The Mississippi River is the second-longest river in the United States and one of the most important bodies of water in the world. In addition to being an important economic resource for many industries along its banks, it serves as an important natural habitat for plants and animals. In addition, the Mississippi River serves as the primary drainage for many significant other rivers. By understanding which rivers drain into the Mississippi, we can better comprehend the importance of this great river.
The primary river to drain into the Mississippi River is the Missouri River, which originates in the Rocky Mountains of Montana and flows south through much of the central United States. This is actually the longest tributary to the Mississippi, forming a critical southerly course that ultimately meets up with the Mississippi. In addition to the Missouri River, several major tributaries feed the Mississippi, including the Arkansas River, the Ohio River, the Tennessee River, the Red River, and the White River.
The Ohio River is the largest tributary to the Mississippi, originating in southwestern Pennsylvania and flowing in a southerly direction for over 900 miles before emptying into the Mississippi near Cairo, Illinois. This is a crucial resource for the central part of the United States, providing drainage for numerous other river systems and traveling through states such as Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. The Ohio joins up with the Mississippi just upstream of its merger with the Missouri River.
The Arkansas River begins its course in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and travels southeast through Oklahoma and Arkansas before emptying into the Mississippi at the Arkansas-Mississippi border. This river is considerably shorter than the Ohio and Missouri Rivers, but its contribution to the Mississippi is significant. The Arkansas has been partially tamed by dams such as the Kerr Dam, allowing for better navigation and control of water levels. It is also heavily utilized for irrigation, providing much-needed water to many of the midwestern farms in the region.
The Tennessee River originates in the Appalachians in Tennessee, and flows northward into the Cumberland River before turning southward and ultimately draining into the Ohio River in Paducah, Kentucky. It is a crucial natural resource for the southeastern United States, providing irrigation and power to much of the region. It also contains numerous important tributaries, such as the Duck and Little Tennessee Rivers, which join the Tennessee after it heads away from the Cumberland.
Lastly, the Red River and White Rivers both flow into the Mississippi from the Gulf of Mexico. The Red River, which originates in northeastern Texas, is a major feeder for the Mississippi and has been extensively studied for its ecologically significant features. Further north, the White River is a smaller tributary, but its significance ultimately lies in its ability to replenish the Mississippi with fresh water during the dry summer months. Both of these short rivers are essential parts of the Mississippi’s annual hydrological cycle.
The Effect of the Rivers on the Mississippi
As previously mentioned, the Mississippi River serves as an important drainage resource for many other rivers. This means that all of the rivers that flow into the Mississippi eventually end up in the Gulf of Mexico, providing a crucial connection between the waters of the North American continent and the ocean. The combination of these rivers that unite in the delta of the Mississippi forms a rich, dynamic ecosystem.
The rivers that flow into the Mississippi also serve to moderate the effects of drought, floods, and other period changes in water level. As each river drains into the Mississippi, it provides a significant source of fresh water no matter what the overall climate of the region. This is critically important for the long-term sustainability of the Mississippi.
In addition, the rivers that feed the Mississippi are collectively responsible for a significant portion of the economic activity in the central United States. The drainage of the Missouri, Arkansas, Ohio, Tennessee, Red, and White Rivers makes it possible for a large portion of the country’s agricultural industry to exist in the Midwest. Without these rivers, the region would not be nearly as productive as it is.
Transportation and Preservation of the Rivers
Due to their importance to the region, many efforts have been made to preserve and protect the health and integrity of the rivers that feed the Mississippi. This is especially true of the Missouri and Arkansas Rivers, which have been dammed and locked to make them more navigable for commercial transportation needs. Many of the locks and dams are also used to generate electricity, which is used to power cities and towns around the entire river system.
This is not the only effort being made to protect the rivers that drain into the Mississippi. The Fish and Wildlife Service is working to ensure the ecological health of the rivers and their tributaries by regulating the cleanliness of the water and enforcing restrictions on fishing and boating traffic. Additionally, organizations such as the National Wildlife Federation are working to preserve the natural environment of the rivers, protecting their habitat and recognizing them as global conservation priorities.
In addition to the government agencies working to protect the rivers, numerous conservation groups are doing the same, such as The Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, and the Sierra Club. These organizations are working to ensure the continued health of the water for recreational purposes and for the preservation of the diverse species that rely on the rivers for their habitat.
The History of the Rivers
The rivers that feed the Mississippi River have been around for thousands of years, with numerous Native American tribes inhabiting the banks or using the rivers for trade and transportation. Since Europeans first came to the region in the 1600s, the waters of the rivers have seen great change, with people adapting the various bodies of water to their own needs. Navigation of the rivers was made easier by the construction of dams and locks, while industries used the rivers as mode of transportation.
The last few centuries have also seen extensive exploitation of the rivers and their tributaries, with rivers such as the Arkansas being heavily polluted and the Missouri being overused for recreational purposes. In response, government agencies such as the Army Corps of Engineers have sought to improve the condition of the water and make sure they are safe for future generations.
The Impact of Humans on the Rivers
The rivers that feed into the Mississippi River have also been hugely impacted by human activity. Development along the banks has hampered the migration of many species, while commercial agriculture has taken much of the land and water away from local wildlife. In addition, the construction of dams and locks for navigation purposes has drastically altered the flow of the rivers, ultimately leading to dramatic changes in their environments.
Despite these efforts, much of the negative impacts humans have had on the rivers that feed into the Mississippi can be reversed with the help of conservation groups and government agencies. Through strategic planning and careful monitoring of the water, the environment of the rivers can be protected, ensuring that they remain a home for diverse species and a natural resource for the region.
The Importance of Protecting the Rivers
The rivers that feed into the Mississippi River are hugely important, both economically and ecologically. It is essential that these rivers are given the protection they need to remain healthy, so that they can continue to provide irrigation, navigation, and fresh water for industries and recreation for future generations. Moreover, by understanding the rivers and their connection to the Mississippi, we can further recognize the importance of this great river.
Effects of the Mississippi River on the Surrounding Area
Not only is the Mississippi River important in its own right, but it also has an effect on the land and environment that surrounds it. The river’s slow and broad course helps to mitigate floods which could damage the landscapes around it, while its sheer size means that it is rarely affected by drought – a helpful fact in the arid states where it traverses. The Mississippi is also an integral part of the region’s transportation system; thanks to the locks and dams which ease water levels, people and goods can easily move along the major parts of the river.
The Mississippi River is also an important source of recreational activity for nearby communities. The river provides opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and other outdoor activities, which in turn bring economic benefits to the states that rely on tourism for their financial health. Additionally, the sheer size of the great river helps to preserve the wildlife and plants in the surrounding areas, which are important for the health of the entire environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the importance of the Mississippi River, and the rivers that feed it, cannot be understated. These rivers have a huge impact on the environment and economy of the region, and they provide essential services for people and wildlife alike. By preserving the rivers that drain into the Mississippi, we can ensure that the river remains a crucial resource for the region well into the future.
