Introduction
The Mississippi River is the second-longest river in the United States. Spanning over 2,300 miles, it serves as the source of drinking water for more than 15 million people and just as many livelihoods. But, the question remains: what body of water does the Mississippi River flow into? The answer may surprise you.
Gulf of Mexico
The mighty Mississippi River ultimately empties into the Gulf of Mexico. This large body of water spans nearly 600,000 square miles and is bordered by Louisiana, Texas, and Mexico. With such an expansive area, the Gulf of Mexico is responsible for a variety of vital services, such as contributing to biogeochemical cycles and providing an ecosystem for local wildlife. Its importance to the United States is further solidified when exploring its influence on the Gulf Stream – a major surface current within the North Atlantic Ocean that affects weather patterns, fisheries, and other aspects.
Mississippi Delta
Between the city of New Orleans and the Gulf of Mexico lies the Mississippi Delta. Covering some 7,000 square miles, this region stretches from Tenessee to the head of the Gulf. Within these lands, a variety of wetlands, aquatic areas, woodlands, and grasslands are present. This space plays one of the most important roles in the entire Mississippi River system, acting as an area of deposition for the mud, sediments, and nutrients from the river. This helps to create the Mississippi Delta’s much-so highly sought-after environment for fishing, hunting, camping, and countless other recreation endeavors.
Riverboats
The importance of the Mississippi River stretches further than just its water. Many aspects of culture and business can be attributed to it, one such example being riverboats. Dating back to the 17th century, building and operating a boat on the Mississippi River offered a possible means of transportation, communication, and even defense through its length. Today, riverboats still remain a part of this immensely important body of water, allowing passengers to become seamlessly integrated into America’s largest river.
Ecological Impact
The Mississippi River and the body of water it flows into are highly intertwined. The Gulf of Mexico is directly influenced by the Mississippi River’s nutrient- and sediment-rich influx, the implications of which are both positive and negative. Beneficial aspects include fertilizing soil for agricultural usage, creating wetlands, and cultivating fish species and habitats. On the other hand, the interconnection has caused damage with higher levels of pollutants and eutrophication, both of which have caused massive die-offs of aquatic ecosystems and animal species.
Industrial Use
The importance of the Mississippi River is routinely echoed through its various uses. Agriculture, trade, and fishing are just a few of the responsibilities of this river, with the most productive use being related to the petrochemical industry in the Gulf of Mexico. Because the land-use of the four states surrounding the Gulf (Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama) has been dominated by petrochemical industries, oil and gas companies have taken advantage of the Mississippi River system as a means of access and transportation.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River influences many aspects of life along its shores and into the Gulf of Mexico. Changing the entire landscape of the American waterways, this river offers much to be desired while still maintaining its treacherous and dangerous aspects. By delivering goods and services, such as goods and resources, to citizens and providing habitats for wildlife, the Mississippi River is an integral part of life for those living in its vicinity.
