History & Topography of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River flows through the Great Plains, the Upper Midwest and the Lower Mississippi Delta, into the Gulf of Mexico. It was formed during the last ice age about 10,000 years ago and it’s one of the longest rivers in the world. It’s estimated that 63 percent of the river’s total length runs through the Upper Mississippi Valley.
The average width of the Mississippi River varies a great deal, depending on season. In its middle section during the spring and summer, when it’s in full flow and causing flooding, the river can range from a few hundred feet wide to several miles across. In its lower and upper reaches, it narrows down to less than a thousand feet. Its width averages around one and a quarter miles when in full flow.
Economic Impact of the Mississippi River
The river has been a major transportation route since the early days of American settlement. Its importance was further increased with the development of the railroads, boosting the economy in its region by providing a cheaper and faster way to transport goods and people. This led to the growth of towns and cities along the river, further boosting economic opportunities in the region.
Its economic importance has been as important today, with more than 30 percent of America’s waterways maintained and operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers, who’s been responsible for most of the river’s maintenance and development since the 19th century. It’s estimated that the river contributes around $268 billion to the US economy annually and accounts for over 1.3 million jobs.
Environmental Impact of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River has also had a significant impact on the environment. It’s a major source of water for the central and lower parts of the US, providing around 40 percent of the nation’s fresh water and connecting the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. This has led to the growth of various wildlife species, who rely on its waters to survive.
The river’s impact on the environment has, however, been negative in some cases. The wide-spreading of its waters has caused frequent flooding in Mississippi, Louisiana and other downstream states. Its waters are also impacted by agricultural runoff, leading to pollution and damage to habitats of various aquatic species.
Geology of the Mississippi River Basin
The Mississippi River Basin is divided into four sections – The Upper Mississippi, the Central Mississippi, the Lower Mississippi and the Western Mississippi. It’s estimated that the average width of the river at each section is slightly different. In the Upper Mississippi, the average width of the river is estimated to be 477.84 feet, narrowing to 250.58 feet in the Central Mississippi and 201.19 feet in the Lower Mississippi. The average width in the Western Mississippi is slightly wider, at 397.63 feet.
Scientific Interest in the Mississippi River
The width of the Mississippi River has been a major source of scientific study and research, mainly due to its role in providing important water for the nation. Scientists are studying the river, trying to understand its ecology and geology better, in order to determine how best to conserve and maintain it in the future.
Scientists from various fields are researching the Mississippi River. Hydrologists are studying the river’s flow and how changes in it affects downstream areas. Geologists are looking into its tributaries, to learn how and why erosion changes the river’s shape and direction. Ecologists are examining how the river affects the environment, and how human activity may affect it.
Human Impact on the Mississippi River
Humans play an important role in the maintenance and development of the Mississippi River. Major changes to the river have been made in the past centuries, including building of levees, construction of locks and dams, and river dredging. These have been necessary in order to maintain the river’s flow and enable navigation, but they’ve also taken a toll on the environment.
The Mississippi’s navigation has also been made easier with bridges and ferries, making it easier to transport goods, people and other products. The river’s economic importance has also helped its development. Investment from the federal government has helped with its maintenance, as well as with developing new strategies for its preservation.
Conclusion of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is an important waterway for the US, as well as a major source of transportation, hydropower and economic development. With a changing climate and human activity, it requires constant monitoring and maintenance in order to maintain its flow, width and navigability. Scientists, engineers and other experts will continue researching and studying the river, in order to understand it better, so that it can be kept healthy for generations to come.
