The Mississippi River is one of the world’s most iconic rivers. Its origin may extend back more than 10,000 years and the river serves as a foundation for the culture, economy, and ecology of the United States. Flowing from north to south throughout the Midwestern and Southern United States, the Mississippi stretches from its headwaters in Minnesota to its delta in the Gulf of Mexico. So, what flows into the Mississippi River?
The Mississippi is fed by numerous tributaries that contribute to the overall flow of the Mississippi. The most significant contributors are the Missouri, Ohio, and Arkansas Rivers. The Missouri and Ohio Rivers combine to form the mightiest tributary of the Mississippi and are responsible for approximately 88% of the total water discharged at the delta. Other significant, but not as major, contributors include the Illinois River, Red, Kansas, and Platte Rivers, among others.
To propel the Mississippi’s flow, nutrients are taken from the tributaries. For example, Nitrogen and Phosphorus enter the Mississippi through runoff and direct discharge of fertilizers applied by farmers to their crops. These nutrients are not only important for helping crops grow but also are essential for the survival of plants and animals in the river. Fertilizers, however, can also release toxics such as heavy metals and pesticides, which can cause severe harm to the environment.
Furthermore, man-made contaminants such as debis, bacteria, and viruses can enter the river from municipal sources or from factories. The Mississippi contributes to a variety of environmental problems such as hypoxia created by nutrient inputs, degradation of species habitat and reproduction, and potential harm to human health through contaminated water.
In order to preserve and protect the Mississippi River, several organizations have been established. The Friends of the Mississippi, for example, is a non-profit organization dedicated to making the river healthier and providing recreational opportunities for area residents. Other organizations like the Mississippi River Basin Alliance are working to reduce nutrient loading, improve water quality, and restore wildlife.
Distribution of Water in the Mississippi
The Mississippi River is not just a source of life and livelihoods, it is also a vast source of water. It has the second highest volume of any river in the United States, and it supplies water to over 18 million people in at least ten states. In addition, its waters are responsible for the production of electricity in many of the states it passes through.
In order to understand its water distribution, one must first take into account the different segments of the river. The upper Mississippi is composed of an area from the headwaters in Minnesota to the Delta in the Gulf of Mexico, and is the longest stretch of the river consisting of a series of man-made pools to control navigation. It receives the majority of its water from the Missouri and Ohio Rivers and is made up of a network of estuaries and channel systems.
The middle Mississippi River from St. Louis to the delta receives much of its water from the Illinois River, as well as from many of the smaller tributaries that enter the Mississippi north of St. Louis. This region also experiences floods and drought cycles in the form of floods-dangers and spring water levels.
Finally, the lower Mississippi below St. Louis experiences much of the same water input as the upper but has some unique characteristics. Tributaries in this part of the river reach much deeper than those upstream, causing a greater amount of nutrient runoff and leading to a larger buffer for water quality.
Ecological Benefits of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is home to a rich and diverse ecosystem that supports many living creatures. These habitats provide refuge to numerous species and host a variety of recreational activities. In addition, the river also serves as a pathway for the migration of fish and wildlife throughout the region.
For instance, the river supports over 320 species of fish and contains the largest concentration of large fish species in the nation. Fish are attracted to the river due to the abundance of food and shelter found in its waters. Furthermore, the river provides important habitat for a number of threatened and endangered species such as the pallid sturgeon, electric eel, and the American shad.
The river also hosts over 200 species of migrating birds, which feed on the abundant insect population. Aside from being a food source for many of the animals living in the area, the Mississippi River is a vital breeding ground for fish and provides habitat for a variety of other animals as well, such as reptiles and amphibians.
Recreation Opportunities On and Around the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River makes for a great recreational destination, offering fishing, boating, and other activities for visitors. The area is extremely popular with anglers, supporting some of the best bass and catfish fishing around. The river also offers numerous opportunities for sightseeing and birdwatching.
In addition to fishing and birding, the Mississippi River is a great spot for camping, hiking, and canoeing. There are a number of public parks located along the river and accommodations are available in many of the towns and communities. Boating and kayaking trips are also popular and there are several companies that offer guided tours of the river and its tributaries.
The Mississippi provides a variety of recreation activities that appeal to people of all ages. Whether it’s fishing, boating, hiking, or camping, you’re sure to find something to do and explore along the river.
Saving the Mississippi River
In recent years, the health of the Mississippi River has been threatened by pollution and over-exploitation. Pollution from residential and industrial runoff, as well as agricultural runoff, has led to water shortages and extreme ecological damage. The release of sewage, oil and other toxins into the river can have a devastating effect on the environment and wildlife.
In order to protect the river, there are organizations like the Mississippi River Network, Friends of the River, and the National Park Service that are dedicated to preserving the river and restoring its natural ecosystem. These organizations work to reduce water pollution and to protect habitats and biodiversity. They also educate people about the importance of the Mississippi River and advocate for smarter land-use practices.
The National Park Service has also established the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, which is a permanent and enforceable greenway stretching from the headwaters of the river in Itasca, Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. This 9-state greenway is designed to protect wetlands, streams, and rivers in the region and protect the habitat for species of plants and animals that live along the river.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River has a long and storied history that is deeply intertwined with the culture and economy of the United States. Not only is it home to some of the most diverse wildlife habitat in the nation, but it also provides a source of drinking water for millions of people and produces electricity for many more. Its plethora of tributaries and its importance to the water cycle of the area make it an invaluable asset to the nation and its citizens. If we can continue to protect the Mississippi and its tributaries, then we can look forward to years of bounty from its flow.
