What Can We Do to Help the Mississippi River?
The Mississippi River is an important natural resource and provides many benefits to humans and other species. We can all do our part to help protect and preserve the river. Here are a few things you can do:
- Reduce pollution by avoiding the use of pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals that can pollute the river.
- Minimize the use of single-use plastics and opt for more sustainable and biodegradable materials instead.
- Help conserve the river by supporting local efforts to restore and protect the river’s habitats and wildlife.
- Join or start a volunteer group that works to clean and preserve the river, or to raise awareness of the importance of protecting it.
The Mississippi River is a vital part of the United States, and it is our responsibility to ensure that it stays healthy. With everyone’s efforts, we can ensure that this cherished river stays clean and safe for generations to come.
How does Climate Change Impact the Mississippi River?
Climate change has had a major impact on the Mississippi River, as rising temperatures and increased precipitation have caused the river’s water level to rise. This has caused devastating floods in some areas, which has resulted in the displacement of people and destruction of property.
As the Earth’s temperature keeps increasing, the melting of Arctic ice will result in sea level rise. This, in turn, will lead to the flooding of the Mississippi River. In addition, the river could become saltier as the temperature changes, which could result in loss of aquatic species in the area.
Climate change is also leading to an increase in water temperatures in the Mississippi. This can affect the breeding cycle of aquatic species, as some species may require colder temperatures. In addition, warmer water can lead to more algae growth, which can reduce oxygen levels in the water and affect aquatic life.
The impacts of climate change on the Mississippi River are becoming more evident. People are starting to take notice of the changes and are taking steps to help conserve the river’s fish, habitats, and other resources.
Preservation and Conservation of the River
The state of Mississippi and other local and federal organizations have taken steps to preserve and conserve the Mississippi River. Some of the measures taken include restoring wetlands, encouraging vegetation near the river, and banning industries from discharging hazardous waste into the river.
In addition, the US Fish and Wildlife Service has worked on restoring and protecting the river’s wildlife and habitats. The agency has established a number of protected areas and parks along the river to help conserve its wildlife and natural resources.
The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area is a large park that is managed by the National Park Service. This park protects the river, its wildlife, and its habitats, and also serves as an educational and recreational facility.
The state of Mississippi has also enacted laws to protect the river, such as the Mississippi Clean Water Act and the Mississippi Wildlife Conservation Act. These laws are aimed at preserving and conserving the river and its resources while also helping to reduce the amount of pollution entering the river.
With these laws and regulations in place, people can help protect the Mississippi River and keep it clean and safe for generations to come.
