The Mississippi River is an iconic body of water and the second-longest river in the United States, stretching more than 2,300 miles from northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. It is best known for being the source of inspiration for works of literature, music, folklore, and film. Despite its vast length and cultural significance, the Mississippi River is not limited to just its national boundaries. The river encompasses several geographical features and components across three countries, including lakes, wetlands, islands, and tributaries.
The Mississippi originates in Lake Itasca and meanders through several states, including the Midwestern cities of Minneapolis and St. Louis, before entering the controversial diversion canal known as the Old River Control Structure. This structure splits the Mississippi near its mouth, funneling a portion of the waters into the Atchafalaya River. From here, the river continues in a sinuous path until it reaches its terminus in the Gulf of Mexico.
In its 2,300 mile span, the Mississippi River passes through major landforms, such as the Mississippi Delta, a vast but endangered swampland in Louisiana, responsible for much of the river’s sediment deposition, and the Grand Canyon, one of the most recognizable natural landmarks in the United States. Additional geographical features of the Mississippi Basin include substantial islands, wetlands, and its many tributaries, such as the Missouri River, Arkansas River, and Ohio River.
A significant portion of the Mississippi River is protected as wetlands, with various waterside communities existing along its borders. These areas are characterized by a unique biodiversity, with varieties of frogs, birds, mammals, and fish inhabiting the protected environment. What’s more, the river is the chief provider of sediment necessary for the wetlands sustainability and biodiversity.
The Mississippi River is not just a geographical feature; it is also a vital artery for transport and commerce. The river is both road and supply line for many communities throughout the river’s course, as well as for commercial usage. The Mississippi Valley provides excellent access points for the transportation of goods, making it a sought-after transport route with which to carry freight from the Midwest to the Gulf of Mexico and the rest of the world.
The Mississippi River is a source of inspiration and an important lifeline for the many regions and countries it passes through. Its diverse geographical features provide important habitat for wildlife, serve as essential sources of sediment and water, and ensure crucial connections for cargo and commercial transport.
Lake Itasca
The Lake Itasca is the main source of the Mississippi River and is located in the northern state of Minnesota. The lake is 46 feet at its deepest point and fringed with pine forests, native to this region of the river. Several recreational activities are also held here, such as canoeing, swimming, and fishing. The outlets of the lake are also bordered by two bridges, which link together the two sides of the lake.
The area surrounding Lake Itasca is home to a diverse range of species, vegetation, and trees. From oaks to willows, the lake is a sanctuary for wildlife, including songbirds, bats, dragonflies, ducks, owls, reptiles, and more. General wildlife surveys have shown that the wildlife abundance is declining, posing a unique threat to many of the species.
The lake has long been a popular destination for visitors. Since the lake was first discovered by explorer Henry Rowe Schoolcraft in 1832, visitors have been drawn to its stunning beauty and variety of outdoor activities. To mark the lake’s significance, a monument was placed here in 1913, noting the lake as the official origin of the Mississippi River.
Wetlands
The wetlands of the Mississippi River are considered some of the most biologically rich and diverse ecosystems on the North American continent. The wetlands provide the perfect home for a range of wildlife species, such as turtles, fish, otters, and waterfowl, who use the wetlands as a natural habitat.
The wetlands also play an important role in flood protection, as they act as natural sponges and absorb excess water during flooding events. In addition, many of the species that inhabit the wetlands serve as a crucial source of food and shelter for many of the other creatures who rely on the wetlands for their survival. The wetlands also offer invaluable economic benefits, providing the region with essential services such as recreational opportunities, clean water, and natural beauty.
However, the Mississippi River wetlands have suffered much destruction and destruction in recent decades, due to agricultural practices, urban sprawl, and other forms of development. A range of conservation efforts have been put in place, such as restrictions on land use and improved management practices, in an effort to protect the remaining wetlands from further destruction.
Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon of the Mississippi, often referred to as ‘the canon’, is one of the most magnificent and powerful features of the Mississippi River. Located between the states of Tennessee and Arkansas, the canyon is 600 feet deep and 14,000 feet wide and is one of the longest and steepest river canyons in the United States. It provides a stunning natural backdrop to the surrounding states.
Legend has it that the Grand Canyon was formed by the arm of a divine being, sent by God to reach in and scoop out the canyon. This myth has become a source of inspiration to many writers and poets, who have written eloquently and passionately about the canyon’s uniqueness and beauty.
The Grand Canyon is also home to an abundant wildlife, and the endangered species such as the gray wolf, black bear, and mountain lion can be seen along the canyon’s floor. The canyon also serves as a vital water supply for the region, providing hundreds of millions of gallons of water to the surrounding states.
Old River Control Structure
The Old River Control Structure is used to channel and divert a portion of the Mississippi River’s flow into the Atchafalaya River. Constructed in 1971, the structure is located near the Mississippi River’s termination point in the Gulf of Mexico, where it splits in two with 30 percent of the river’s water being rerouted through the control structure and the remaining 70 percent continuing as the Mississippi.
The Old River Control Structure is highly controversial, with many environmentalists arguing that it is a destructive form of river control, responsible for the continued degradation of the local ecosystems. Furthermore, it has been accused of exacerbating flooding events along the Mississippi. Despite these claims, the structure is still in use and is deemed a critical component of the Mississippi’s navigability and water management.
The Old River Control Structure is a unique example of human intervention in the natural world. It is also a testament to the long-term impacts of human activities on the environment. The structure remains a controversial topic, with debates still raging between those for and against its existence.
Mississippi Delta
The Mississippi Delta is a vast and endangered swampland located in Louisiana, at the mouth of the river. This expanse of wetlands is responsible for much of the river’s sediment depositions, making the region a significant source of land formation and riverscape evolution. Unfortunately, the delta has been severely affected by human activities, such as farming, construction, and mining, resulting in the wetlands’ slow but continuous degradation.
Despite these challenges, the delta remains an ecological haven for some of the world’s most endangered species. Here, visitors can find species such as the American alligator, brown pelican, and river otter living in their natural habitat. However, due to rising sea levels and unchecked human activities, these species and their homes are threatened by increasing climate change.
To protect the Delta and its inhabitants, a range of organizations have launched conservation efforts, including the watchdog group, The Mississippi Delta Coalition. To date, they have made strides in terms of habitat protection and increased awareness of the region. Nevertheless, much work remains to be done if the delta is to preserve its unique ecological and economic value.
