The Mississippi River is one of the most important natural resources in the United States and is the second longest river in member countries of the Organisation of American States. At its source in northern Minnesota, the Mississippi travels a journey of over 2,300 miles before reaching its delta near the Gulf of Mexico. The river provides a huge economic benefit to many of the US states that it passes through, primarily used for transport of goods and resources, energy generation, recreation, and drinking water.
The dimensions of the Mississippi River vary depending on the time of year and activities such as flooding and dam operations. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the average width of the Mississippi River is two thousand two hundred and sixty two feet, whilst the average depth is two hundred and sixty three feet. However, the maximum width of the river can reach up to eight thousand feet, and the maximum depth is around two hundred and forty three feet.
The river’s topography and dimensions are constantly changing, with the Mississippi River Commission undertaking regular assessments of the river’s width and depth. They also monitor the influence of human activity. For example, operation of the twenty two locks and dams on the river affects current and water levels at various points.
The Mississippi River transports a significant amount of sediments, debris and other particles, which add to the depositional material along the river’s banks. Consequently, there is a high risk of flooding. In 2019, the states of Arkansas and Mississippi were affected by record flooding. The severity of floods is affected by the degree of channel confinement of the Mississippi; the river channel itself is naturally gravel and sand, which is subject to erosion and deposition.
As the Mississippi River meanders, various landscape features alongside it, including levees, banks, and sandbars, are all impacted by erosion. To protect both, state governments, and the federal government responsible for oversight of the Mississippi, carry out regular conservation initiatives. Conservation projects aim to reduce the risk of floods and protect the landscapes alongside the river.
The Mississippi is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, but over fishing and pollution threaten the biodiversity of the river and the ecosystem that the species rely on. Pollution and human waste compromise the water quality and are major considerations for both local communities, and state and federal governments when managing the river. Pollutants such as fertilizer, pesticides, and heavy metals, released into the river by industry, can have damaging environmental effects.
River Management
The Mississippi River Commission is tasked with researching and developing strategies to protect the river and its associated aquatic habitats from human interference. These strategies are implemented through the construction of structures such as levees, to reduce the risk of flooding, and the regulation of water levels for navigation and commerce. Additional management strategies involve restoring and maintaining fish and wildlife habitats, as well as protecting areas of cultural significance.
The US Army Corps of Engineers is also responsible for the management of the Mississippi and other US rivers. They regularly report their progress on their website, and have created a mobile app incorporating the latest information. The Corps of Engineers focus on navigation, flood and storm damage risk reduction, and conservation.
In addition to the primary role of the Corps of Engineers and the Mississippi River Commission, other agencies oversee pollution, fish and wildlife management, and river restoration. For example, the US Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for managing and preserving water quality and other environmental hazards. State agencies are also involved in the management of the Mississippi River, including the departments of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection, and Fish and Wildlife.
Economic Benefits
The Mississippi river has become an important part of the US economy, offering transport and energy production opportunities, recreational activities, and the supply of drinking water. In terms of transport, the river has dramatically increased trade opportunities between the states it passes through, as well as within the US in general. The barge transportation system on the river is an important part of the US transportation network. Major hubs such as New Orleans, Memphis, and St Louis, have created significant economic opportunities such as transport, tourism, and shipping.
The Mississippi River also provides significant energy production opportunities. Numerous hydroelectric dams are located along the river, providing low-cost power to many cities and towns located along the Mississippi. In addition, the river is home to several oil and gas fields, adding to the infrastructure of large cities such as Memphis and Greenville.
In terms of tourism, the Mississippi provides a unique and diverse range of recreational opportunities. From recreational fishing and boating, to camping and wildlife viewing, the river is host to a variety of activities. In addition, the river provides a crucial source of drinking water for millions of people living along its banks.
Impacts of Climate Change
Climate change is having a major impact on the Mississippi River and its associated ecosystems. Increased temperature and changes in rainfall patterns lead to abnormal water flows, which significantly increase the risk of flooding. Additionally, decreased snowfall in the colder states is also causing low river levels, resulting in decreased water flow and reduced navigation.
Another major concern is the impact of climate change on the species living in and around the Mississippi River. Warmer temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns are leading to shifts in species populations, as species migrate or adapt in order to survive. In addition, changes in the river ecosystem are affecing the type and amount of aquatic vegetation, leading to further declines in plant and animal species.
In order to combat these effects, it is essential that the US and local agencies continue to adhere to the guidelines set by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). These guidelines are aimed at curbing emissions and reducing the impacts of warming temperatures on the Mississippi and its ecosystems.
Flooding and Protection
As the Mississippi River is subject to frequent flooding, it is important for people living along the river banks to be aware of the risks and to practice appropriate safety precautions. The US Army Corps of Engineers has developed an extensive Flood Risk Management System, which includes building levees, constructing flood control systems, and establishing floodplains. This system is designed to protect lives and property along the Mississippi.
The National Weather Service is another agency that undertakes measures to help protect against flooding along the Mississippi. They provide regular updates on river levels, as well as predictions of floods, droughts, and other weather-related events. This information is vital for local governments, businesses and communities to act on in order to protect against flooding.
In addition to the federal, state and local agencies, communities living along the Mississippi also have a role to play in protecting themselves against flooding. It is recommended that they have an emergency preparedness plan in case of a flood, and that they are aware of the warning signs and safety strategies.
Public Education and Awareness
In order for communities to protect themselves against flooding and other threats, it is important for both local and national governments to provide education and awareness programmes. Local groups organise seminars and workshops to educate people on how to prepare for a flood, and the governmental agencies responsible for water management and conservation also provide information and advice on the issue.
Government agencies such as the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Mississippi River Commission also work closely with colleges and universities to advance their research and public education activities. For example, the US Army Corps of Engineers launched the Mississippi River Research Consortium in the early 2000s, comprising four universities located in closely connected to the Mississippi.
With a better understanding of the Mississippi River, communities are better equipped to protect themselves from floods and to promote the preservation of the river. Public awareness and education initiatives, as well as other management strategies, are essential to protect the river, its ecosystems, and its associated species.
Environmental Policies
The state, federal, and local governments along the Mississippi River, have introduced a range of environmental policies and initiatives, in order to conserve the river and mitigate the effects of human activities and pollution. These policies are determined by the US Environmental Protection Agency, with cooperation between state environmental and water agencies.
To reduce pollution and decrease water contamination, states have introduced strict regulations on the discharge of industrial waste, and are increasingly investing in water treatment plants. Additionally, the US Environmental Protection Agency and the states have undertaken river management initiatives, such as creating wetlands and restoring habitats, to reduce erosion and protect the native species.
Additionally, conservation of the Mississippi River is supported by the US Endangered Species Act, which protects endangered species in the US, as well as the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), which works to protect global ecosystems.
In response to the increasing risk of flooding, representatives from the states and federal government meet periodically to develop flood control strategies. This includes levee construction, planting vegetation, and the implementation of more permanent structures, such as reservoirs and floodwalls.
As the river continues to face the threat of pollution and flooding, it is important that the governments continue to protect the Mississippi. With proper management, the river can continue to provide vital resources, transportation and recreational opportunities, as well as protection of natural habitats.
