The Mississippi River is a major river in the United States, and covers a total of 2,320 miles across the country. It starts in Minnesota, flows south through Missouri and Arkansas, picking up tributaries from all over the US, before coming to an end in Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico. Along its long path, the river has been a long-standing and integral aspect of the American economic, social, and political aspects of life. From connecting people and land, to providing a platform for energy, sustenance, and industry, this massive body of water has been there for the US from the beginning.
The Mississippi River is the third longest river in the US. Because of its length, it has several impressive physical characteristics. For starters, its width is extremely impressive, with some sections being more than 3,000 feet wide. This wide area attracts a wide variety of animals and birds, making it one of the great equalizers in the nature of North America. As a result of its size and depth, it is capable of carrying very large ships, ranging right up to ocean going vessels.
The river itself is known for the array of colors its waters can acquire, with colors ranging from dull grays to light greenish blues.This breathtaking display of colors is the result of sediment, nutrients and other materials present in the water, as well as the reflected colors of the sky as the sun sets over the horizon. As a result, the water can look murky from afar. However, up close, it is a sight to behold.
One of the main drawbacks of the Mississippi River is the myriad of pollutants that come with its size and flow. These pollutants are responsible for the frequent environmental disasters. As people continue to live and work beside the river, fertilizers and other materials become runoff and mix with the river waters resulting in contamination. Despite this, the river still retains its beauty and charms; an integral part of American culture and history.
In terms of its current usage, the Mississippi River is used for a wide range of activities. For starters, it services as a major shipping route for most of the goods that enter and exit the United States. This makes it an essential part of the logistics infrastructure of the US. Another important use of the river is to provide irrigation to the vast lands that lie along its course. This vast network of irrigated lands helps to keep the land fertile and able to yield crops year on year.
The river also serves an important ecological role in the form of the vast numbers of fish and other wildlife that live in and around its waters. In some places, the river is home to wild cattle and even dolphins that have adapted to living in the fresh waters; an incredible sight. Additionally, its waters are also used for sports ranging from fishing to whitewater rafting.
The Mississippi River is a versatile body of water that has been integral in the day to day life of the US for centuries. Whether it is for transportation, energy, sustenance, inspiration, or just for a fun day out, the Mississippi River has been there for the US since the dawn of our nation. From connecting cities and communities, providing sustenance and irrigation, to serving as a home for rare animals and birds, this grand river has truly been one of America’s great equalizers and a major part of our national heritage.
Impact of Industries and Pollution
The Mississippi River is home to a wide range of industries, most notably oil and gas extraction, chemicals manufacturing, pulp and paper production, and man-made fertilizers. All of these activities come with a great degree of pollution setting into the river, and this has been linked to cases of sick people in the communities that live around it. Chemicals from these industries also tend to mix up (AKA bioaccumulation) with the water process and begin to accumulate in creatures that live in or near the river. This can have an adverse effect on their health, thus leading to increased mortality rates.
The US government has tried to research the root causes of the environmental damage caused by these industries. But the effort has been marred by conflicting ideas from different people from different cultural backgrounds. What we do know, however, is that there needs to be more awareness regarding this problem, and more stringent laws to regulate the activities of these industries. This is especially true among small scale entrepreneurs as they are often unable to handle the consequences of their activities once they go out of hand.
Recent studies have also suggested that climate change is having an effect on the Mississippi River. As global temperatures continue to rise and forecasters predict an increase in flooding incidents, the river is likely to be affected as well. This is especially disconcerting since rising water levels can lead to more erosion along the banks of the river, thus leading to widespread destruction.
Indeed, in order to sustain the environment, green design and infrastructure must be adapted when building new factories and homes within the vicinity of the Mississippi River. This will involve re-designing certain aspects, such as protecting certain areas from floods, or creating “no go” zones where human activities cannot exist. Such efforts will go a long way in preserving the life within and around the river, and in turn protect communities.
Educational and Cultural Impact
The Mississippi River has served as a major reference point throughout American history. It has been both a major commercial artery and a site of adventure and exploration. It has been used in literature to symbolize the cultural and economic endeavor of a great many generations in the United States. From the blues music sung about its banks to the books written about its inevitable cycle of boom and bust, it has seen much human occupation and effort, and these have been commemorated and celebrated throughout American literature and song.
It has also had an educational impact on the nation. The river has been utilized by numerous universities for various research and instruction activities. From a scientific standpoint, the water is deep and vast, making it the perfect environment for aquatic investigation. Additionally, its vast area has often been used as a reference point for geologic studies.
Finally, the river has been a beacon of culture and identity for so many generations that is truly unique in the United States. Many cultures, such as the Native American Sioux, consider the Mississippi River to be the cradle of life, and to many it is a symbol of freedom and courage. Many songs, stories and rituals have been created in honor of the Mississippi River and its importance in the life of the people living and working around it.
Uniqueness of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is truly a phenomenon in the modern world. It is the embodiment of this sprawling nation that has been shaped and molded by centuries of human intervention and natural forces. Its 2,320 miles of course have been traversed by countless generations of people, and it continues to be a source of awe and wonder for many.
What makes the Mississippi River so unique, is its sheer size and complexity. It has afforded a path for a staggering number of resources to reach various destinations across this nation and beyond. This also has exposed the river to many environmental, economic, and social stressors that need to be addressed. For all its battles, however, the river still stands strong and ready to shape the future of this great nation.
The Mississippi River continues to be a beacon of beauty and serenity in this rapidly changing world. Each and every day, it continues to traverse its majestic path, connecting communities and cultures, carrying business and culture, being a playground and a resource to native animals, providing life and livelihood to many. This is the power of the Mississippi River and the life it brings.
The Future of the Mississippi River
The future is bright for the Mississippi River. Dams and hydropower plants have already been build along the 2,320 miles of the mighty river; but, there are hopes of more energy sources in the future and more efficient management practices to maintain the river’s natural clarity and integrity.
Furthermore, the hope is that this immense source of energy and nature will continue to be safeguarded from further environmental degradation and exploitation. Organizations are stepping in to better protect the river and its inhabitants, seeking to implement regulations to limit further pollution, sewage and contamination. Through these regulations, more sustainable forms of energy such as wind and solar power can be implemented to protect the lives of wildlife while still allowing the utilization of the natural resources.
Finally, stronger agreements with companies, industries and states can be put in place to protect and restore the river. This would mean less pollution, conservation of biodiversity and sustainability along the way. The future of the Mississippi River is thus encouraging, with the potential of a bright future still ahead.
Benefits of the Mississippi River
The benefits of the Mississippi River are countless. The amount of local economic activity that the river predisposes to is immense. Thousands of people benefit from the river each day, from sustenance to transportation, to leisure and entertainment. This river is essentially a lifeblood for many communities that are situated along its course.
Moreover, the river can also create a sense of awe and wonder in those who experience the vastness of it. It can bring one to a place of introspection, of taking in its natural beauty, and of understanding its power. The Mississippi River has seen many stories, many lives and many memories, and to experience it is to truly experience the nature and power of America.
The river has also been a source of inspiration for a great many authors and other writers. From Mark Twain’s classic Adventures of Huckleberry Finn to contemporary authors such as John Grisham and others, the Mississippi River has been a powerful source of inspiration for the power of American culture. Writers have been able to come up with amazing stories within the confines of the river, pushing their readers to new heights of exploration and discovery.
The Mississippi River is certainly a force to be reckoned with. Its historical, social, economic and natural importance to the United States is undeniable. It will continue to be a source of amazement and delight to those who experience it while serving as a powerful source of interconnectedness to those who live and work around it. It is without a doubt, one of the great equalizers of America.
