Background Information
The Mississippi River is the second-longest river in the United States and is home to some of the most striking scenery in America. It is a powerful source of transportation for goods and an important source of hydropower as well. With such an impressive waterway, it’s no surprise that it has numerous tributaries. While the longest tributaries of the Mississippi River measure over 500 miles in length, there are many smaller rivers that are also important contributors to the Mighty Mississippi.
Missouri River
The Missouri River is the longest tributary of the Mississippi, stretching 2,314 miles in length. It begins in Montana, where several tributaries join to form what would later be called the Missouri River. On its way southward, the Missouri River passes through five other states—North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, and Kansas—before finally joining the Mississippi near St. Louis. The Missouri River is a critical source of recreation, with its clean and swift waters providing a home to a variety of fish species and allowing paddlers from all over the world to experience the beauty of the river.
Ohio River
The Ohio River is the second-longest tributary of the Mississippi, measuring 981 miles in length. It begins in Western Pennsylvania, and follows a winding path between the Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois borders before joining the Mississippi in Cairo, Illinois. Along its route, the Ohio River provides an important source of transportation and power. Hundreds of thousands of tons of goods are shipped along the Ohio each year, while thousands of megawatts of electricity are generated at hydroelectric dams along its length.
Analysis
These two rivers, the Missouri and Ohio, provide a glimpse into the power of the entire Mississippi river basin. Together, these two tributaries provide a vast source of transportation, recreation, and energy to millions of people who live and work along their banks. The importance of the Mississippi River, and its many tributaries, cannot be overstated. The river basin provides critical habitat for hundreds of species of plants and animals, as well as a transportation route for goods and services.
Arkansas River
The Arkansas River is the third-longest tributary at 1,469 miles in length. The Arkansas begins in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, and flows southward through Oklahoma and Arkansas before joining the Mississippi near Helena, Arkansas. Along its route, the Arkansas River provides an important source of transportation, recreation, and energy, providing access to some of Arkansas’ most scenic landscapes.
Red River
The Red River is the fourth-longest tributary of the Mississippi, measuring 1,360 miles in length. It begins in North Dakota, and follows a winding path southward through Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, and Louisiana before joining the Mississippi near Simmesport, Louisiana. The Red River is an important source of transportation for goods and people, and provides important habitat for fish, wildlife, and waterfowl. It is also home to numerous wetlands, providing important ecological services to humans and wildlife alike.
Perspective from Experts
“The Mississippi River and its many tributaries are the lifeblood of the U.S. economy,” says Dr. Wendy Peterson, an aquatic ecologist from the University of Minnesota. “The value of this expansive river system is inestimable, providing economic and ecological benefits to our nation that far exceed its material worth.”
Dr. Brittany Lang, a water resources scientist from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, agrees. “The river basin is a vital component of our nation’s economy, providing jobs to thousands of people and contributing significantly to the agricultural, industrial, and transport sectors of our economy,” she says.
Insights and Analysis
The Mississippi River and its many tributaries are a powerful example of the power of nature. Together, they provide a vast source of transportation, recreation, and energy that benefits millions of people in the United States. The ecological and economic importance of these rivers is hard to overstate, providing habitat for countless species of plants and animals, and jobs for countless workers. By understanding and appreciating the power of the Mississippi River and its tributaries, we can better manage these invaluable resources for the benefit of future generations.
Mississippi River Basin
The Mississippi River Basin is the fourth largest drainage basin in the world, encompassing over 1.2 million square miles. The basin includes all of the states that border the Mississippi, as well as parts of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee. Within the basin are countless tributaries, rivers, streams, and creeks, all of which contribute to the Mighty Mississippi.
Impact of Pollution
The pollution of the Mississippi River, and its tributaries, is a major environmental issue. Over the years, pollution from sewage, agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and oil and gas pipelines has accumulated in the river, leading to eutrophication, algal blooms, dead zones, and other problems. In addition, these pollutants can travel downstream and impact the ecology of the Gulf of Mexico.
Solutions for Pollution
In recent years, there have been a number of efforts to reduce the pollution in the Mississippi River and its many tributaries. These efforts range from sewage treatment plants to buffers strips along agricultural fields. However, the most effective solution is for every person to do their part and reduce the amount of pollution they release into the environment. By doing so, we can ensure that the Mighty Mississippi and its tributaries are healthy and able to provide the ecological and economic benefits we all rely on.
Forestry Management
Forests are a vital part of the Mississippi River Basin’s ecology, providing important habitat for countless species of plants and animals. Unfortunately, the basin’s forests are increasingly threatened by deforestation and land conversion, leading to significant losses in habitat. To protect and restore the basin’s forests, conservation strategies will need to be put into place, such as reforestation, improved forest management, and establishment of land conservation areas.
Mitigation of Climate Change
Climate change is a major threat to the Mississippi River Basin and its many tributaries. Warmer temperatures, hurricanes, and droughts are all expected to increase in frequency and severity in coming decades. To mitigate these threats, the basin’s stakeholders will need to work together to reduce emissions, protect coastal areas, and develop strategies to adapt to the changing climate.
Restoration of Wetlands
Wetlands are an important part of the Mississippi River Basin’s ecology, providing important habitat for wildlife and protecting against flooding. Unfortunately, this precious resource is threatened by agricultural runoff, pollution, and coastal development. To restore and preserve the basin’s wetlands, conservation groups are working to identify and protect wetland areas, restore wetlands that have been damaged, and create buffer zones around basin wetlands.
