Mississippi River: Flow Through Countries
The mighty Mississippi River has been shaping the US for hundreds of years, with its powerful flow of waters carving up its contours and leaving its mark on the country. But how far does the river stretch and what countries does the Mississippi river flow through?
The Mississippi river is the fourth-longest river and tenth most powerful in the world and spans a total of 2,530 miles. The river flows through ten of the states, as well as two other countries – Canada and Mexico. The river begins in Lake Itasca in Minnesota and ends in the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way, the Mississippi passes through several states and two countries.
In the US, the Mississippi River flows through Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Water from the northern parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin meet in the northwestern parts of Wisconsin and form the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Then it flows south, past the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul in Minnesota, then Dubuque and Davenport in Iowa. Further downstream, Des Moines and Keokuk in Iowa are passed before crossing into Illinois. Here, the Mississippi flows by cities such as Rock Island, Alton, Hannibal — made famous by author Mark Twain — and Cairo, at the junction of the Ohio River.
Beyond this point, the Mississippi skirts the edges of Missouri, through St. Louis, before dipping into Arkansas and turning east. In Arkansas, the Mississippi passes by cities like Vicksburg and Greenville and flows into Mississippi, where it passes between the Yazoo River and the state of Louisiana. Finally, the river continues south, through Nachez, Baton Rouge and finally into the Gulf of Mexico.
The Mississippi River is also an international river, flowing into two separate countries. First, it enters the Canadian province of Ontario before crossing over the Great Lakes and into the Eastern seaboard of the US. Here, the river continues south through Minnesota and into Wisconsin, before entering Mexico. In Mexico, the river flows as a tributary of the Rio Grande for a few miles, past the town of Eagle Pass, before merging with the Rio Grande.
Today, the Mississippi is regarded as one of the most important economic, cultural, and natural resources in the US. As well as providing water and food to the surrounding states, the river also provides a link between the many towns, cities, and states it passes through.
How the Mississippi River is Used
The Mississippi is more than just a river, providing both advantages and disadvantages for those who live and work along its banks. On the one hand, the river provides transportation for those who wish to travel up and down the US from the Midwest to the Gulf Coast; the Mississippi Delta covers an area of more than 40,000 square miles, making it the largest river-bourne delta in the US.
In addition, the Mississippi River provides a natural resource for fishing, farming, and recreational activities such as boating and swimming. The river is home to many rare species of fish and birds, as well as being an important stop-over for migratory birds. The importance of the Mississippi River to the local environment has prompted many conservation organizations to campaign for better protection of the river and its wildlife.
The Mississippi River also provides an important resource for industry. The river has long been used as a transport route for shipping goods around the US, and many factories and power plants are located along its banks. The major cities of Minneapolis and St. Louis sit close to the river, as do smaller towns and cities, making the river an important economic driver for the surrounding areas.
However, while the Mississippi River has many benefits, it is important to remember that with these benefits come a number of risks. Pollution from industrial plants, agricultural runoff, and runoff from cities has had a major effect on the river and its wildlife, creating an imbalance in the local eco-system. In addition, flooding is an ever-present threat, as the Mississippi has experienced some catastrophic floods in recent years, leading to extensive damage and disruption for those living along the banks.
Impact of Human Activity on the Mississippi River
Human activity has had a major influence on the flow and shape of the Mississippi river. Since the early 19th century, engineers have sought to control the river in order to make it more navigable and reduce the risk of flooding. As a result, the US Army Corps of Engineers has built thousands of miles of levees, sandbars, and dams in an effort to protect farms and towns near the Mississippi, while also improving its navigability.
The modifications to the river have affected its course, with the North and South forks meeting downstream of St. Louis, rather than at the same point as before. In addition, some of the tributaries of the Mississippi, such as the Missouri River, have been rerouted. As a result, the volume of water flowing in the Mississippi has increased, leading to the river getting wider in some places, while also getting deeper and slower in other places.
The impact of human activity on the Mississippi has not always been positive. While the levees and dams help to protect property from flooding, they also increase the amount of water in the river, leading to higher flood levels up and downstream. In addition, the dams and levees disturb the natural flow of the river, creating stagnant pools in some parts of the river and reducing the amount of oxygen available in the water, which in turn affects the number and variety of fish species that are able to live in the water.
Effect of Climate Change on the Mississippi
In recent years, climate change has become a major factor in shaping the flow of the Mississippi River. As temperatures around the world increase, the rate at which the ice and snow around the Mississippi melts rises and more water enters the river. This causes the rate of flow to increase, leading to higher flood levels up and downstream and more severe floods in extreme cases.
In addition, climate change has led to an increase in the average temperature of the water in the Mississippi. Warmer water can cause oxygen levels to become depleted, and can lead to an increase in the number of invasive species, such as Asian carp, which can disrupt the river’s eco-system. Furthermore, higher temperatures can cause droughts, which in turn can lead to an increased risk of flooding.
The changing climate also affects water levels in the river, with the amount of water in the river decreasing during dry spells, and increasing during wet periods. This can lead to an increased risk of flooding, as well as having a major effect on navigation and transport, as some parts of the river may become too shallow or too wide for ships and barges to pass through.
Preservation of the Mississippi River
Both the US government and various volunteer organizations are working hard to preserve the Mississippi River and protect it from further degradation. The US Army Corps of Engineers is working on projects to improve the river’s navigation and to reduce the risk of flooding, while many non-profits and NGOs are working on conservation and preservation projects, such as re-establishing natural habitats, restoring wetlands, and controlling invasive species.
The US government is also investing in research into the effects of climate change on the river, and is working on ways to reduce its impacts. This includes introducing measures to reduce fertilizer use, as well as investing in clean energy sources and better wastewater treatment. In addition, there are plans to reduce the number of dams and levees along the Mississippi, which would help to restore the natural flow of the river and reduce the number of floods that occur along its banks.
The Mississippi River is one of the most important natural resources in the US, and it is important that it is protected and preserved for future generations. Through the combined efforts of the US government and citizens, it is hoped that the Mississippi will continue to be a source of life and vitality for all those who depend upon its waters.
Effect of Climate Change on the Wildlife in the Mississippi
Climate change has had a major impact on the wildlife living in and around the Mississippi River. As temperatures around the world increase and water levels in the river change, many species of fish, birds, and mammals have been put at risk.
Many species of fish living in the Mississippi River, such as bass, carp, catfish, and perch, are vulnerable to changes in water temperature, as well as fluctuations in water levels. In particular, drought can have a major impact, as the lower levels of water make it harder for fish to find food and shelter in the river. Moreover, when floods occur, the sudden increase in water levels can damage the habitats of the fish, and can lead to the death of fishes due to displacement.
The Mississippi River is also home to many species of birds, such as ducks, geese, herons, and pelicans. Changes in water levels can cause the birds to lose their habitats, as well as making it harder for them to find food. In addition, some birds, such as eagles and owls, are vulnerable to changes in water temperature and fluctuations in water levels, as these can disrupt their mating and nesting patterns.
Climate change has also had a major impact on the mammals living in the Mississippi River. As the water levels in the river change, many species of mammals, such as beavers and river otters, are forced to migrate to find more suitable habitats. In addition, changes in water temperature can lead to a decrease in the number of fish living in the river, which in turn can limit the food supply for mammals such as muskrats and mink, who rely on the river’s fish.
Preserving the Wildlife in the Mississippi
The US government and volunteer organizations are working to protect the wildlife in and around the Mississippi River, in order to ensure the survival of existing species, as well as preserving the river’s ecosystem as a whole. As part of this effort, the US government is investing in research into the effects of climate change on the wildlife, as well as in conservation projects designed to protect the habitats of vulnerable species.
In addition, many non-profit organizations are working to raise awareness of the plight of endangered species, and are carrying out campaigns to encourage citizens to join the fight to protect the wildlife of the Mississippi. These efforts include educational campaigns, volunteer events, and fundraising efforts. As well as helping to protect the existing wildlife, these campaigns also raise awareness of the importance of the Mississippi River’s ecosystem, and the need to preserve it for future generations.
The Mississippi River is a vital and diverse ecosystem, and it is essential that we take action to protect the wildlife living in and around it. By working together, we can ensure that this unique and precious resource is preserved for future generations to enjoy.
