Introduction
Mississippi river is one of the biggest rivers in the United States, stretching some 2,320 miles. It’s an integral part of the nation’s economy, providing transportation and food sources, while also supplying water to residents across the South. The source of the River is Lake Itasca, located in north Meeker County, Minnesota and flows south until it meets the Gulf of Mexico. This article aims to provide an overview of the river’s longitude and latitude.
Longitude and Latitude of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is located in between the longitude 91° 11’ and a latitude 32° 17’ North. According to the National Park Service, the river begins at about 32°47 N latitude and 89°45 W longitude, and flows southwest to the Gulf of Mexico, near Pass Christian, Mississippi at about 30°1 N latitude and 89°21 W longitude.
Division of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is divided into two sections, with the Upper Mississippi River located between the latitude 42°N and the Mississippi-Ohio Confluence, and the Lower Mississippi River covering the stretch between the Mississippi-Ohio Confluence and the Gulf of Mexico. The northernmost point of the Upper Mississippi River is Lake Itasca, which is located at 46°N latitude, 94°W longitude, and the Lower Mississippi River starts at St. Louis, Missouri at latitude 38°N, 90°W longitude.
Expert Perspective
The Mississippi River and its watershed are key physical processes and integrated societal and ecological resources. According to Robert j. Moorhead, Professor of Coastal Processes and Remote Sensing at the University of South Carolina, “Better understanding the river dynamics, geomorphological features and ecological responses to human-induced changes are essential to manage flood risk, ecosystem health and water availability”. He goes on to say that “Measuring and understanding the longitude and latitude of the river is crucial to better understanding the physics of the river and how it changes over time”.
Mississippi River Delta and Basin
The Mississippi River Delta is a sediment-charged deltaic system that is located at the mouth of the river and covers an area of about 48,000 miles and empties into Lake Pontchartrain and then into the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi River Basin covers some 1.25 million square miles, from the Appalachian Mountains east to the Rocky Mountains west, from the Yazoo and Delta Basin in the north to the tributaries of the Rio Grande, in Louisiana in the south.
Flood Plain and Tributaries
The Mississippi River’s extensive amount of water has created a large river flood plain, where ancient rivers and tributaries spread out over many miles. These tributaries supply the Mississippi River with water and sediment which in turn, keeps the river active and flowing in the right direction. They include the Allegheny, Big Sioux, Black, Illinois, Kaskaskia, Missouri, St. Francis and White rivers.
Effects of Climate Change
The longitude and latitude of the Mississippi River can change depending on the effects of climate change on the region. The plants and wildlife along the Mississippi River rely on the nutritious waters produced by snowmelt and increased precipitation. Climate change impacts water availability and associated river water levels, with consequences for the surrounding habitats, plants and animals.
Mississippi River System Management
The longitude and latitude of the Mississippi River are integral for proper management of the river system. The US Army Corps of Engineers provide relevance information on the river such as water flows, discharge, topographical features, and events that can effect the river. This information is crucial for project and disaster management such as levees and flood control.
Riverfront Development
The Longitude and latitude of the Mississippi River are also integral when considering any type of river-related development. Any type of development project or tourist attractions must take into account the relevant longitude and latitude of the river, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of those in the area.
The Mississippi River is vital for navigation purposes, providing a transportation corridor for agricultural goods, industrial products, and crude oil. Knowing the longitude and latitude of the river is key for waterways management, efficient operations, and accurate tracking of the movement of goods and ships.
Benefits of the MississippiRiver
The Mississippi River is an important economic resource. It provides diverse economic opportunities such as navigation, energy production, recreation, and tourism. The river provides habitats for wildlife, and is also host to a large number of species of fish, as well as endangered species.
River Ecosystems
Many ecosystems rely on the longitude and latitude of the Mississippi River, such as wetlands and estuaries, which provide essential habitat for fish, turtles and amphibians. Knowing the exact longitude and latitude of the river helps researchers to better understand the habitat of fish species, the movement of water runoff, levels of ocean water temperature and salinity, as well as nutrient run-off.
Mississippi River Pollution
The Mississippi River is also susceptible to much pollution, which affects the health of the river and its ecosystem. The longitude and latitude of the river is key for tracking pollution hotspots, transport of pollutants and identification of sources.
Implications of the Longitude and Latitude of the Mississippi River
The effects of the longitude and latitude of the Mississippi River have widereaching implications for people, communities, and the environment. Knowing the exact longitude and latitude of the river helps in human welfare, economic development and conservation of the environment, with the ability to identify changes, deadlines and mitigation strategies.
