Background information
The Mississippi River and the Missouri River are two iconic rivers of the United States. The Mississippi River is the second-longest river in the United States after the Missouri River and is the longest river in North America. The Missouri River is the longest tributary of the Mississippi when combined, and flows 2,340 miles from its source in the Rocky Mountains to its confluence with the Mississippi River near St. Louis, Missouri. Both rivers have been crucial to the development of the United States’ economy and culture, making them integral parts of American history.
Mississippi River vs. Missouri River
The Mississippi River is generally considered to be longer than the Missouri River, measuring 2,320 miles from source to mouth, compared to the Missouri River’s 2,340 miles from source to its confluence with the Mississippi River. However, both rivers are significantly longer than the Colorado River, which only measures 1,450 miles from source to mouth.
The primary sources of the Mississippi River are Lake Itasca in Minnesota and the Missouri River’s source is the headwaters in the Rocky Mountains. The Mississippi River flows south for the majority of its course, while the Missouri River flows northeast from its source towards the Mississippi River.
Environmental Impact
The Mississippi River and the Missouri River have had a significant impact on the environment. Both rivers provide important habitats for a variety of species, such as fish and waterfowl. The Missouri River is known for its large populations of paddlefish and sturgeon, while the Mississippi River is home to a variety of species of fish, including largemouth bass and channel catfish.
Both rivers have also had an impact on floods and erosion. The high silt content of the Mississippi River, combined with its powerful flow, has caused the river to spread, leading to significant issues with flooding. The Missouri River has undergone significant changes due to the construction of dams and levees, leading to environmental impacts such as changes in sediment flows, water quality and temperature.
Economic Impact
The Missouri and Mississippi Rivers have played a significant role in the development of the United States economy. The rivers have provided an important source of transportation for settlers and traders, and continue to be an important source of transport and water for commercial and recreational purposes.
The lower stretches of the Missouri River are important for barge traffic, and the ports on the Mississippi River continue to be major hubs for commercial and recreational boating, fishing, and trade. Both rivers have also been important for agricultural irrigation, power production, and recreational water sports.
Effects on Local Communities
The Mississippi and Missouri Rivers have also had an impact on local communities, both positively and negatively. The rivers have provided local communities with jobs, recreation, and transportation, but have also had a negative impact on the environment and local communities. The flooding caused by the Mississippi River has been devastating for local communities, and the construction of dams and levees on the Missouri River has led to environmental changes that have disrupted native habitats and ecosystems.
Impact on Wildlife
The Mississippi and Missouri Rivers have had a significant impact on wildlife, both positive and negative. The rivers provide habitats in the form of wetlands and floodplains, which are home to a variety of species of fish, amphibians, reptiles and waterfowl.
However, the construction of dams and levees on the Missouri River has changed the environment in negative ways, disrupting the natural habitats of native species. The construction of dams has also led to decreased sediment flows, leading to changes in riverbank vegetation.
Conclusion
The Mississippi and Missouri Rivers are two important rivers of the United States, and their importance to the country’s economic and cultural development can not be overstated. The Mississippi River is generally considered to be the longer of the two rivers, measuring 2,320 miles from source to mouth compared to the Missouri River’s 2,340 miles from source to its confluence with the Mississippi River.
The rivers have a significant environmental impact, providing important habitats for a variety of species, and causing flooding and erosion in some areas. Both rivers have also had a major impact on the United States economy, providing a source of transportation and water for commercial and recreational purposes. The rivers have had both positive and negative impacts on local communities, and have had an impact on wildlife, both positive and negative.
