Tributaries of the Mississippi River
The mighty Mississippi River is widely renowned as one of the major waterways of the world and a primary source of water for much of the United States. It covers more than a million miles across the Great Plains and runs through 10 different states. One of the most impressive features of the river is its numerous tributaries, which are made up of several thousand bodies of water.
The three main tributaries of the Mississippi River are the Missouri River, the Ohio River, and the Arkansas River. Each of these rivers has its own unique characteristics, and each of them serves a specific purpose within the larger Mississippi River watershed. Read on to learn more about the three major tributaries of the Mississippi.
Missouri River
The Missouri River is the longest of the three tributaries and is responsible for carrying a large percentage of the Mississippi’s water. It originates in the Rocky Mountains and flows through Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri before emptying into the Mississippi at St. Louis, Missouri. The Missouri River is an important source of irrigation, transportation, and energy.
The Missouri River is home to many species of fish and wildlife, including salmon, steelhead, various species of trout, bald eagles, and osprey. In addition to its recreational uses, the Missouri River is an important source of water for large cities like St. Louis and Kansas City, Missouri, as well as industries, farms, and other entities.
Ohio River
The Ohio River originates in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and runs through five states before emptying into the Mississippi River near Cairo, Illinois. The river is home to a variety of fish, including carp, walleye, muskellunge, and smallmouth bass. It is an important source of water for industries, farms, and schools in five states.
The Ohio River is also an important transportation route, as many of the materials necessary for the operation of industries in the Midwest are transported on the river. In addition, the Ohio River is a popular recreational spot, offering a variety of activities, including boating, fishing, and swimming.
Arkansas River
The Arkansas River is one of the most important tributaries of the Mississippi, supplying water to the states of Arkansas and Oklahoma. Originating in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, it flows through those two states before emptying into the Mississippi near Vicksburg, Mississippi. The Arkansas River is an important source of irrigation and a primary transportation route, as well as an important source of recreation.
The Arkansas River is also home to a variety of species of fish and wildlife, including largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, shad, bluegill, sunfish, and catfish. In addition, the Arkansas River is a popular destination for recreational activities, such as fishing, swimming, boating, and camping.
Impacts of Tributaries on the Mississippi River
The three main tributaries of the Mississippi have a significant impact on the overall health of the Mississippi River. Not only do the tributaries provide fresh water and nutrients necessary for the survival of fish, birds, and other wildlife that inhabit the river, but they also provide recreational opportunities for millions of people every year.
In addition, the tributaries provide an important source of irrigation and electricity. They are also vital for transportation, as many of the materials necessary for the operation of industries in the Midwest are transported on these tributaries. Finally, the tributaries provide an important source of water for large cities like St. Louis and Kansas City, Missouri.
Tributaries’ Impact on Climate Change
Overall, the health of the Mississippi River and its tributaries is critical to the health of the entire region. Each of the tributaries is essential for maintaining the balance of life in the region, as they provide clean water and nutrients, which are necessary for the survival of local fish, birds, and other wildlife.
The tributaries of the Mississippi have also been affected by climate change. Rising temperatures have caused the water levels in these tributaries to decline, leading to habitat loss and water quality deterioration, both of which can have adverse effects on the local wildlife and their habitat.
Protection of the Tributaries
In order to ensure that the tributaries of the Mississippi remain healthy and robust, the US government has put in place numerous laws and regulations. These laws and regulations aim to protect the health and integrity of the tributaries, which are vital to the health of the entire river system.
In addition, organizations such as the US Fish & Wildlife Service and the Environmental Protection Agency have implemented initiatives to help protect and restore the tributaries. This includes programs such as the Streamkeeper Initiative, which works to improve the water quality of the tributaries, and the Water Watch Program, which monitors water levels and water quality in the tributaries.
Human Interventions in the Tributaries
The human influence on the tributaries of the Mississippi River cannot be denied. Many of the activities that humans have engaged in, such as logging, mining, and chemical spills, have had a negative impact on the health of the tributaries. In order to protect the tributaries, humans must be aware of the impact of their activities and take steps to minimize the negative effects that these activities can have on the environment.
In addition, organizations such as the federal government and the Environmental Protection Agency have implemented initiatives to protect the tributaries, such as the Clean Water Act and the National Coastal Zone Management Plan. By implementing these and other initiatives, humans can help ensure that the tributaries remain healthy, vibrant, and productive.
Sustainable Development on Tributaries
The tributaries of the Mississippi River hold an immense potential for sustainable development and economic growth. In recent years, there has been an increased focus on developing renewable energy sources such as hydropower, as well as on creating recreational and tourism opportunities along the tributaries.
The government of the United States has also put in place various initiatives to protect and restore the tributaries. This includes programs such as the Streamkeeper Initiative, which works to improve the water quality of the tributaries, and the Water Watch Program, which monitors water levels and water quality in the tributaries.
Preservation of the Tributaries
In order to ensure the long-term health and productivity of the tributaries of the Mississippi River, it is vital that humans take steps to protect and preserve the environment. This includes curbing the impact of human activities through the implementation of responsible management practices, as well as making use of renewable energy sources such as hydropower.
It also includes making use of innovative technologies such as GIS mapping and remote sensing to monitor the health of the tributaries and to identify potential areas of concern. By taking these steps, humans can help ensure that the tributaries remain healthy, vibrant, and productive for generations to come.
Conclusion
The tributaries of the Mississippi River are some of the greatest natural resources in the United States. They provide vital resources such as irrigation, energy, and transportation, as well as recreational opportunities for millions of people every year. By protecting and preserving the tributaries, humans can help ensure that the tributaries remain healthy, vibrant, and productive for generations to come.
