Overview
The mighty Mississippi River is one of the longest rivers in the world and is a powerful force in the North American landscape. As one of the primary water sources for millions of people and many species of plant and animal life, the Mississippi and its tributaries play an important role in the cultural and economic well-being of the continent. The two primary tributaries of the Mississippi are the Ohio and Missouri Rivers. Together, they produce an incredible amount of water and generate a sizable portion of the total volume of the mighty Mississippi.
The Ohio River
Located in the midwestern United States, the Ohio River is one of the largest tributaries of the Mississippi. It originates in the Appalachian Mountains and flows westward to the Mississippi. It is bordered by the states of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois. Along its route, the river touches several major cities including Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Louisville, and Evansville. It has a total length of 1,634 miles and is the second largest river in the United States.
The Ohio River is the primary source of water for Pittsburgh and Cincinnati, providing drinking water and water for industry. It is also home to a number of fish species, including catfish, bass, carp, and anadromous fish such as sturgeon and paddlefish, making it an important recreational area for fishing and water sports. The river is home to a variety of other animals, including numerous birds, turtles, and several species of endangered manatees, making it an important animal habitat.
The Missouri River
The Missouri River is the longest tributary of the Mississippi, stretching for 2,341 miles from its source in Montana before joining the Mississippi in Missouri. It is the sixth-longest river in the world. Primarily located between Montana and the Dakotas, the Missouri River is a vital water source not only for the Mississippi, but also for many towns and states along its route.
In addition to providing drinking water, the Missouri River is important to local economy and culture. A number of cities and towns are located along its route, and the river supports a variety of recreational activities. It is a popular destination for kayaking, white water rafting, and fishing, as well as providing habitat for a variety of wild animals. The Missouri is also important to the energy industry, providing energy to more than 500,000 households through hydroelectric power.
Effects on the Mississippi
The Ohio and Missouri Rivers are two of the most important tributaries of the mighty Mississippi. Together, they provide a major portion of the water volume to the Mississippi River, making them major contributors to the country in terms of water infrastructure, industry, and recreation. The two rivers are also important for providing important habitats for plant and animal species, especially endangered species in some areas.
The value of the two rivers to the Mississippi becomes especially evident during flooding. During the great flood of 1993, for instance, the two rivers spared the Mississippi from much of the damage that would have otherwise occurred. The Ohio and Missouri Rivers also help to keep the Mississippi River relatively stable, preventing it from becoming too high and posing a danger to nearby communities.
Environmental Impact
The Ohio and Missouri Rivers are both important to the environment, playing a significant role in preventing flooding and providing important habitats for a number of species. But they also come with some environmental concerns. In some parts of their routes, the two rivers are polluted, leading to significant declines in the health of the fish and wildlife that inhabit the rivers. And, due to dams and other obstructions, the rivers have been cut off from the Mississippi, preventing essential nutrients and species from moving freely through the watershed.
Solutions
There are a number of solutions for the environmental issues posed by the Ohio and Missouri Rivers. Organizations and governments can work together to clean up pollution in the rivers and work to build environmental mitigation measures to ensure that the fish, animals, and other species living in the rivers are safe and thriving. Additionally, officials can work to remove or open up the man-made obstructions that prevent the flow of species and nutrients between the two rivers and the Mississippi.
Protection
In addition to environmental solutions, the Ohio and Missouri Rivers need to be protected from commercial and industrial development. In recent years, efforts have been made to protect more of the rivers from development, and more steps need to be taken. Regulations limiting industrial and agricultural activities near the rivers as well as zoning laws limiting development in sensitive areas can help to protect the two rivers and the Mississippi.
Conservation
Along with protection, the Ohio and Missouri Rivers need to be conserved. Conserving the two rivers involves using sustainable practices and restoring ecosystems and habitats along their routes. This includes replanting native vegetation and protecting water sources in order to restore the rivers to their former glory and ensure that they can continue to provide an important resource to the region for years to come.
Education and Awareness
Finally, education and awareness are essential for protecting and preserving the Ohio and Missouri Rivers. Local communities and school systems can take steps to educate the public about the importance of the two rivers, why they are essential to the region, and how they can help protect and conserve them. Additionally, collaboration between politicians, businesses, and other stakeholders can help to bring increased awareness of the importance of the two rivers.
Recreation
Along with providing a valuable resource for transportation and hydropower, the Ohio and Missouri Rivers are important recreational areas. They provide access to numerous fishing and water sport activities, and are great destinations for locals and visitors alike. There are numerous boating and camping opportunities along the two rivers, as well as numerous recreational parks and other attractions.
Impacts on Local Communities
In addition to providing recreational opportunities and physical resources, the Ohio and Missouri Rivers have an important impact on local communities. The rivers are a major source of livelihood for many, from providing jobs in the fishing, tourism, and transportation industries, to providing drinking and irrigation water to local businesses and homes. Additionally, the rivers provide a sense of place and community, connecting people in a profound way and reminding them of the importance of the two rivers to their lives.
Conclusion
The Ohio and Missouri Rivers are two of the most important tributaries of the mighty Mississippi. They provide an incredible amount of water and generate a sizable portion of the total volume of the Mississippi River. In addition to providing transportation and energy, the two rivers are essential to the environment, providing essential habitats for plant and animal species, and providing recreational opportunities. In order for the two rivers to remain healthy and sustainable, protection, conservation, and education and awareness must all be part of the equation.
