Physical Geography of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers
The Mississippi River is the fourth longest river in the world, measuring over 2,320 miles in length. The Missouri River is the longest and most expansive river in the United States, measuring over 2,340 miles in length and draining waters from the Rockies to the mid-western United States. Historically, the Mississippi River drained into the Gulf of Mexico. The Missouri River provided a shorter path for the Mississippi River, cutting through the northern United States, eventually spilling into the Gulf in the same area.
The confluence of the Missouri River and the Mississippi River is just south of Minneapolis, Minnesota. From this point, the Missouri River is the main stream and the Mississippi is the tributary. The mighty Missouri River continues to flow south through Missouri and Arkansas, and eventually empties into the Mississippi River at St. Louis, Missouri. This is where the Missouri River officially ends, and the Mississippi River continues its journey to the Gulf.
Environmental Implications of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers
The Mississippi and Missouri rivers intersect at many points, resulting in important environmental implications. This includes both the physical geographic characteristics of the two rivers as well as the biotic and abiotic components of the rivers. As the Mississippi River flows into the Missouri, it brings along with it sediment, water, and a myriad of different ecosystem species. When the Missouri River floods, this sediment is deposited along the banks of both rivers, creating unique habitat complexes which in turn create unique habitats which are home to a variety of wildlife and aquatic species.
The two rivers also affect water quality. Both rivers contain pollutants and pollutants accumulate at high levels downstream of the confluence. As the Mississippi River continues south, it carries pollutants with it and pollutes the states it flows through. On the other hand, the Missouri River carries pollutants upstream and can pollute sources of drinking water in South Dakota and Nebraska.
Impacts of Human Activity on the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers
The Missouri River has been affected by human activity in the form of dams, dredging, and levees. Dams are used to regulate and store water, dredging involves removing silt and other materials, and levees are used to prevent flooding. These activities have altered the river course, resulting in decreased riparian habitat, increased bank erosion, and increased sedimentation. The increased sedimentation, together with deforestation, has resulted in a decrease of fish habitat, especially for endangered species.
In addition to dams and levees, humans have impacted the Mississippi and Missouri rivers by their activities related to land management. These activities include agriculture, urbanization, and deforestation. All of these activities have caused an increase in the sediment and nutrients that wash into the rivers, resulting in an increase in the levels of dissolved oxygen and algae in the water and decreased fish populations.
Effects of Climate Change on the Rivers
Climate change is affecting the Mississippi and Missouri rivers as well. Warming temperatures have led to increased evaporation, making it harder for the rivers to supply water to drought-stricken areas upriver. In addition, extreme weather events are becoming more common, leading to more frequent and severe floods, resulting in loss of property and wildlife habitat. Further, changes in precipitation patterns have caused soil erosion, increased sedimentation in the river, and reduced streamflow.
The effects of climate change on the Mississippi and Missouri rivers are significant as they directly impact both human and ecological life. Extreme weather events are becoming more common, leading to flooding, loss of property, and loss of fish populations. In addition, changes in precipitation patterns are causing soil erosion, sedimentation, and reduced streamflow.
Economic Impacts of the Rivers
The Mississippi and Missouri rivers have a significant economic impact on their respective regions. For instance, the Missouri River is an important source of transportation, providing a link between eastern and western states. It also serves as an important source of water, energy, and recreation. The Mississippi River provides a major source of irrigation and drinking water, as well as a route for shipping goods between states. In addition, the Mississippi River is an important habitat for many species of fish, making it an important source of food for people in the region.
The rivers also have impacts on recreation. People visit the Missouri and Mississippi rivers for fishing, boating, and other recreational activities. Consequently, the rivers are important sources of jobs and tourism revenue for the region. Further, they are important sources of revenue for various businesses, such as restaurants and retailers.
Political and Social Implications
The Mississippi and Missouri rivers have also had an impact on politics and social life in the United States. Historically, the rivers have been important means of transportation and communication between states, allowing goods, people, and ideas to cross state lines. In addition, the rivers have been used as a source of inspiration for writers and artists. Famous works such as Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and Lewis and Clark’s Expedition were inspired by the river landscape.
In recent years, the rivers have been at the center of several political controversies. For instance, the Mississippi River has been the subject of debates over water rights, dredging rights, navigation restrictions, and control of its flow. The river has also become an important symbol of the state of Mississippi and the South at large. Similarly, the Missouri River has been the subject of controversies over its management and use, as well as debates over water allocation and conservation.
Conclusion
The Mississippi and Missouri rivers are two of the most important rivers in the United States. They have shaped the past, present, and future of the country, providing economic, political, environmental, and social benefits. While they have been impacted by human activity, the rivers continue to serve important functions and remain vital parts of the American landscape.
