Source and History
The first connection between the Mississippi River and Lake Michigan was a short segment of the Chicago Ship and Sanitary Canal, built in 1892 by the United States Army Corps of Engineers.The canal is located in northeast Illinois, between the Mississippi River and Lake Michigan, and is 27-miles long.The purpose of the canal was to protect Chicago’s water supply, preventing river water from seeping into the lake.The canal also provided an economic benefit, allowing ships and barges to travel directly between the Mississippi and Lake Michigan.
River Salinity
A key factor that connects the Mississippi River and Lake Michigan is salinity. The incoming waters of the Mississippi River have a salinity rating of approximately 12–16 parts per thousand, while Lake Michigan’s is 3–5 parts per thousand. This means that as the Mississippi flows into Lake Michigan, the lake’s salinity decreases. The decrease in salinity is especially pronounced in the Chicago River, leading to the creation of two distinct ecosystems.
Ecosystem Connections
The Mississippi River and Lake Michigan are connected, not just through water salinity, but also through their ecosystems. The river’s ecosystem is home to a diverse range of species, from carp and blue catfish to paddlefish, sturgeon and freshwater mussels. Emigrating species, such as the lake sturgeon, move from the lake to the river in the spring to spawn. On the other hand, some species such as the paddlefish and freshwater mussels, emigrate from the river to the lake in the summer to feed. The connection between the two ecosystems provides a crucial source of food and shelter for a range of species.
The Role of the Chicago Ship and Sanitary Canal
The Chicago Ship and Sanitary Canal plays a key role in maintaining the balance between the two ecosystems. The canal helps to prevent the Mississippi’s higher salinity waters from overwhelming the lake’s lower salinity waters. It also allows native species like the sturgeon, paddlefish and mussels to complete their annual migrations between the two bodies of water.
Pollution Challenges
The connection between the Mississippi River and Lake Michigan can be threatened by pollution from urban runoff and agricultural activities. Runoff from cities and farms carries sediment and pollutants such as pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers into the lake and river. These pollutants can damage the delicate ecosystems, leading to a decrease in ecosystem health and species numbers.
Conservation Efforts
Conservation organizations are working to protect the connection between the Mississippi River and Lake Michigan. These organizations are pushing for new policies to prevent urban runoff and agricultural pollution from entering the lake and river. They are also working to restore damaged habitats and advocate for improved land and water management practices.
Involvement of Scientists
Scientists are playing an important role in understanding the connection between the two bodies of water. They are analyzing the water quality and ecology of the Chicago Ship and Sanitary Canal, as well as studying species migration patterns and other environmental changes. By examining the effects of pollution and changes in water salinity, scientists are helping to protect the delicate balance between the Mississippi River and Lake Michigan.
Cultural Relevance
The connection between the Mississippi River and Lake Michigan has been recognized by Native American tribes, who have long called the lake and river their home. Tribes have passed down stories, songs and traditions to honor the connection and remember the importance of protecting it.
Economic Impact
The connected ecosystems of the Mississippi River and Lake Michigan also provide economic benefits to the region. The connection allows ships and barges to easily move goods between bodies of water, stimulating regional economic activity. The ecosystems are also an important source of food and water, providing essential resources for the local population.
Geographical Proximity
The physical connection between the Mississippi River and Lake Michigan is a result of their close geographical proximity. The two lakes are only about 200 miles apart, connected by a short stretch of the Chicago Ship and Sanitary Canal. The canal has enabled ships, barges and people to move easily between the two bodies of water for over a century.
Climate Change Effects
The changing global climate is having an effect on the connection between the Mississippi River and Lake Michigan. Climate change is leading to increases in extreme weather events, such as storms and floods, which can have a dramatic impact on the ecosystems. Higher temperatures are also reducing the amount of oxygen in the lake and river, creating changes in water quality and species numbers.
Ongoing Monitoring
In order to protect the connection between the Mississippi River and Lake Michigan, it is important to monitor their ecosystems on an ongoing basis. Scientists are using a variety of tools, including satellite imagery and advanced monitoring systems, to examine the lake and river’s water quality and species populations. By tracking changes in the environment, they are helping to protect the fragile connection between the two bodies of water.
Urban Expansion
The connection between the Mississippi River and Lake Michigan faces a threat from urban expansion. The growing cities in both Illinois and Wisconsin are expanding their boundaries, leading to an increase in urban runoff and pollution. Urban runoff can degrade ecosystems and lead to conflicts with species such as the lake sturgeon, which depend on the connected river and lake for their migratory patterns.
Industrial Pollution
Industrial pollution is also a growing concern for the connection between the two bodies of water. The manufacturing industry produces a range of pollutants and toxic chemicals that can have a devastating effect on ecosystems. Industries located near the river and lake are required to adhere to strict pollution regulations, but there is still a risk of industrial pollutants entering the water and damaging the connected ecosystems.
Government Involvement
The government plays an important role in protecting the connection between the Mississippi River and Lake Michigan. State and federal governments have enacted a range of laws and regulations to protect the environment, control pollution and promote sustainable practices. Government agencies are also working to improve land and water management, reduce urban runoff and promote research into the effects of climate change.
