Ohio River
The Ohio River is one of the largest rivers in the United States.At 981 miles long, it is the second-longest river to run through the state of Ohio.The Ohio River is formed by the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers in the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, after which it flows generally southwesterly through Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois before emptying into the Mississippi River at Cairo, Illinois. Geologically, its source is the Allegheny Plateau, specifically the Cuyahoga River in northeastern Ohio. The river creates a more direct route to the Ohio River Valley, facilitating trade and transport of people and goods.
The Ohio River is the largest tributary by volume of the Mississippi River and the source of drinking water for millions of people.It serves as a commercial navigation route as well as supporting recreation and aquatic life.The Ohio River has been a major source of income and resources for centuries, from hydroelectric power, to fossil fuels and most recently tourism.
Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the second-longest river in the entire United States.At almost 2,340 miles in length, it is the longest river system in North America. The headwaters, or source, of the Mississippi River are located in Itasca State Park in northwestern Minnesota.The river then flows southward across the Great Plains and then the Central Plains, forming part of the border between the states of Iowa and Illinois, until it reaches its confluence with the Ohio River in Cairo, Illinois.
The river serves as a major waterway for commerce, freight, and tourism. The Mississippi River Valley harbors more than 800 species of fishes, birds and mammals within its network of wetlands, the largest of its kind in North America. The Mississippi River watershed is essential for the wellbeing of the region and provides global benefits such as flood control, groundwater recharge, and water for agricultural, industry and domestic use.
What is bigger – the Ohio River or the Mississippi River?
The Ohio River is 981 miles long while the Mississippi River is 2,340 miles long, making the Mississippi River the longer river of the two.The Mississippi River is much wider as well, ranging between a half-mile and approximately two miles wide in certain sections.The Ohio River is much smaller by comparison with an average width of just 130 feet and maximum width of more than one mile. The Ohio River is relatively shallow, with a depth of only 180 feet at its deepest point. The Mississippi River is much deeper with depths reaching almost 300 feet in some areas.
When comparing the volume of the two rivers, the Ohio River ranks number five with an estimated annual flow of 206,000 cubic feet per second. The Mississippi River outranks the Ohio River, being number three and having a flow of 502,000 cubic feet per second.
Expert Perspectives
Experts believe that river size and volume is an important indicator of the health of a river. Dr. Mark Smith, a hydrologist from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, states that the size of the Ohio River reflects its restricted drainage basin. The Ohio River does not have access to many of the tributaries of the Mississippi River that are significant in terms of breadth, depth, and flow.
The University of Minnesota’s Dr. Michael Lewis states that the Mississippi’s superior length and depth create a higher water flow, allowing it to hold more nutrient-filled sediment, creating a much more diverse ecosystem. Smith also notes that the Mississippi River has had more time to mature and widen compared to the Ohio River, which was modified by civil engineering projects over the years.
Demographics and Economy
The Ohio River and the Mississippi River are both important economic and recreational deciders for the states they pass through.There’s an estimate of 20 million people that live in the Ohio River basin, with over 8 million people calling it home,these states also contribute billions of dollars in taxes each year. Furthermore, this river is also home to a large recreational community and has some of the best fishing in the Midwest.
The Mississippi River is the home of the largest river system in the United States, with an estimated 47 million people living in its basin.It cuts through the country from north to south, supplying fresh water to millions of people and stimulating the economy in the states it passes through. From hydropower to transportation, the river takes a massive role in the nation’s economy. Furthermore, the river provides many recreational activities such as fishing, boating, camping, and bird watching.
Environmental Impact
Both the Ohio River and the Mississippi River help provide crucial resources and supply water to many areas.As the importance of water availability increases worldwide, these rivers continue to be a vital source of life. The Ohio River has made some significant improvements in water quality, mostly due to the Clean Water Act in 1972 that began monitoring and regulating water resources in the country.
The Mississippi River is one of the cleanest large rivers in the world due to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency policies that have reduced wastewater and stormwater pollution since 1972.However, the river still faces major challenges due to a huge amount of industrial and agricultural waste that has been released over the years.
Ohio River vs Mississippi River
The Ohio River is the second-longest river to run through the state of Ohio at 981 miles long and a maximum width of more than one mile. The Mississippi River is the longest river system in North America at almost 2,340 miles and ranges from a half-mile to approximately two miles wide. The Ohio River is much shallower than the Mississippi River, with depths reaching only 180 feet while the Mississippi River has depths reaching almost 300 feet in some sections.
The Ohio River ranks number five in river flow with an estimated annual flow of 206,000 cubic feet per second. The Mississippi River is number three with a flow of 502,000 cubic feet per second. Experts believe that river size and volume is an important indicator of the health of a river and the Mississippi River’s superior length and depth gives it an edge over the Ohio River.
Population and Economy
The Ohio River is home to an estimated 20 million people living in its basin, and over 8 million people call it home, accounting for billions of dollars in taxes annually. It’s also become a major recreational area, hosting some of the best fishing in the Midwest.The Mississippi River’s basin houses an estimated 47 million people, with the river playing a vital role in the nation’s economy and recreational activities such as fishing, boating, camping, and bird watching.
Environmental Protection
The Ohio River and the Mississippi River both play an important role as sources of water and resources.The Ohio River has greatly improved its water quality due to the Clean Water Act in 1972, while the Mississippi River is one of the cleanest large rivers in the world thanks to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency policies since 1972. Nevertheless, the Mississippi still faces significant challenges due to industrial and agricultural waste.
