The Mississippi River is one of the most important rivers in North America, stretching from the north to the south of the United States, with a total length of around 2,320 miles. It’s the second longest river in the United States and the fourth longest in the world, and it has been a crucial waterway for transportation, economies, and culture for hundreds of years, influencing historical events such as the American Civil War and inspiring an entire genre of American music, the Delta Blues. Not just because of its historical importance, but also due to its stunning beauty, the Mississippi River is a hot spot for many nature and river enthusiasts. There are many curiosity arising related to this extensive and interesting river, including “what is the deepest part of the Mississippi River?”.
The deepest part of the Mississippi River can be found in the northern region of Lake Onalaska. Here, the water level reaches a depth of around 202 feet, making it the deepest part of the entire river. This is a huge drop, considering that the average depth of the river is usually around 17 to 19 feet. Another interesting fact is that the difference between the highest recorded water level and the deepest point is around 91 feet. Such a difference is unique and rare for any river or lake in the United States, something that makes the Mississippi so special and unique.
The Mississippi River has several branches that stretch in different directions, meaning that the varying terrain and geographical features of the states it passes through affect the depth of the river. Closer to the north, where the river is most shallow, the depth is mainly influenced by rocks, whereas in the south, where two big tributaries merge and add a large amount of water, the depth is significantly bigger. Yet, despite the fact that the Mississippi River will never be as wide and deep as an ocean or sea, its unique characteristics, including its impressive length, set it apart from other bodies of water.
Scientists from the University of Minnesota have long been monitoring the ecosystem of the Mississippi River, studying its water movement and levels. According to their research, the river flow plays a major role in the changing levels of the river. After heavy rainfall, for example, the amount of water in the river increases, leading to high levels and a deeper section. Furthermore, these changes have other repercussions such as an increase of sediment accumulation in certain areas, thus reducing the depth of the river.
The depths of the Mississippi River also affect wildlife. Trips initiated by organizations such as the Audubon Society of Illinois have proved that the branches of the river, and the sections with more depth, are the most populated areas, owing to the shelter they provide. Among the species that are usually found in the deeper regions are the cormorants, the winter snow geese, and peregrine falcons, while turtles and muskrats are an occurrence on the shallow grounds.
Perhaps the most spectacular activity taking place near the banks of the Mississippi River is riverboat tourism. As witnessed from the decks of these vessels, the sceneries vary from tranquil shorelines to sharp, deep currents comprising of astonishing landscapes. Taking a leisurely stroll through the river can definitely be a memorable experience.
An Important Lifeline for Biodiversity
Once considered to be a dead zone, the Mississippi River has now become an incredibly important lifeline for many species of birds and fish in the region. This is because it is home to some of the most diverse wetlands in the United States, a mix of both low and high topography, with some patches of ample vegetation. This has allowed a large number of birds to use the riverbanks as a sort of a cesspool in which they feed, rest, and breed.
The abundance of species that can be found in and around the Mississippi River is quite impressive. Reservoirs, rivers, wetlands, and other low lying areas offer a rich environment for ospreys, bald eagles, ducks, and many other aquatic birds, which have been spotted repeatedly by fishermen in the region. The Mississippi River also hosts several species of fish such as the large-mouth bass, catfish, and trout. Moreover, the National Fish Hatchery in the region offers invaluable information regarding the importance of the Mississippi for many aquatic species.
Apart from the abundance of animal species, the Mississippi River is also crucial for the survival of flora in the region. As it goes through seven states and around 2,320 miles, its waters continuously feed many plants and vegetation with the nutrients it brings from other upriver sources. As a result, an essential link amongst wetland habitats is formed, creating a precious connection between the diverse nutrient-rich continents which would otherwise be separated by cultural boundaries.
Pollution of The Mississippi River Basin
The Mississippi River Basin has seen a significant decline in its water quality, mainly due to pollution that has been taking place throughout the years. The fact is that a large part of the basin collects and drains waste water, industrial and agricultural runoff, which contain toxins and chemicals that are detrimental to the environment and can severely reduce the number of species found in the region. Once these pollutants live the basin and reach the river’s outlets, they become a problem not just for the Mississippi River but for other areas that mississippi reaches such as the Gulf of Mexico.
But, fortunately, most of the countries that the Mississippi touches, from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, are working together to tackle this problem. The federal government, with the support of state authorities and local programs, is taking grand steps toward making the basin clean again by investing in infrastructure and setting regulations. Furthermore, the Green Cities initiative is helping communities and businesses to reduce their environmental footprint and focus on renewable energy sources and waste management practices.
In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency is currently responding to the increasing demand for public involvement by pushing public education initiatives. The aim is to help citizens understand how their daily actions can contribute to the butal of the Mississippi River and its basin. One of these initiatives is the River of Words project, an annual contest in which elementary and middle school students are encouraged to educate and engage others in protecting the river by writing poems, songs and stories.
Preserving The Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is home to many unique and irreplaceable habitats, which are threatened by environmental degradations, such as those caused by pollution, deforestation, and industrial projects. In order to reduce the risk of these habitats being destroyed and to preserve this resource for future generations, conservancy, non-profit, and educational organizations have taken up the charge.
The Mississippi Valley Conservancy, for example, is a non-profit organization that works to protect and preserve the land that the Mississippi River drains. It works with landowners, corporations, and other stakeholders to sustain the water quality and land integrity of the Mississippi River Basin. In addition, education programs and outreach initiatives are taking place all over the United States to help the public understand how their daily lives affect the Mississippi River, and how each individual can help ensure its protection and preservation.
Over the years, the river has endured much growth from society, from industry, and from development. The future of the Mississippi River is dependent on us as a society, and it’s up to us to work together to continue to ensure its survival for years to come.
Restoration Efforts
Due to the success of major restoration efforts, the Mississippi River is becoming an even more diverse and abundant ecosystem that supports a variety of species and habitats. Downstream of St. Louis, a 240-mile stretch of the river’s banks has been restored in partnership with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Army Corps of Engineers, US Environmental Protection Agency, and many other organizations and individuals. This effort has had a positive impact on the river’s fish and wildlife populations, and has resulted in the creation of valuable wetland and riparian ecosystems.
The restoration efforts undertaken by the US Fish and Wildlife Service have also been beneficial in the area upstream of St. Louis. A $386 million project has been completed that restored 1,500 acres of wetlands, improved habitat for endangered species, and improved water quality in 20 small tributaries of the Mississippi River. As a result, an area that was once considered to be a dead zone is now home to a great deal of specie diversity.
In addition to these projects, local efforts are being made to reduce sediment and pollutant inputs into the Mississippi River. Projects to reduce non-point source pollution, such as agricultural runoffs and industrial discharges, are being conducted, and public awareness programs are also helping to reduce public input into the river.
Protecting The River for Future Generations
In order to preserve the Mississippi River for future generations, it is essential that we continue to focus on restoring and protecting the river’s habitats and its intricate ecosystems. The river is home to many species and provides us with a myriad of valuable resources, from trusted drinking water to important shipping lanes to essential agricultural lands. The United States and its citizens must continue to make investments to ensure the sustainability of the Mississippi River, both for ourselves and for our children and grandchildren.
Furthermore, the importance of public awareness and education cannot be overstated. Communities, businesses, and educational institutions must continue to raise public awareness and engage citizens in the protection of the Mississippi River. There are many available resources, such as the River of Words project mentioned above, that can help inform citizens of the importance of the Mississippi River and how their actions can affect the river’s sustainability.
We are all stewards of the Mississippi River, and we must all take responsibility for maintaining its beauty and abundance. With continued restoration efforts, a reduction of our impacts on the river, and increased public engagement, we can ensure that the Mississippi River will remain a healthy and vibrant resource for generations to come.
