Overview of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the second longest river in North America, running 2,320 miles from its source in Minnesota to its confluence with the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana. It has been a major trade and transportation artery for centuries for the people living along its banks and is widely considered one of the most important ecological habitats in the United States.
The Freezing of the Mississippi River in 2019
Given the long length of the river, it is not uncommon for some parts of it to experience freezing conditions during the winter months. This winter, due to colder than usual temperatures and a particularly long stretch of snow in many of the states impacted by the river, sections of the Mississippi River became frozen earlier than usual. Reports indicate that, while the majority of the river was still flowing, some of the more northerly sections bordering Minnesota and Wisconsin had frozen sections.
The impact of the freezing is varied, but has raised some of concern among scientists and river conservationists. First and foremost, the freezing of the river will impact the lifecycle of many of the species that inhabit the Mississippi River. The frigid temperatures are expected to cause stress to the fish and other aquatic life in the river, leading to potential mass die-offs. Environmentalists are also worried that while the river is frozen, pollutants will not be able to be flushed from the river like they normally would, leaving parts of the river potentially even more polluted than usual.
In addition to these environmental concerns, the freezing of the river can have economic impacts as well. Much of the economic activity along the river banks is dependent upon water transportation and fishery. With the river frozen, navigation is restricted, if not impossible, meaning that the economic activity reliant upon transportation along the river is likely to suffer.
The Causes of the Freezing of the River
Scientists are in agreement that the increasing average temperatures in global climate have been the main driver of the freezing of the river: colder, below freezing temperatures and longer stretches of snowfall freezing more of the river than ever before. While there is much disagreement on the global climate debates, most researchers are in agreement that the increase in temperatures, which may be part of global warming, have played a role in the recent freezing of the river.
In addition to the temperatures, there are other factors at play as well. One of the key reasons that sections of the river freeze is due to the flow of the river. While the Mississippi is the second longest river in North America, it is relatively shallow in comparison to other rivers for much of its length. The lack of a strong current keeps some parts of the river from completely thawing out, meaning sections of the river become frozen more easily than faster moving rivers.
The Responses of the Authorities
In response to the freezing of the river, a number of state and federal agencies have taken action to respond. The most obvious response has been the closure of parts of the river for navigation, with varying degrees of success in different jurisdictions. For example, in Wisconsin the state has closed a stretch of the river north of La Crosse, while Minnesota has imposed a ban on navigation south of St. Paul.
The response of officials has also included large scale efforts to monitor and understand the effects of the freezing on the ecosystems of the river. Among these efforts are the deployment of wildlife researchers to study the effects of the freezing on river species, as well as environmental monitoring programs to measure the impact of pollutants on the river and nearby ecosystems.
The responses to date have been largely preventive in nature, designed to both limit the impact of the freezing on the ecosystems and to prevent any long term harm due to pollutants.
The Impact on Economic Activity Along the River Banks
The economic damage caused by the freezing of the Mississippi River remains to be seen, and some parts of the economy along the river banks, such as fishing and tourism, may recover by the summer. However, for other activities, such as transportation and infrastructure projects that require the use of the river, the damage could be long lasting.
The limitation of access to critical river trade routes and restrictions on navigation have already had an impact on many of the businesses along the river banks, with some community leaders reporting their businesses have essentially come to a standstill due to the freezing. Many of these businesses are facing the possibility of long term losses due to the river’s failure to thaw out in time for the start of the navigation season.
Ultimately, the economic impact of the freezing of the Mississippi River will depend on how long the freezing persists and the degree to which navigation is impeded. The lack of activity and the uncertainty of the navigation season has already caused turmoil among some parts of the river communities, and it remains to be seen how they will fare in the long run.
Public Opinion and Concerns
The freezing of the Mississippi River has become a major topic of discussion and public debate. The public is concerned about both the environmental and economic impacts of the freezing, particularly with the possibility of mass die-offs of fish and other aquatic life and the damage that could be caused to the river ecosystems.
The public is also concerned about the potential long term impacts of the freezing, such as the possibility of long term damage to the river and its habitats due to the buildup of pollutants due to the inability of the river to flush them out. These long term damage could have a serious and far reaching impact on the river, and the public is eager to know what steps are being taken to mitigate these concerns.
The pubic has also been vocal about their disappointment in the response of state and federal agencies so far. While the agencies have implemented measures such as the ban on navigation, many feel that the response has been too little too late. Some have even taken to the streets calling for more decisive action and a more thorough understanding of the causes of the freezing.
Media Coverage of the Freezing of the Mississippi River
Media coverage of the freezing of the Mississippi has been widespread and varied. Local newspapers have reported on the difficulties facing local businesses due to the freezing, while international news outlets have focused more on the potential environmental damage and local response to the crisis. The national outlets have focused largely on the impact of the freezing on interstate trade, as well as the potential long term impacts.
Media coverage has often been alarmist in tone, pointing to the potential for mass die-off of river species and possible long term damage due to pollutants, as well as highlighting the conflicts between local and federal agencies about how best to respond.
Overall, the media coverage has been largely negative, but has also served to bring the issues of the freezing to the forefront of public conversation and debate.
Future Predictions of the Freezing of the Mississippi River
Given the increasing temperatures and longer periods of snowfall experienced in the northern sections of the Mississippi River, it is likely that the freezing of the river will become more common going forward. Many experts have expressed concerns that the freezing of the river could become an annual occurrence, which would be a major blow to many of the businesses operating along the river.
In addition, there are concerns that the increasingly frequent freezing of the river could cause long term damage to the river and its ecosystems. While the full scope of the potential damage is not known, it is clear that the current level of freezing could have serious consequences going forward.
Due to the potential implications to the river ecosystem, many environmental groups are calling for more research into the causes and effects of the river’s freezing, as well as greater coordination between local and federal agencies in responding to any future incidents.
