Mississippi River Background
The mighty Mississippi River is a major part of American culture. Once traversed and settled by tribes from all over the continent, the river meanders from its source in Lake Itasca, Minnesota, to its mouth in the Gulf of Mexico. Spanning a distance of 2,350 miles, the Mississippi River is the fourth-longest and seventh-largest river in the world by discharge volume. The river is home to over two hundred species of fish and to a variety of amphibians, reptiles, and mammals.
Not only is the Mississippi River the lifeblood of many species, but it provides a source of income, recreation, and culture to countless nearby communities. The barges that haul large quantities of goods from one place to another on sections of the Mississippi and its tributaries provide much-needed jobs in the agricultural and shipping industries. Local residents may also enjoy boating and fishing on the river, as well as nature watching and birding.
What Does the Mississippi River Look Like?
The Mississippi River is a large, powerful river that varies in width and depth over its 2,350-mile stretch. Its banks are steep in places and its current is swift. The river is constantly changing in size and shape, depending on the volume of water released from its various tributaries. The average width of the Mississippi River is around 1,000 to 3,000 feet, while the average depth of the river ranges from 6 to 30 feet.
Riverbank vegetation changes dramatically from one region to the next. The Mississippi River is lined by a variety of plants and flowers, including cottonwood, willow, sycamore, silver maple, alder, ash, and swamp+lupine. The edge of the river is also home to more exotic species such as pawpaw, wild lupines, magnolia, primrose, and cardinal flowers. The mighty Mississippi has been recognized for its abundance of wildlife, so you may even spot a rare bird or two during your exploration.
Role of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is important to many different industries and to the biodiversity of the continent. Besides providing a source of transportation along its various meandering tributaries and providing jobs in the agricultural and shipping industries, the Mississippi River helps to regulate the climate in the region it passes through. By providing a mechanism for storing and redistributing water, the Mississippi River helps to recharge groundwater resources, prevent drought conditions, and help control water levels upstream.
The Mississippi River also helps to sustain aquatic species of all kinds, both in its main channel and in its various backwaters. Its overall condition has improved since the 1950s, when industrial runoff and other pollutants spurred a decline in the number of fish species found there. Today, numerous fish populations have rebounded, providing food for wildlife and fishing opportunities for people alike.
Drawbacks of the Mississippi River
Despite the many benefits the Mississippi River provides to the environment, there are drawbacks associated with its existence. For one, the Mississippi is prone to frequent floods, which can devastate nearby communities and cause irreversible damage to their land. In addition, increased urbanization of the river’s banks has led to increased levels of sedimentation, as well as water pollution from runoff.
Geology Of The River
The geology of the Mississippi River is complex. The river has its source in the Laurentian Plateau, located in northern Ontario and Quebec, which determines the river’s course and its navigable channels. The Mississippi is fed by a wide variety of rivers, including the Missouri and Ohio Rivers in the United States, and the Ottawa, St. Lawrence, Red, Saskatchewan, and Yukon Rivers in Canada. It is divided into various tributaries which provide water, minerals, and nutrients to the main channel.
Environmental Impact Of The Mississippi River
The Mississippi River has a profound effect on the environment. Its waters can help to slow the effects of global warming by providing a cooling effect. The Mississippi is also home to a wide variety of aquatic species which benefit from its nutritious waters. In turn, this helps to increase biodiversity in the river and its ecosystems.
All of this has a trickle-down effect on the region and the continent. Wildlife, plants, and fish benefit from the healthy ecosystem, providing food for large and small animals. Wetlands and other areas of vegetation can also benefit greatly from the Mississippi’s waters, as they provide an important source of oxygen and other necessary elements.
Economical Impact Of The Mississippi River
From an economic standpoint, the Mississippi River is incredibly important to the region it runs through. The river provides transportation of goods all along its 2,350-mile stretch, allowing for job opportunities in the agricultural and shipping industries. It also serves as a source of electrical power and water for many plants in the region.
Fishing and recreational activities also benefit from the river’s presence. The Mississippi has been recognized for its ecological diversity, so there is much to explore if you’re interested in bird-watching, fishing, or simply enjoying the breathtaking views.
Role Of Human Impact On The River
The success of the Mississippi River is largely dependent on how humans interact with the ecosystem, as well as how they manage the surrounding land. Increasing urbanization and agricultural activity can create runoff of pollutants, leading to an excess of nutrients and minerals in the river. This can have a detrimental effect on the natural environment, disrupting local ecosystems and affecting aquatic species.
In addition, the current of the Mississippi River is often altered by the presence of dams, dykes, and other forms of flood control. Although these structures are necessary to prevent serious floods, it is important to recognize the effect they can have on the environment. For example, the sediment buildup from altered flow patterns can disrupt the ecosystems and destroy habitats of aquatic species.
Conclusion
From its source in northern Ontario to its mouth in the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi River is an incredible force of nature that supplies energy, sustains ecosystems, and brings economic development and recreational opportunities to many of the areas it passes through. It is an important part of the continent’s cultural identity and provides a way for people to connect to their land and the environment.
The Mississippi River is a changing landscape, and how humans interact with the river and its environment will determine its future. It is important to recognize the importance of the river and its many benefits, while also being mindful of the drawbacks that come with human activity. By respecting the Mississippi and understanding the ways it affects our world, we can ensure a healthy and sustainable future for the river and those who depend on it.
