The mighty Mississippi, a North American river that is recognized as one of the world’s most significant commercial waterways, is a dynamic performer and one of nature’s greatest achievements. Spanning thousands of miles, the river flows from its headwaters in Minnesota through 10 states and eventually into the Gulf of Mexico. Often referred to as “Ol’ Man River” due to its powerful and resilient presence, the Mississippi is without a doubt a force to be reckoned with, evidenced in its impressive stats.
Mississippi has had an impressive height of 3.56 million feet over its entire length, with an average depth of around 200 feet. Additionally, the river has a width range of 300 to 2,320 feet, though it is usually an average of around 300 feet wide. During its course, the river receives water from more than 300 tributaries, making the Mississippi the fourth-longest river in the world, after the Amazon, Nile, and Yangtze.
Aside from its size and length, the Mississippi River’s importance to the United States economy is paramount. Every day, the river flows over three million tons of freight and valuable resources, making it the busiest inland waterway in all of North America. This produces an estimated economic benefit of more than $1 trillion resulting from the river’s activity.
Not only is the Mississippi River carefully monitored due to its role in the nation’s economy, but its water levels are even more significant for representing Mother Nature’s immense power and the ability of nature to quickly change. During times of flood, the river’s levels can reach dangerously high heights, leading to a loss of private property and lives. Conversely, in times of drought, the Mississippi’s levels can drop drastically.
The amount of water flowing in the river is determined by the annual precipitation and snow melt, but also by human activities such as dam construction, agriculture and urbanization. For this very reason, the level of the Mississippi River can be quite unpredictable and change suddenly and without warning.
Moreover, the level of the Mississippi River has a direct impact on its existing population of animals and plants. Every year, the Mississippi floods its shorelines, making the areas near the river a source of life to animals, fish and many other different species.
The Effects of Human Activity on Mississippi’s Level
Humans have had a profound effect on the Mississippi River over centuries. The introduction of dams and other infrastructure has drastically altered how water is stored and monitored, as well as how it flows through the river. Communities near the Mississippi have entirely changed due to the drastic changes in water levels, leading to people being forced from their homes, the build-up of silt in certain areas, and debris clogging up waterways.
Given the ever-increasinhg population, coupled with the demand on energy, water, and industrial development, humans are directly interacting with the Mississippi River more than ever before. Subsequently, the water needs of the nearly 40 million people living in the basin are gradually growing, making it difficult to maintain the river’s balance.
To ensure the survival of the Mississippi River, many conservation efforts have been enforced. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, for instance, works to ensure that an adequate amount of water flows through the system and help lower fluctuation levels caused by a number of factors, such as flood control and agricultural irrigation.
Environmental Benefits of the Mississippi
Beyond its commercial and economical uses, the Mississippi River for its entire length is surprisingly one of the most important reservoirs in the entire world. There are a few reasons why it achieves this status, First of all, the volume of water that trips through the river is astounding; additionally, the amount of freshwater and saltwater balance is almost perfect, making it one of the most livable places on the planet.
The Mississippi also serves as a home to thousands of species of animals, insects, birds and other living organisms. These unique ecosystems provide a home, a source of food, and a place for these species to raise their young. The river even provides essential nutrients and minerals, which are necessary for reproduction, to these species. Moreover, the Mississippi of fers natural protection from storm surges, flooding, and other natural disasters. These benefits extend to human populations as well, providing a barrier from severe weather events.
Furthermore, the Mississippi River acts as a very effective carbon sink. In simpler terms, the river absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and locks it in the river’s sediments, preventing it from entering the atmosphere. Thus, the Mississippi River is a huge contributor in helping to maintain the natural balance in climate.
Comprehensive Clean-up
Although the river’s water quality has greatly improved since the 1970s, the Mississippi and its tributaries are still facing many environmental issues. The primary pollutants in the Mississippi basin are fertilizers and other chemicals used in agriculture, which run off into the river and promote the growth of harmful algae.
Recent research has also revealed that sedimentation, caused by upstream dam construction, has led to serious reductions in water quality and the loss of aquatic species along the river. To combat these negative effects, agencies like the United States Geological Survey are collaborating to create comprehensive clean-up strategies and policies that aim to improve the river’s ecosystem.
In addition, river conservationists are advocating for the installation of more efficient water-filtration and water-absorbent systems, as well as the adoption of green technology in urban and industrial areas. These efforts are positioning the Mississippi River to become an even more sustainable and flourishing ecosystem.
Restoration Initiatives
In order to make all of this possible, concerted efforts have been made to restore the river’s habitats and ecosystems. For example, the Mississippi River Delta Restoration Program was launched in 2001. Its primary goal is to reduce the amount of sediment and sediment-related pollutants in the river, as well as improve the river’s water quality.
Additionally, a large number of wildlife management and conservation agencies have developed initiatives to support wildlife in the Mississippi River. These include programs that seek to improve the populations of birds, amphibians, mammals, reptiles, and fish. By seeking to restore these species, the river stands to become a much healthier and more vibrant environment for both animals and humans alike.
Furthermore, a variety of community-based projects are being implemented to help restore the original habitats and functions of the river. These projects include floodplain restoration, floodplain management, and the reforestation of riparian (riverbank) areas. All of these initiatives are helping to make the Mississippi River thrive once again, resulting in a healthier and more vibrant ecosystem.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, it’s important to understand the impact of humans on the Mississippi River and the importance of restoring it to its original state. The need to conserve this unique river is further underscored by the importance of its commercial and ecological significance to the United States. Better education and conservation practices, coupled with significant government initiatives, are all necessary for sustaining a healthy and prosperous Mississippi River for future generations.
