History of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River has been an important body of water since time immemorial. It has been a source of food, transportation and commerce for Native Americans, early European explorers, and later settlers. It has also served as the unofficial boundary between the United States and the French, Spanish, and British governments. In 1876, Congress officially declared the Mississippi River a national waterway, paving the way for its commercial and recreational use. The Mississippi’s iconic height has captivated audiences for generations.
Before the Civil War, the height of the Mississippi River was only slightly lower than today. A flood in 1844 caused the river’s earliest record level to rise to 53.3 feet and become the gold standard. In 1861, during the peak of the American Civil War, the river’s height rose to 55.2 feet. This height was recorded in the absence of any flood control projects.
By the late 1870s, levees, dams and locks had been built to control the floodwaters and to manage the river’s natural course. After the completion of these projects, the Mississippi River generally averaged a maximum height of around 42 feet. However, even with the flood control mechanisms, natural disasters can still produce major fluctuations in the river’s height.
Climate Changes Impact on the River’s Height
In recent years, climate change has caused an increase in the level of the Mississippi River. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, air temperatures are rising at an average rate of 0.2 degrees Fahrenheit per decade leading to increased evaporation from the river as well as an increase in precipitation. Rising air temperatures also cause more extreme weather events, resulting in increased flooding and storms.
In 2008, the flooding of the Upper Mississippi River caused a record level of 56.2 ft. Events such as this caused scientists to reassess the height of the Mississippi River, setting it at 56.2 ft. as the upper limit. According to the United States Geological Survey, the highest recorded height of the Mississippi was 56.7 ft. during the floods of 2011.
Climate change has also impacted the base level of the river. In the early summer of 2016, the lower Mississippi reached a record low of -3.0 ft. due to a lack of rainfall and increased temperatures resulting from a drought. This event caused chaos for farmers and boats, disrupting their ability to transport goods and crops.
The Effects of the Mississippi River’s Height
The Mississippi River is more than just a waterway – it is also an important environmental resource. The river’s health is closely linked to the health of its environment and the ecosystem it supports. The height of the Mississippi impacts both the quality of the water and the wildlife dwelling in and around it.
The deeper the river, the less oxygen it contains. This can lead to anaerobic bacteria blooms,oxic fish kills, reduced growth in aquatic plants, and fewer aquatic animals. Lower sections of the river, where the river is typically shallowest, suffer the most under heavier than average loads of silt as a result of flooding.
The height of the Mississippi also affects a variety of migratory species. For example, the paddlefish, which spawn in the river’s shallower sections, require a certain level of river depth in order to reproduce and prosper. If the height remains too low for their needs, the species could be at risk.
Preventive Measures
Experts recommend that the current flood control measures be maintained and improved in order to prevent major fluctuations in the river’s height. This can be done by increasing the height of levees, dams, and locks, or by constructing an artificial lake downstream to contain floodwaters.
In addition to enhancing existing measures, more water-saving methods need to be implemented in order to preserve and protect the Mississippi. This includes conservation methods such as reducing the amount of fertilizer applied to agricultural land and using more efficient irrigation practices.
The effects of climate change will continue to impact the height of the Mississippi River in the future. It is time to take proactive measures in order to protect this vital resource from further harm.
Recreational Uses of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River’s high and low extremes also affect recreational activities for those who enjoy its waters. The lower level of the river means shallower depths for boats navigating the waterway, so larger crafts must adhere to a strict speed limit. Additionally, paddlers and fishermen may find difficulty accessing areas that are too shallow for boats or that are not navigable due to shallow areas.
When the river is higher and deeper, the recreational possibilities increase. Boaters have more space to navigate, and fishermen have more access to fish spots. Paddlers have more routes to explore, and waterskiing also becomes a viable option. Even in periods of high water though, boating and fishing must be careful as some areas of the river suffer from large waves and high currents.
Economic Impact of the Mississippi River’s Height
The depth of the Mississippi River also has an impact on the American economy. When the river is at its lowest, navigation of it takes longer and the costs to maintain navigationability increase. If it’s too high or too low, transportation can be difficult or even halted altogether.
When the river is at its average height, the economic effects are most evident. In these conditions, cargo ships are able to move both up and downriver quickly and efficiently, and the cost of transporting goods is lower. This is a major boon to the economy, as the Mississippi River is a vital artery for the transportation of a variety of goods.
The height of the Mississippi River is a complex issue with far reaching effects on both nature and human life. Therefore, it is important to monitor the river’s level at all times, as as any changes can be detrimental to its health and the environment it supports.
River Restoration Efforts
In order to preserve the health of the Mississippi River and its environment, there have been several river restoration initiatives launched in the past few years. These include the promotion of sustainable agriculture practices, the development of renewable energy sources, the creation of wetlands and other natural habitats, and the establishment of green corridors.
Organizations such as the Mississippi River Basin Alliance and the Lower Mississippi River Tributary Coalition have worked to develop and implement strategies for river restoration and conservation. They also advocate for conservation legislation and strive to raise awareness of the importance of the Mississippi River and its natural resources.
These initiatives aim to create a healthier and more resilient river ecosystem, as well as support sustainable development and increased recreation opportunities. From these efforts arise new tools and applications that are used to manage and protect the Mississippi River as well as its tributaries.
Conclusion
The height of the Mississippi River is an important factor in the overall health of the river’s ecosystem and the economic activities it supports. While it may fluctuate due to natural disasters or climate change, the height should remain within certain limits in order to maintain its health. In addition, a variety of river restoration initiatives have been put in place to ensure that the river remains a vital resource for both nature and humans.
