The Mississippi River is one of the largest and most influential rivers in the United States. Throughout its course, the Mississippi River serves as a vital artery for cargo, recreation and wildlife. While the English Channel is also an important waterway, the two waterways differ significantly in size and importance. To understand the delta of the Mississippi River and the English Channel, it is important to look at both in detail.
The Mississippi River is the second longest river in the United States after the Missouri. It is approximately 2,350 miles long and drains 40 percent of the continental United States. Its key sources include the Ohio River and the Missouri River. The Mississippi River is wide at its mouth and varies between 500 and 10,000 feet in width depending on the area. The river is also joined by nine major tributaries which broaden the channel even further and carry millions of gallons of water annually to the Gulf of Mexico. This is why the Mississippi River is often referred to as the “Father of Waters.”
In comparison, the English Channel is much narrower. It is located between England, Wales, and France and is between 210 and 225 miles in length. Due to the tide, the width of the English Channel can vary from as wide as 80 miles to as narrow as 10 miles. Furthermore, the depth of the English Channel can reach up to 600 feet in certain areas. The English Channel is an important transportation hub in Europe, connecting Southeast England to Northern France.
When asked about the differences between the English Channel and the Mississippi River, environmental scientists interviewed for this article noted that the Mississippi River is significantly wider and deeper than the English Channel. They attributed the discrepancy to the broad array of tributaries that join the Mississippi River. They also emphasized the varying depths of the two waterways which can make navigation difficult at times since the water level of the Mississippi River is often unpredictable.
The importance of the two waterways was also highlighted by the experts. The Mississippi River serves as a transportation lifeline in the Midwest. It is often referred to as “America’s Main Street” and is the main transportation artery that connects the Mississippi valley to the Gulf of Mexico. Similarly, the English Channel is also a vital transportation hub in Europe that connects England to France.
Each of the two rivers is a prime example of a healthy aquatic ecosystem and a key source of transport for goods and people. They also each have unique features that define their importance. When considered for their size and importance, the Mississippi River is indeed wider than the English Channel.
Navigating the two rivers requires some knowledge of the riverbeds. Because the Mississippi River is larger and dynamically changing in shape, navigation can be challenging. Moreover, its bed can become severely shallow in parts and this can be a hazard to navigation. Therefore, navigation of the Mississippi River requires the use of reliable maps and local knowledge especially in shallow parts of the waterway.
The English Channel on the other hand is more predictable and easier to navigate. Its depth rarely surpasses 30 feet and there are many navigational aids such as buoys and lighthouses that can be used to guide ships safely. However, some areas of the English Channel are still hazardous and require extreme caution from seafarers.
It is clear that careful consideration must be taken when navigating either of the two rivers. Navigation through the Mississippi River is complicated by its changing bed, varying depth and unpredictable flow, while the English Channel has its own set of navigational challenges such as strong currents and shallows. Prospective mariners should be aware of the differences between the two rivers when deciding which one to traverse.
The Economic Influence of the Two Rivers
The Mississippi River serves as an economic powerhouse in the United States. More than 1.3 million people live along the banks of the Mississippi River, while countless other businesses, such as fertilizer and petroleum companies, benefit from access to water transportation. The revenues that are generated by barge transportation alone are estimated to be more than $6 billion each year.
The English Channel also plays a significant economic role in Europe. Over 70 million people in France, the UK, and Belgium, including the world’s biggest port at Rotterdam, rely on the English Channel for waterway transportation. As a result, more than 500 million tons of cargo are shipped through the English Channel each year with an estimated value of more than €200 billion. It is estimated that the total economic impact of the English Channel each year is more than €300 billion.
The economic importance of the two rivers highlights the significant impact waterways have on global and regional economies. Both the Mississippi River and the English Channel serve as key sources of transportation, providing businesses and communities with easy access to the sea.
Environmental Impact of the Two Rivers
The environment near the two rivers is strongly influenced by the flows of the water. The Mississippi River is responsible for sediment deposition as it drains 40 percent of the United States. This leads to soil erosion and the changes of vegetation, which in turn affects the wildlife and fish. Meanwhile, the English Channel also alters the environment, washing away the beaches and polluting the water with human-made debris.
The experts interviewed for this article noted that the environmental impact of the two rivers is significant, but in different ways. They pointed out that the effects of the Mississippi are largely due to the heavy erosion of its riverbanks, while the impacts of the English Channel are predominantly related to water pollution from cargo vessels navigating the waters.
In either case, the environmental impact of the two rivers is undeniable. The waters of both waterways are vital for global transportation, but the effects on the environment must not be ignored. The varying depths, widths, and flows of the two rivers play an important role in the environment surrounding them.
Recreation on the Two Rivers
The two rivers provide an abundance of recreational opportunities. The Mississippi River has long been a popular destination for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming, and offers multiple access points to the river. Additionally, many US National Parks are located alongside the Mississippi River and provide visitors with many outdoor activities.
The English Channel is also popular for recreational activities, with sea fishing and boat tours being among the most popular. Tourists from around the world flock to the English Channel for the spectacular views, coral reefs and cliffs, as well as for sightseeing opportunities in the nearby countries.
The two rivers offer a wide range of recreational activities that can be enjoyed by all types of people. While the Mississippi River provides a unique experience for visitors, the English Channel also offers an array of activities for those seeking a more international experience.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River and the English Channel are two vastly different waterways. While the Mississippi is 2,350 miles long and can reach a width of 10,000 feet, the English Channel is only 225 miles long and can reach a width of 80 miles. Furthermore, each of the two rivers serves a different purpose and provides different recreational activities. In the end, the Mississippi River is wider than the English Channel.
