Sacramento River VS Mississippi River
Sacramento River and Mississippi River are among the most famous rivers in the United States. They offer countless recreational and educational opportunities, and they have become an integral part of the American way of life. Although both rivers are mighty and awe-inspiring, the question is: which one is wider?
The Sacramento River is the second-largest river in California. It starts in the mountains near Mount Shasta, and flows south for approximately 503 miles, eventually spilling out into the Pacific Ocean. The Sacramento is approximately 1,386 miles long and has an average width of 368 feet.
The dominant river of the United States is the mighty Mississippi river. The longest river in the country, the Mississippi stretches 2,320 miles from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, spanning through ten states along its course. It boast a 160-mile breadth near its widest point, making it the second-longest and second-largest river system in the world, after the Amazon river.
In comparison to the mighty Mississippi river, the Sacramento river falls short in terms of width. The average width of the Mississippi is more than five times greater than that of the Sacramento, making the former much wider than the latter. However, the Sacramento may in some cases have a significantly bigger current than the Mississippi, largely due to the excess runoff from the nearby Sierra Nevada range.
Not only is the Mississippi river much wider than the Sacramento river, it is also much more lively and diverse. The Mississippi is home to a plethora of flora and fauna, offering a breathtaking and unique opportunity to explore the natural environment. It is also incredibly rich in its cultural heritage and is known for the many musical genres, that were born on the river.
On the other hand, the Sacramento river is defined by its beautiful rolling hills and valleys, as well as its rich history of gold mining and the subsequent importance of the river to the growth of California as a whole. The river is also a valuable resource with agricultural and recreational activities, making it an important asset to the state.
Water Discharge
When discussing the width of a river, it is also important to consider its water discharge rate. By far, the Mississippi river has the highest water discharge rate of any river in North America at 10,400 cubic metres per second However, the Sacramento River is no slouch in this regard – boasting an impressive 9,000 cubic metres per second.
This means that despite its less-width when compared to its mighty neighbor, the Sacramento river is still capable of moving a great amount of water in a very short time. It is theorized by experts that its geographic location and topography might be the reason for the relatively high discharge rate, as the Sacramento River has its source in the wetter climate of northern California.
Apart from water discharge, land erosion is another aspect that needs to be taken into consideration when discussing the width of a river. In this regard, the Mississippi River once again shows its superiority, with its wide width allowing up to 20 times more silt and sediment to be deposited and carried away.
While this is great for the protection of the land, it also has its disadvantages – mainly in the form of floods. The Mississippi is known for its massive and destructive floods every few years, which often lead to the displacement of thousands of people and the destruction of property.
California Rivers
When comparing the Sacramento River to other California rivers, the width difference is even more pronounced. Many rivers in California, such as the Klamath and the Eel River, often measure below 100 feet in width, making the Sacramento look like a behemoth in comparison.
Naturally, the smaller rivers are much easier to traverse and offer more opportunities to explore a unique ecosystems of fish and wildlife. They also have fewer dangerous rapids and currents, which makes them an ideal spot for kayaking, fishing and bird watching.
In view of the wide variety of rivers in California, the Sacramento River stands out for its size and historical significance. It was the heart of the gold rush, the source of power for steam-powered barges and often dubbed the ‘lifeblood of California’.
Today, it is a major recreational destination and a vital source of water for California’s agricultural industry. It is also the main waterway that connects San Francisco Bay to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and the Pacific Ocean, making it a critical link in the state’s economic and environmental health.
Uses of the Rivers
Each of these rivers also has its own unique uses, which further highlight their differences. For example, Mississippi river is an important source for hydroelectric power plants, transportation, shipping and cruise liner tourism. On the other hand, Sacramento River is widely used for irrigation, recreation, and for distributing water to parts of California.
The Sacramento river is also home to many species of fish and wildlife, which use the river and its surrounding area as a habitat. It is widely known as a premier fishing destination in the United States and is often referred to as ‘the salmon river’. Salmon, trout and other fish species thrive in the waters of the Sacramento river due to its cool, fast-flowing waters.
As such, both rivers are incredible forces of nature and have become integral parts of the American way of life. Not only do they provide recreational and educational opportunities, but they also serve as important sources of water and power. While the Mississippi river is the wider of the two, the Sacramento river’s narrower width provides an intimate experience, allowing visitors to become more connected to the environment and history of the area.
Environmental Impacts
When discussing the environmental impacts of the two rivers, it’s important to note that both are under threat from manmade activities. The Sacramento river has suffered from both water diversion and water pollution, which has negatively impacted its fish populations. Furthermore, the construction of the Shasta Dam has caused the displacement of numerous indigenous communities, which has been a source of distress for the affected communities.
Likewise, the Mississippi river has been adversely affected by the numerous dams, levees, and water diversion projects that have been built over the years. These activities have caused serious damage to the river’s ecosystem and have deprived its inhabitants of food, livelihood and an essential source of drinkable water.
In addition, the deteriorating water quality caused by excessive nutrient runoff from agricultural activities and industrial waste has put the river at risk. The risks are even higher for the smaller bodies of water that feed into the Mississippi, such as the Ohio, Arkansas and Ohio rivers, which are undergoing increasing levels of pollution.
Conclusion
To conclude, it is clear that the Mississippi river is the wider of the two, but the Sacramento rivers still has much to offer. Both are powerful and awe-inspiring, and their importance to their respective states cannot be overstated. In addition to their recreational and educational opportunities, they are also important sources of water and power, and serve to connect different regions of the United States.
