The Mississippi River is one of the most iconic rivers in the United States, traversing more than 2,350 miles and providing a huge source of freshwater and Delta wildlife. But, is the Mississippi River connected to the ocean, and if not, why?
As it turns out, the Mississippi River does not directly flow into the ocean, but instead, terminates at the Gulf of Mexico. This is a result of the path it takes from Northern Minnesota through ten states before entering the Gulf in Louisiana. By the time the river reaches the Gulf, much of the water has already been dispersed through swamps, streams, and branches, including the Atchafalaya River.
The Mississippi Delta region itself is home to vast fresh, brackish, and salt water habitat, which accommodates the mostly migratory species that make their homes here. The region is home to a variety of fish and wildlife, including some of the species of crustaceans that cannot survive in the salty and briny ocean environment. Though the Mississippi River is not directly connected to the ocean, its various pathways do lead to a unique and rich aquatic environment.
What makes the Mississippi River so unique is its ability to move a large amount of water and sediment which directly effects the Gulf. It deposits sediment that give the Gulf its shape, replenish the coastline with habitats, and form large marshlands for many species of animals to inhabit. The sediment, in turn, is replenished by the river itself, which always has a fresh flow of over 50 Mississippi River tributaries to feed from.
Experts suggest that this natural bi-directional flow of sediment and water is what has influenced change in the Mississippi Delta for thousands of years. These changes further perpetuate the natural cycle of sediment-laden fresh water becoming marine-like environments and back again, providing an unprecedented level of habitat diversity
Despite the fact that the Mississippi River does not empty directly into the ocean, its unique path provides an incredibly rich and diverse aquatic environment. This creates a buffer between the freshwater habitat and the salty environment of the Gulf of Mexico, allowing the rare species of crustaceans to persist.
The connection between the Gulf of Mexico and the Mississippi River may not be obvious – the river itself does not flow into the ocean – but there is evidence that the connection is strong in other ways. From the sediment it carries and deposits, to the unique environment it creates, the Mississippi River’s connection to the ocean is an integral part of its ecosystem.
Human Effects on the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River system is heavily affected by human activity. Pollution, agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and stormwater runoff are all major sources of degradation to the river and the Gulf of Mexico. Combined with the decreased sediment due to dams and levees, it is clear that human development has had a negative impact on the once-natural flow of the Mississippi.
Unfortunately, most of these negative effects have been mostly irreversible: water pollution has destroyed an entire ecosystem once the source has been reached and the countless millions of tons of lost sediment from the dams and levees are far too great to replace.
Scientists have studied the effects of human intervention for decades and have largely found that any attempt to correct the damage has either failed or only slowed the process. As a result, many environmental organisations are pushing for change in the way that humans interact with the environment, hoping to reduce the effects of human intervention on the Mississippi and its connection to the ocean.
The Mississippi River is still the main lifeblood of communities in the region, providing water and sustenance to thousands of people, and the damage done by industrial pollution is disproportionately felt by those communities at the source.
Though leaving the river in its natural state is impossible, efforts are being made to protect and preserve what is left of the Mississippi River system, its connection to the ocean, and especially its delta wetlands and wildlife habitat.
Effects of the Mississippi River on the Ocean
The effects of the Mississippi River on the Gulf of Mexico are far-reaching. The river contributes billions of gallons of freshwater, sediment, and nutrients to the waters. This not only helps to shape the Gulf, but contributes to healthy habitats for marine life, coral reefs, and provides an important interface between salt water and fresh – something that few rivers can provide.
Estimates from experts suggest that around one hundred and fifty million tons of sediment is emptied into the Gulf of Mexico from the Mississippi River every year; this sediment helps to replenish beaches and provide structure for coral reefs and ocean habitat. The nutrients the river carries also promote life and growth for aquatic plants, including many of the Macro-algae and plankton species that are part of the food chain.
Although deposits of sediment and nutrients are beneficial to the ocean, too much can be a bad thing. Too much sediment can suffocate coral reefs, and too many nutrients can lead to outbreaks of algae. Despite the potential risks, it is clear that the Mississippi River plays an important role in maintaining the health of the ocean, and it is important to remember that the river itself and its connection to the ocean are part of a larger system.
The Mississippi River and its Impact on the Worldwide Ecosystem
The river system of the Mississippi River is one of the most significant on the planet, and its reach extends far beyond the Gulf of Mexico. The water and sediment that the river transports affects ecosystems in places around the globe, and climate change has increased the intensity of its effects.
It is estimated that through evaporation and the runoff, the Mississippi River accounts for 16 percent of all water loss to the ocean. This water evaporates and is recirculated throughout the atmosphere, contributing precipitation to places around the world; this includes areas in Africa and South America.
This contribution may not have a direct impact on local ecosystems, but the Mississippi River still plays an important role in the water cycle and has influenced climate and ecosystems the world over. In short, the Mississippi River’s connection to the ocean is a vital, albeit indirect, link in the cycle of life.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River plays a vital role in the aquatic ecosystems of the United States and beyond. From the sediment it deposits in the Gulf of Mexico, to the fresh water it evaporates and carries around the world, the river’s contribution to the cycle of life is undeniable. Though the Mississippi River does not expose its full connection to the ocean until it splashes into the Gulf, its presence is felt throughout the region and far beyond.
