The Mississippi river is one of the longest and most iconic rivers in North America. Originating in Minnesota and stretching all the way to the Gulf of Mexico, many people believe it is the largest river in North America. But is this true? In this article, we will investigate this claim and look at the data to see if the Mississippi river is indeed the largest river in North America.
Geographically speaking, the Mississippi is the fourth longest river behind the The Mackenzie, The St. Lawrence and The Nelson Rivers. The total length of the Mississippi river is 2,348 miles. Although it is the fourth longest in terms of length, the Mississippi river has a much larger drainage basin than the other three rivers. This means it has more tributaries and lakes feeding into it, resulting in more water and thus more overall volume.
In terms of total volume, The Mississippi river is the largest river in North America. According to the Army Corps of Engineers, the Mississippi river has an average discharge of 745,000 cubic feet per second. That’s roughly 1/6th the size of the Amazon river’s discharge rate of 4.2 million cubic feet per second.
But water volume and length don’t tell the whole story. The real power of the Mississippi river is its ability to transport sediment, nutrients and pollutants from all the aforementioned rivers, lakes and tributaries. This means it can connect different ecosystems and form links between areas that may not have been connected before.
The combination of huge volume and powerful sediment transport makes the Mississippi river one of the most ecologically diverse waterways in the world. Many species of birds, fish and wildlife reside in and around the Mississippi river. In fact, the river is home to over 200 species of birds, 70 species of fish, and over 50 species of mammals.
The Mississippi river is also a critical source of irrigation and drinking water for the people who live along its banks. The river is responsible for supporting the agricultural industry in the mid-west, and providing drinking water to many urban areas along its course.
While the Mississippi river may be the largest river in North America in terms of water volume, its true power lies in its ability to connect people, places, and ecosystems all along its course. It’s a vital resource and one that must be protected and respected.
The Economic Features of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi river has long been a source of economic prosperity. With over 2000 miles of navigable waterway, the river has been a popular form of transportation for centuries. As early as 1780, the Spanish began using the Mississippi to transport goods and materials from the north of their empire to the south. This allowed them to bypass the dangerous overland routes.
As the river is so long, there are numerous ports of call along its length. These ports provide valuable income for local economies. Many hotels and restaurants have sprung up around the ports in order to capitalize on the influx of people. In addition, the river is a popular tourist destination and an important source of leisure activities such as fishing and boating.
The Mississippi is also though to generate hundreds of billions of dollars in trade. Whether it’s agricultural products, petroleum, metals or manufacturing materials, the river provides a cheap and efficient way to transport massive amounts of goods across the continent.
Overall, the economic benefits of the Mississippi river are undeniable. It makes the transport of goods easier, cheaper and safer which in turn provides a major boost to local businesses. The river also provides a source of employment for locals and tourists alike.
The Environmental Impact of the Mississippi River
As powerful and beneficial as the Mississippi river is, it has also had a major impact on the environment. Due to the amount of sediment, nutrients and pollutants that collect on the river bottom, the river has become polluted and unhealthy. Over time, the buildup of pollutants has caused oxygen levels to drop, killing fish and other aquatic life.
The amount of sediment in the river has also had an impact on the local environment. In some areas, sediment has built up to dangerous levels and has resulted in flooding. This flooding has caused massive damage to homes and businesses and has led to the displacement of many people.
In addition to pollution, the river is also threatened by global warming and climate change. As temperatures increase, water levels drop, making it difficult for boats to navigate. In addition, increased evaporation from the river leads to desiccation of nearby land, resulting in damage to crops and ecosystems.
The impacts of the Mississippi river on the environment have been profound. With such a huge presence, it is only natural that its influence will have both positive and negative effects. In order to protect the river and its surrounding area, it is essential that we reduce pollution and strive to keep the environment healthy.
The Cultural Significance of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi river has also played an important role in culture. It has been the setting of numerous books, films and songs, such as Mark Twain’s “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” and U2’s “Where The Streets Have No Name”. The river has also been a source of inspiration, providing a backdrop to many of the great thinkers, writers and artists.
The river is also closely associated with the American identity. To many, it is seen as an icon of the nation, symbolizing the nation’s pioneering spirit and ability to overcome adversity. This association has been strengthened by songs like “Shenendoah” and “Oh, Susanna!” which tell stories of hardship and struggle on the great Mississippi.
Overall, the Mississippi river is closely linked to the American identity and culture. It is a powerful symbol of the nation and has been an important part of the national consciousness for centuries.
The History of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi river is believed to have been a major highway of communication in North and Central America since at least 5,000 BCE. Throughout history, it has been used by civilizations such as the Aztec, Maya, and Sioux to transport goods and materials. During the 16th century, the Spanish began to explore the region and established a number of settlements along the river. Later, in the 19th century, the river was an integral part of the American expansion and development.
Today, the Mississippi is a critical waterway and a source of navigation for thousands of ships each year. It continues to be an important source of trade and commerce, providing jobs, goods and services to the millions of people who live along its banks. As such, it is one of the most important waterways in the world.
Conclusion
The Mississippi river is without a doubt the largest and most powerful river in North America. It provides a vital source of drinking water, irrigation, and transportation for millions of people. Its ecological diversity and cultural significance make it an irreplaceable part of the natural and social landscape of the continent. While it is by no means a perfect river, its importance to the region cannot be overstated.
