The Mississippi River is one of the major rivers of North America. It forms the second-longest river system in the US and flows into the Gulf of Mexico. It is an important commercial shipping route and is also used for recreation and wildlife viewing. Its power has been harnessed to produce electricity and has been a major navigation route since the 19th century. The Mississippi is a complex network of tributaries, each of which contributes to the flows of the main channel in various ways. This article explores the four major tributaries of the Mississippi River and how they play a part in the river’s flow and movement.
Missouri River
The Missouri River is the longest of the four major tributaries of the Mississippi River. It is 2,341 miles (3,767 kilometers) in length and marks the border between the US states of Wyoming and Montana. The Missouri begins in the Rocky Mountains in southwest Montana and flows eastward across the midwest and the Great Plains. It then empties into the Mississippi River just south of St. Louis, Missouri. The Missouri River is an important source of water for drinking, agriculture, and other industrial uses. It is also popular for boating, fishing, and other recreational activities. The river is home to a number of threatened or endangered species, including the pallid sturgeon, the colorado pikeminnow, and the pallid shiner.
Ohio River
The Ohio River is the second longest of the four major tributaries of the Mississippi. It is 981 miles (1,579 kilometers) in length and flows from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, southward until it empties into the Mississippi just south of Cairo, Illinois. The Ohio River serves as a major transportation route for barge shipping and is used for recreation and wildlife viewing. The river’s water is used for industrial, agricultural, and residential purposes. The Ohio River is home to several species of fish, turtles, and other aquatic life.
Arkansas River
The Arkansas River is the third longest of the four major tributaries of the Mississippi. It is 1,469 miles (2,363 kilometers) in length and originates in the Rockies north of Leadville, Colorado. The Arkansas flows eastward across the Great Plains and empties into the Mississippi in Arkansas. The Arkansas River is a major source of drinking water, irrigation water, and power generation. It also serves as an important transportation route and is home to a variety of fish and wildlife.
Red River
The Red River is the fourth longest of the four major tributaries of the Mississippi. It is 1,290 miles (2,080 kilometers) in length and originates in the Rockies of northwest Texas. The Red River flows across the Great Plains and empties into the Mississippi at Vicksburg, Mississippi. The Red River is an important source of drinking water and irrigation for the region and is a popular destination for anglers and boaters.
Impact of the Tributaries on the Mississippi River
The combined inflows of the four major tributaries of the Mississippi River contribute roughly 40% of the river’s total discharge and flow. The Missouri River’s contribution is the largest, while the Ohio, Arkansas, and Red Rivers account for smaller but still significant amounts. Each of the tributaries serves a special role in the river’s hydrological cycle by supplying a unique combination of temperature, sediment, and dissolved nutrients to the main channel. In addition, the tributaries create backwater areas, which act as habitats for aquatic plants and animals, including threatened or endangered species.
Human Impacts on the Tributaries
The tributaries of the Mississippi River are all subject to varying degrees of human impacts, including water- and air-pollution, sediment buildup, and the presence of invasive plants and animals. Major industrial and agricultural activities along these rivers can cause negative impacts to water quality and aquatic life. Pollution in the rivers can be minimized through the implementation of water-treatment plants and other pollution-prevention measures.
Conservation of the Tributaries
Conservation efforts in the tributaries of the Mississippi are ongoing. Organizations have worked to create and restore habitats in the rivers, in order to protect threatened and endangered species, as well as other aquatic life. Various fish passages, such as those for migrating salmon, have also been built to help aquatic life move upstream and downstream in the tributaries. In addition, the US Fish and Wildlife Service and other agencies have created a number of protected areas along the tributaries.
Recreational Activities in the Tributaries
The tributaries of the Mississippi provide many recreational opportunities. Fishing is a popular activity, with a variety of species present in the rivers. Boating, rafting, kayaking, and canoeing are some of the other activities available. Hiking, birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and camping are some of the activities that can be enjoyed in the protected areas along the rivers.
Economic Impact of the Tributaries
The tributaries of the Mississippi are a major source of economic activity. Barge shipping along the rivers provides an important transportation link for the Midwest, and is a major source of revenue for businesses in the region. The rivers are also an essential source of irrigation for agricultural producers. They also provide sand, gravel, and other resources for construction and industrial purposes.
Environmental Effects of the Tributaries
The human activities that are present along the tributaries of the Mississippi can have far-reaching environmental impacts. The construction of dams and other engineering projects can affect aquatic ecosystems and alter the flow of the rivers. Furthermore, pollutants such as chemicals and raw sewage can enter the rivers, causing water quality problems and affecting aquatic life. Pollutants can also enter the drinking water supply, leading to public health problems.
Restoration and Preservation of the Tributaries
Restoration and preservation efforts are ongoing along the tributaries of the Mississippi. Various organizations and agencies have worked to create and maintain healthy habitats along the rivers. This has involved removing dam structures, restoring wetlands, and conducting regular water-quality monitoring. In addition, government agencies have stepped in with enforcement measures to cut down on pollution from industrial activities.
