What are three tributaries of the Mississippi River?
The Mississippi River is a critical geographic river system that drains 31 U.S. states and 2 Canadian provinces. It is the fourth longest river in the world and is known as the Father of Waters. Everywhere it flows it has an incredible impact on the culture and environment of the regions it passes through. This is due to its many tributaries, which form the Mississippi River’s massive watershed that drains 40% of the United States. Here we will explore three of the Mississippi River’s critical tributaries: the Ohio River, the Missouri River and the Arkansas River.
The Ohio River
The Ohio River is the largest of the Mississippi River’s tributaries and one of the most important rivers in all of North America. Measuring 981 miles in length and flowing through or along the borders of six states, the Ohio River covers an area of roughly 207,000 square kilometres. It begins in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and then carries its waters through the states of Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Illinois before finally joining the Mississippi River in Cairo, Illinois.
Numerous other rivers make their way into the Ohio River, such as the Kentucky River and the Kanawha River. The water volume of the Ohio River plays a significant role in the cultural, economic, and ecological environment of the region. Dozens of cities, such as Pittsburgh and Cincinnati, have grown up along the river due to its navigability, its supply of water for industry, and its natural resources.
The Missouri River
The Missouri River is the longest of the Mississippi’s tributaries. Spanning 2,341 miles, the Missouri River begins as two forks in Montana and winds its way through six other U.S. states – North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas,Iowa and Missouri – before joining the Mississippi at St. Louis. This massive river system touches the lives of millions of people, providing agricultural irrigation and drinking water, flood control and recreation.
The Missouri River has 21 major tributaries and the waterway drains approximately 530,000 square miles, which is around one-sixth of the total area of the United States. From the massive Missouri River come some of the country’s most iconic creatures, including the American bald eagle, the bull trout, and the pallid sturgeon.
The Arkansas River
The Arkansas River is the second-longest tributary of the Mississippi. It flows 1,469 miles, beginning in Colorado and traveling east across the state before then entering Arkansas and eventually flowing into the Mississippi. Although much smaller than its fellow tributaries, the Arkansas River features a significant number of dams, reservoirs and locks along its course and is an important provider of fresh water resources and recreational opportunities. It also serves as a vital transportation system for the region; providing barge traffic, channel dredging, and other services.
The Arkansas River is not just a pass-through, however. It is home to numerous fish and wildlife, including the black-crowned night heron, the Arkansas river shiner, the goldeye, and the Arkansas Kingfisher. Additionally, the water of the Arkansas River provides an essential habitat for some 58 native fish species and is an important spawning ground for many migrating fish species.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is not only the fourth longest river in the world, it’s also home to some of the most amazing biodiversity in the United States, much of which is attributed to its tributaries. These three crucial tributaries – the Ohio River, the Missouri River, and the Arkansas River – each offer different delights and resources to travelers, inhabitants and wildlife they pass through.
