Location of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the fourth longest river in the world. It is the second longest and widest river in the United States and is often referred to as “Old Man River.” It runs from the northern border of Minnesota all the way to the Gulf of Mexico along the borders of 10 US states before reaching its mouth. It is the largest tributary of the Missouri River and is a vital component of the Midwestern and Southern regions of the United States.
Originating from Lake Itasca in Minnesota, the Mississippi River meanders its way through the Great Lakes, the Great Plains, the Mississippi Valley and the Gulf Coast. Its origin is 2,300 miles away from its mouth, with the entire length of the river being 3,378 miles long. It takes an average of 90 days for the Mississippi to travel from its source to its mouth.
Mississippi River Drainage Basin
The Mississippi River drainage basin covers more than 1.2 million square miles, extending from the Canadian provinces of Quebec and Ontario to the Gulf of Mexico. It holds 31 US states and 2 Canadian provinces. The largest tributary of the Mississippi, the Missouri River, has many smaller rivers that feed it. The tributaries of the Mississippi are divided into two main categories: the Upper Mississippi River Basin and the Lower Mississippi River Basin. The Upper Basin is in the higher elevations and is composed of parts of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin, and parts of Minnesota. The Lower Basin includes parts of Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
The Mississippi River watershed drains the largest area of any river in the United States. As it flows through its various ecosystems, it helps to regulate the climate, water cycles and agricultural activities in the regions it passes through.
Mississippi River Economy
The Mississippi River has played a significant role in the economy of the regions it passes through. It has been used as a major source of transportation, shipping and fishing ever since French explorers first used it as a means of transportation in 1682. It has also been connected to much of the United States’ oil and gas infrastructure, and its wetlands provide a great habitat for wildlife.
The Mississippi River is home to 31 US states, over 80 million people and many of the largest US cities, including New Orleans and Minneapolis. Much of the traffic on the Mississippi is made up of barges carrying numerous forms of cargo. These vessels are important to both local and global trade and have created a shipping industry along the river that sustains many communities. Fishing has been a popular activity on the Mississippi for centuries, and the river is home to a variety of fish species.
Is the Mississippi River the Longest River in the US?
Despite the fact that the Mississippi River is the second longest river in the US, it is not the longest. The longest river in the United States is actually the Missouri River, which is a tributary of the Mississippi, and is 2,320 miles long. The two are often confused due to the Mississippi’s reputation and large drainage basin, however, it is only 2,350 miles long, making it shorter than the Missouri.
This fact is a common misunderstanding, as people tend to overestimate the length of the Mississippi, due to its large tributaries and the fact that it runs through 10 states. The Missouri is, however, slightly longer than the Mississippi, and is the longest river entirely within the United States.
Mississippi River Pollution
Pollution is a major challenge for the Mississippi River. Hundreds of industries, agricultural systems and urban areas drain their waste into the river, leading to water contamination. Human activities such as runoff from agricultural lands and factories are the main sources of water pollution. This pollution affects the entire river and its surrounding ecosystems, making it difficult for aquatic life to survive.
In addition to chemical contaminants, the Mississippi River also faces issues with sediment and nutrient pollution. These pollutants can directly affect the growth and health of the aquatic life in the river and reduce the amount of oxygen in the water.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state environmental agencies are taking efforts to reduce water pollution in the Mississippi River. They have issued Clean Water Act regulations that address the sources of pollution, such as industries and urban areas, and are also attempting to reduce the amount of runoff from farmlands.
Environmental Movement to Restore the Mississippi River
In recent years, there has been an increased awareness of pollution in the Mississippi River and efforts to restore it. Various organizations and activists have been working together to reduce pollution and create an environment that is safe for aquatic life and communities.
In the early 2000s, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implemented the Clean Water Act, requiring polluters to clean up their activities or face strict penalties. The EPA also introduced regulations that reduce nutrient pollution in the Mississippi River, with the goal of preventing fish kills and harmful algal blooms.
Various groups and organizations have formed initiatives to raise awareness and support for the protection of the Mississippi River. One of the most influential such groups is the Environmental Protection Agency’s Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative (MRBI). The MRBI works to protect and restore the health of the Mississippi River by implementing restoration, conservation and education activities.
Modern Uses of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is one of the most important rivers in the United States and has many modern uses. It serves as a major transport highway for many large cargo ships and a variety of recreational boats.
Since its discovery, the Mississippi River has been a source of natural resources. The river is a major source of fresh water, providing drinking water to millions of people living in its basin, and also providing irrigation and hydropower. The Mississippi is also an important source of food, with numerous fish species living in the river and its tributaries, making it a favorite spot for fishing and fishing tournaments.
The Mississippi River is also used as a travel route. Many cruise ships, ferries and other vessels take advantage of the river’s flow, allowing travelers to see its unique scenery while enjoying the convenience of travelling by water.
Mississippi River Preservation
Due to the many uses and benefits of the Mississippi River, there have been efforts to preserve its beauty and ecological health for years. This is why the EPA has designed the Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative, which works to reduce water pollution in the Mississippi River and its tributaries. Various environmental organizations are also actively campaigning and fundraising to protect the river from the harmful effects of pollution and overuse.
The EPA and state environmental agencies have created a number of programs and regulations to protect the Mississippi River, including wetland restoration, improved water quality and increased water flow.
Additionally, the US Department of Interior has established the Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, which protects 17,000 acres of the Mississippi River basin in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Tennessee. This refuge provides nesting, wintering, and resting areas for various species of birds, mammals, and amphibians while also providing recreational and educational opportunities.
Conclusion of the Mississippi River Preservation
The Mississippi River is a vital asset to the environment, economy and culture of the United States, and its preservation is vital to our future. It is essential that we work together to reduce water pollution and support the health of the Mississippi River for generations to come. The efforts of the EPA, state environmental agencies, and environmental organizations have been invaluable in helping protect the river, and all of us can do our part to help, from conserving water to supporting efforts to preserve the river and its ecosystems.
