Natural Features
The Mississippi River is the second longest river in the United States and is named after the Mississippian people, a Native American tribe who lived near the mouth of the river in what is now modern day Louisiana. The river runs through ten States, beginning at its source in Lake Itasca, Minnesota and emptying into the Gulf of Mexico in the state of Louisiana. At approximately 2320 miles (3730 km), the Mississippi River is the fourth longest river in the world, with an estimated navigable length of 940 miles. Its catchment area covers all or part of 31 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces, and it drains an area of 1.245 million square kilometers (about 490,000 square miles) before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico.
Economic and Cultural Importance
The Mississippi River has long been a major highway of transportation, trade, and commerce for the southern region of the United States, with its extensive stretches of navigable water, its tributaries, and its bayous providing natural transportation for goods and people. The delta of the Mississippi River is known for its rich agricultural soil, and the development of the area along the waterway has shaped the culture of the region and the nation, as well as its economy. The Mississippi River also played a major role in the settlement of the North American continent and many of the cities that developed along the bank of the river have become strategic hubs in the transportation and trade of the nation.
Environmental Impact
The Mississippi River has been severely affected by human activity, particularly resulting from industrialization. In addition to the environmental impacts of industrial pollution and agricultural runoff, the destruction of certain animal species, the destruction of wetlands and the disruption of ecosystems, the levee system has drastically altered the natural flow and depth of the river, leading to increased sedimentation and water pollution. Environmental experts note the dangers of flooding due to the destruction of wetlands, and caution that human interference is drastically decreasing the health of the Mississippi River and its ecosystems.
Conservation Efforts
Various conservation efforts have been underway to protect and restore the Mississippi River, particularly its delta system and its wetlands. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works to protect endangered species in the river, and the Environmental Protection Agency works to reduce the amount of pollutants that enter the river and its tributaries. In addition, various preservation groups are working with communities throughout the region to promote oversight of how human activities, such as industrialization and agricultural runoff, are affecting the health of the river and its ecosystems.
Food Source
The Mississippi River is a vital source of food for both humans and animals alike. It is home to many commercial and recreational fisheries, and its tributaries provide food for humans and animals alike. Fish of all kinds, such as carp, catfish, sturgeon, and many more, inhabit the river and its tributaries, as do countless birds, mammals, and amphibians. In addition, some of the most fertile lands in the United States are found around the Mississippi River, creating a vast agricultural belt that provides food and sustenance.
Wildlife and Recreational Activities
In addition to being a food source, the Mississippi River is home to a vast array of wildlife and an abundance of recreational activities. The river and its tributaries provide habitats for endangered species and diverse wildlife, including a number of bird species. The river offers a variety of fishing and hunting opportunities, as well as whitewater rafting and canoeing for the adventurous. And for those looking for a more leisurely experience, the river is filled with beautiful landscapes, tranquil waterfronts, and wildlife viewing areas.
Protection from Flooding
The levees and dams that have been built along the Mississippi River have helped make the river more navigable, but have also significantly disrupted the natural flow of the river. These levees and dams have helped to protect nearby areas from the risk of flooding, however, they have also decreased the flow of water, leading to sediment buildup in certain areas of the river. This has caused the river to change course in some places, and has disrupted its natural ecosystems.
The artificial channels, locks and dams that have been constructed along the Mississippi River were built primarily for navigation purposes. Navigation of the river became easier after the introduction of steamboats in the early 1800s and this allowed the river to become an important waterway for the transportation of goods and people. Still today, the river is an important source of transportation for the region, with barges and recreational boats making their way up and down the river.
Pollution
The Mississippi River is one of the most polluted rivers in the world. As the river winds its way through the 31 states and two Canadian provinces, it collects pollutants and contaminants from factories, mines, and agricultural operations. This has resulted in the river becoming heavily polluted and unable to support healthy fish and wildlife populations. Government agencies have taken steps to reduce the pollution levels in the river, but they have had limited success and much work remains to be done.
Restoration Projects
The environmental degradation of the Mississippi River has become so severe that various restoration projects have been initiated in order to restore the health of the river. These projects aim to reduce the levels of pollutants, protect endangered species, preserve the river’s fragile ecosystems, and revitalize the area’s natural beauty. These efforts are being funded by both private organizations and federal and state governments, and have already lead to improvement in the overall condition of the river.
