The Mississippi River is said to be the fourth longest river system in the world, and is the second-largest river system in the United States. It is a crucial part of the nation’s geography and history, but many people are confused about whether the Mississippi River is manmade or natural.
In fact, the answer to this question is both. The shape of the Mississippi River is a combination of natural and manmade elements, with the greatest portion being natural. The Mississippi River is created by the confluence of many streams, rivers and lakes flowing down from the Appalachian Mountains. The river then snakes across the North American continent, travelling over 2,500 miles before it reaches the Gulf of Mexico.
The most noticeable manmade elements of the Mississippi River are the 600 levees constructed between 1717 and 1960 in order to control flooding. These levees have helped the river to become one of the most important transportation channels in the United States. The levees also prevent the Mississippi River from naturally flooding its banks, which would usually lead to the creation of new wetlands, swamps, and lagoons over time.
The majority of the Mississippi River has also been channelized, a process by which natural shorelines and oxbows are removed and replaced with concrete banks. This process has allowed the river to move faster and more predictably, but it has severely disrupted the natural habitats of the river’s ecosystem; removing access to food, shelter and spawning grounds for many species of fish, birds, and other animals.
Human interference in the Mississippi River is currently managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who maintain the river’s natural curves and depth with dredging and other strategies. Unfortunately, their efforts are not always successful, and it is often difficult to balance environmental conservation with flood protection and other public interests.
Positive Impacts of Manmade Elements
Despite the negative effects of human interference in the Mississippi River, there are many positive outcomes too. As the river passes through the United States, it creates a number of jobs and provides water essential for drinking, irrigation, and other uses. By curbing the river’s floods and providing a safe transportation channel, it has been able to support economic growth in the area, and has been a major factor in the development of cities along the banks of the Mississippi River.
The river is also a major tourist attraction, with millions of people visiting each year to experience the majestic sights, unique wildlife, and rich history of the Mississippi River system. People can also take part in a range of recreational activities such as fishing, swimming, or simply relax while taking in the beautiful views.
The Mississippi River is also home to an array of different species of birds, fish, and mammals, which makes it an important destination for eco-tourism and birdwatchers. The river also sustains many types of vegetation, providing food and shelter for the animals that live in and around it.
The Mississippi River has also been called the ‘Father of Waters’ by Native American tribes, who have long regarded this majestic river as a source of food, shelter and spirituality. Its significance has been acknowledged by the National Park Service and a number of natural protection organizations, who have established a number of federally protected areas along the banks of the Mississippi River.
Environmental Hazards
Unfortunately, the Mississippi River is also susceptible to a number of environmental issues; including pollution from agricultural runoff, industry and human sewage disposal. Various pollutants such as nitrates, phosphates and heavy metals have caused significant damage to the river’s ecosystem, leading to the death of thousands of fish, birds, and other wildlife species.
The increasing amounts of pollutants in the Mississippi River have also led to outbreaks of algal blooms, reducing oxygen levels, making it difficult for species to survive. The freshwater mussels, which are an important part of the river’s natural ecosystem, have been particularly affected by the pollution and are now listed as an endangered species.
These environmental hazards are caused by a variety of manmade elements, including the excessive farming of riverside land and the use of pesticides, fertilizers and other chemical agents by industry and everyday citizens. The construction of dams and artificial levees has also impacted the river’s natural flow, with the levees often leading to sediment build-up and unnatural flooding in some areas.
This means that humans must take responsibility for the health of the Mississippi River, so that it can continue to provide the natural benefits that it has historically provided to the nation.
Preservation of the Mississippi River
Thankfully, there are a number of initiatives underway to protect and preserve the Mississippi River. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is introducing a number of measures designed to reduce flood risk and reduce sediment build-up. Local governments are also establishing parks, reserves and protected areas so that the river’s ecosystems and wildlife species can thrive.
Non-profit organizations are also working hard to reduce educational pollution and decrease agricultural runoff. These organizations are encouraging local citizens to become involved in their initiatives, giving them an opportunity to make a real difference towards the preservation of the Mississippi River.
Finally, the federal government has passed laws making it illegal to dump wastewater, industrial waste or other pollutants into the Mississippi River. However, it is still important for citizens to act responsibly and diligently monitor the river’s water quality to ensure that it remains healthy. In addition, stringent restrictions must be placed on industries that are polluting the river, in order to prevent any further damage.
Raising Public Awareness
In order to ensure that the efforts being made to protect the Mississippi River are not in vain, it is essential to increase public awareness of the importance of preserving this natural treasure. Educational campaigns have been launched to teach people about the negative impacts that humans have had on the river and the importance of keeping it clean and healthy.
The government, businesses and non-profit organizations are also working together to encourage more people to use renewable energy sources, so that the river can remain free from pollutants such as petroleum products and other by-products.
By encouraging people to reduce their energy consumption and make use of renewable sources wherever possible, we can significantly reduce the amount of waste that ends up in the Mississippi River. This will make a big difference to the ecosystem and wildlife of the area, and will ensure that the river can continue to provide its many benefits to the nation for many years to come.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is a complex river system and its health and safety is reliant on a combination of natural and manmade elements. While the majority of the river is naturally formed, the presence of manmade elements such as levees, channelization and other pollution sources cannot be ignored. Therefore, it is up to us as citizens to take responsibility for protecting this natural treasure, so that it can be enjoyed for years to come.
