Relevance of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is a vital source of water, food and transport for the states of the USA. This highly navigable river is one of the most important inland waterway systems for both America and the world. According to the National Park Service, over 500 million tons of cargo moving to and from the US alone is transported annually on the Mississippi river. This river is also the prime source of the disposal of the country’s waste – the Mississippi plays a huge role in the nation’s economy, environment and society.
Stretching from Minnesota to the Louisiana Delta
The Mississippi River originates in Lake Itasca of Minnesota and stretches south to the Louisville Delta located in Louisiana. Although the river may appear to be relatively short on a map, it is part of the largest river system in all of America, covering some 2,500 miles. The average depth of the river reaches 10 feet and starts in the early spring with conditions that dramatically change during the warm summer months.
Role of the River in American History
The Mississippi River has an extensive history in the United States. Native Americans first populated the area around the river regions. Europeans began settling in much of the area during the 1800s, marking the start of what would be an immense population shift in America. Moreover, the Mississippi River has been of tremendous interest to many US presidents, statesmen and politicians, who have proposed and implemented changes to the rivers’ paths, banks and accessibility for the national good. For example, U.S. President John F. Kennedy signed the National Environmental Policy Act in 1969, which addressed the need for more effective national environmental control.
Economic and Social Benefits of the Mississippi
The Mississippi River provides ships with access to almost any US state, which allows for tremendous economic advantages. This allows for lower costs in transportation which, in turn, allows for a greater variety of products to be sold to the consumers of the countries the river serves. Additionally, the river is used for energy production. It serves as a source of power for large factories and other industrial giants that are found along the Mississippi River.
Additionally, the Mississippi River has also served as an essential aspect of social life on the continent. Native Americans used the river as a means of transport, communication and trading, which helped excavate villages and cultivate a particular lifestyle. The river served as a residential area, as tribes built their homes along the riverbanks. It’s perhaps no surprise that the river is linked to so many important American cultural milestones such as the blues and the literature.
What City Does the Mississippi River End In?
The Mississippi River ends in Louisiana at the Louisville Delta. This region is located about 85 miles below the twelfth largest city in the country, New Orleans. Louisville is also the oldest city in Louisiana and was founded in 1718 by French explorers. The river is then divided into three main streams in Louisville: the Mississippi, the Atchafalaya, and the Red River. Each of these streams have distinct roles that are important to the area and to the entire continent. The Atchafalaya is the only major distributor of fresh water in the area, while the Red River empties into the Gulf of Mexico.
Effects of Climate Change on the River
The Mississippi River is greatly affected by climate change. According to recent estimates, global warming has already caused drastic changes to the river’s course, with the increasing demand for agricultural land in the area impacting the river’s flow. As temperatures rise, so does the amount of water evaporation from the river. This factor has been proven to significantly affect the ecology of the area by changing the water’s course and eliminating aquatic vegetation. Furthermore, rising river levels have led to flooding and destruction of the homes and businesses of the people living in and along the river.
Additionally, reports from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have found that the Mississippi River has seen an increase in the number of tropical storms, floods and prolonged periods of drought. This has caused further destruction to the economy and the environment, with agricultural areas suffering as crops fail to keep up with the changing climate.
Preventative Measures to Protect the Mississippi River
In order to protect the Mississippi River, numerous preventative measures have been implemented. The US government has recently begun to prioritize the river’s conservation and reconstruction. This ranges from winter protection of wildlife and fish, to extending policies that tackle the effects of global warming and climate change. In addition, the US government has recently proposed to increase the size of the navigation locks and dams, to promote the sustainable and healthy initiative of commercial navigation.
Furthermore, the government has implemented numerous policies and regulations that restrict the use of chemicals and hazardous materials in and near the Mississippi River. This is to protect the environment, preserve the delicate balance of aquatic ecosystems and reduce the amount of wastewater and toxins entering the river.
Conclusion of Using Alternative Energy Sources
The heightened awareness of the consequences of global warming and climate change has led to an increased emphasis on the use of alternative energy sources to power businesses and factories that are located along the river. This has reduced the amount of pollutants entering the river and has had a positive effect on the environment and the inhabitants of the area.
Additionally, the US government has implemented numerous environmental initiatives to promote the preservation of the river, from the protection of migrating aquatic species to the introduction of regulations that limit the amount of pollutants that are allowed to enter the river. This has had a positive effect on the health of the ecosystem of the area.
