What is the Mississippi River?
The Mississippi River is the second longest river in North America. Running from its source near Lake Itasca, in Minnesota, to its mouth in the Gulf of Mexico, the river flows through 10 states, namely Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana. Along the way, the wide-ranging river serves as the border between other states and defines the border between Missouri and Illinois. While it is the fourth longest river in the world, and the longest river in the United States, the Mississippi River is still shorter than the three major rivers of South America and Africa, the Amazon and the Nile.
What is the Climate and Geography of the Mississippi River?
The climate along the Mississippi River ranges from tropical to subarctic. The source of the river is in Minnesota, so the upper regions, close to the headwaters, tend to have a continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. The area around the mouth, near the Gulf of Mexico, is semi-tropical and experience relatively mild winters, while the middle of the river has temperate climates, with more seasonable terms. The geography of the Mississippi River Valley, is quite varied. The river passes through large cities, as well as unspoiled forests, wetlands and lakes.
What Are the Effects of Ice on the Mississippi River?
Ice on the Mississippi River has several effects. In the winter months it can decrease navigability, making it difficult or impossible for boats or barges to traverse the waterway. There can also be an increase in flooding, as when ice jams up, the river level rises, increasing flooding and erosion in the surrounding areas. Ice can also cause structural damage to river beds and levees, as strong currents and shifting ice can scour and erode the foundations, leaving them vulnerable and unable to contain the power of the river.
Is There Ice on the Mississippi River?
The presence of ice on the Mississippi River varies over the course of the year. At times, conditions can become cold enough to form ice, which can occur across much of the river depending on the exact temperatures. In the winter months, ice can be found on may of the north facing embankments, as the cold air can drop temperatures low enough to form ice. It is during these months, usually from December to February, that there is a greater chance of ice forming on the river.
Is Ice a Problem for the Mississippi River?
Ice on the Mississippi River does have the potential to cause problems for the environment and for shipping. In some instances, ice can form from the banks of the river to the center. When this occurs, boats must navigate their way through the clearly marked channels, which can make the journey longer and more time consuming. In the worst cases, the ice can force boats to make alternative routes, or unable to complete the journey at all until the ice clears.
What is Being Done to Prevent Ice on the Mississippi River?
In order to combat the presence of ice on the Mississippi River, both local and federal governments are taking steps to cut down on the amount of ice that can form on the river. The most obvious way is to simply increase the temperature of the river, as warmer water is why ice forms in the first place. This can be done by using ice management dams, that divert colder water away from the main flow of the river and instead uses it to add heat to the water.
What Steps Are Being Taken to Manage Ice on the Mississippi River?
Local and federal governments are also taking steps to manage and mitigate the presence of ice on the Mississippi River. Along with the construction of ice management dams, government’s are also working on other strategies to fight ice. These include the use of icebreakers, which are boats sent out specifically to break apart any large sheets of ice that are on the river, as well as the strategic placement of iceboom, which are physical obstructions in the river’s path that impede the movement of ice and slow its formation.
What Are the Implications of Ice on the Mississippi River?
The implications of ice on the Mississippi River can be both positive and negative. On the one hand, ice can add to the picturesque beauty of the river, and provide some interesting activities for those looking to explore nature in the winter months. On the other hand, ice can have serious implications for shipping, fishing and the river’s ecology, making it difficult for boats to pass through and disrupting the natural order of the area.
What are the Economic Effects of Ice on the Mississippi River?
The economic effects of ice on the Mississippi River can be wide-ranging. If a boat is unable to make its journey due to ice, this could result in a loss of income for the boat crew, and the companies they work for. Additionally, fishing can be difficult or impossible when ice is present, frustrating those trying to make a living off the river. In general, the presence of ice can impede on the economy of the region, as goods and services cannot be delivered as quickly or efficiently, negatively affecting the bottom line of businesses.
What are the Environmental Effects of Ice on the Mississippi River?
The environmental effects of ice on the Mississippi River can be equally as important. This is because the river serves as a vital habitat for many species of densely populated fish and wildlife, as well as a natural migratory path for many species of birds. When ice is present, this can disrupt the natural processes of the river, such as migration, as well as impacting fishing and other river activities. Additionally, ice can cause physical damage to the river, as shifting sheets of ice can scour the banks of the river and damage structures such as levees and embankments.
What Measures Can be Taken to Help Mitigate Ice on the Mississippi River?
In order to mitigate the presence of ice on the Mississippi River, a number of steps can be taken. Firstly, local and federal governments can work on implementing strategies to fight ice, such as the use of icebreakers and iceboom. Additionally, governments, as well as businesses and private citizens, can work on reducing the amount of ice forming by raising the temperature of the river. This can be done by using ice management dams to divert colder water away from the main flow of the river and instead use it to add heat to the water. Finally, local conservation groups and river authorities can work together to implement sustainable practices in order to reduce the impact of ice on the Mississippi River and protect the vital habitats and migratory paths it provides.
