The Mississippi River is one of the most iconic and important waterways in the United States. It starts in northern Minnesota and takes close to 2400 miles of meandering through the central portion of the United States before depositing over 600 million metric tons of fresh water into the Gulf of Mexico. Despite being one of the longest and widest rivers in North America, the Mississippi is actually a large system of rivers, streams, lakes and wetlands, all fed by three major tributaries: the Missouri, Ohio, and Arkansas Rivers.
The longest and widest of Mississippi’s three major tributaries, measuring an impressive 2,341 miles long and 660 miles wide, is the Missouri River. This majestic waterway begins in the mountains of Montana and winds through eight states before joining the Mississippi in St. Louis, Missouri. The Missouri River boasts a wide variety of wildlife, including fish and migratory birds, providing simple and complex food chains that stretch across much of the nation. It also supports around 57 species of fish, more than any other tributary in the Mississippi watershed.
The Ohio River is the second major tributary in the Mississippi Valley. This 981-mile-long waterway is the largest tributary to the Mississippi by volume. It begins in the Appalachian Mountains, passes through three states and finally joins the Mississippi River in Southern Illinois. It provides habitat for around 140 species of fish, making it an important resource for local fisheries and recreational activities. In addition, it is utilized for commercial navigation, providing an easy pathway for vessels to transport goods from upriver industries.
The third major tributary to the Mississippi is the Arkansas River. This amazing river runs 1,469 miles long, making it the longest tributary of the Mississippi River by about 400 miles. It begins in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, flows through Oklahoma and joins the Mississippi River in Arkansas. This river is a valuable resource for millions of local residents, providing a source of clean drinking water, a habitat for native species, and hydroelectric power.
Taken together, the three major tributaries of the Mississippi River provide a tremendous value to the people and wildlife of the United States. Their interconnectedness creates a waterway that is an integral part of American culture and commerce. Each tributary brings its own unique contributions to the greater Mississippi system.
Hydropower Potential
As the three rivers join the Mississippi, they are subjected to extremely strong currents and states of flux, creating ample potential to produce hydroelectric power through the construction of appropriate dams. From the Great Plains to the Appalachian Mountains, states have taken advantage of the Missouri, Ohio, and Arkansas Rivers to build dams that generate electricity for hundreds of thousands of residents across the nation. Additionally, many agricultural authorities use the Mississippi River to irrigate vast fields of crops, providing food to the nation and helping bolster the economy.
Aside from hydropower and irrigation, the Missouri, Ohio, and Arkansas Rivers help to reduce water shortages throughout the nation. They provide an integral source of clean drinking water to locals, and help ensure adequate levels of water in areas that would otherwise be prone to drought. This combined with other effects of the Missippi watershed have been vital to the development and refinement of America’s economy and lifestyle.
Environment Impact
The three major tributaries of the Mississippi River have had a great, albeit at times damaging, impact on the environment. The construction of so many dams, for example, has altered the path of the rivers and disrupted the natural environment. Many species have struggled to adapt to the resulting conditions, and have in some cases even disappeared, while others have flourished. In addition, nitrogen and phosphate runoff from agricultural practices have caused pollution in certain areas of the watershed, resulting in the decline of fish populations and an increase of algal blooms.
Despite the environmental hazards the Mississippi River presents, there have been attempts to minimize the damage caused by human activity. Conservationists have argued for stricter regulations on the use of water and the limiting of certain polluting agents. In addition, the removal of some outdated dams has helped to reduce the risk of flooding in some areas of the watershed. Still, much more must be done to ensure that human activity does not severely damage this precious resource.
Flood Control and Management
The power of floodwaters from the Mississippi River and its tributaries is enough to reshape the landscape and disrupt human activities, yet the river has long been an essential resource for water based travel, trade and industry. As such, it has been necessary to regulate and manage floodwaters from the river’s three major tributaries. This is done by constructing levees along the banks of the rivers, which serve to contain the water within their designated limits.
Additionally, various forms of flood control measures have been developed over the years. In some areas, the building of dams and locks has been used to regulate the flow of floodwaters, while in other areas, the relocation of certain areas has been necessary. In any case, it is important that all parts of the Mississippi watershed work together to ensure maximum flood control.
The Missouri, Ohio and Arkansas Rivers are crucial for the navigation of vessels along the Mississippi. The deepness, width and slow runners of these tributaries, have provided key linking nodes for domestic and international commerce since the early days of the republic. The United States army Corps of Engineers are responsible for the creation of channels and canals for the purpose of navigation. These different improvements have allowed for increased traffic of vessels plying the river and its tributaries. This has been critical for the inter-regional communication and hence the trade and commerce it has enabled.
Major cities, including Memphis, New Orleans, St. Louis, and many others, have also evolved around the Mississippi River and its tributaries. The multitude of businesses that have sprouted up around these rivers depend heavily on their waters and resources, providing considerable economic activity and generating thousands of jobs. The effects of the three rivers and their accompanying commerce, however, can be felt throughout the United States, as the goods are not limited to those within the immediate area.
Recreation
Aside from commerce, a significant portion of the population views the three major tributaries of the Mississippi River as a source of recreation. From bass fishing in the Missouri to canoeing in the Arkansas, people flock to the many recreational activities these waterways can offer. The Ohio River is especially popular for its extensive system of lakes, providing plentiful opportunities for watercraft activities. It is estimated that millions of tourists from around the world visit these three major tributaries annually, making a significant contribution to the economies of almost half of the United States.
As the three major tributaries of the Mississippi River join to become one of America’s most iconic rivers, their combined waters can serve as powerful symbols for countries around the world. From commerce to recreation, the Missouri, Ohio and Arkansas Rivers – and their integration into the Mississippi system – offer a unique opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of the American landscape and consider the intersections of the many cultures and interests that make the United States truly unique.
