What is Mississippi River Stage
Numerous rivers in the United States are used to measure the water levels in the basin. Mississippi River Stage is a measure of the water level in the Mississippi River that is measured and recorded on a daily basis. This measurement allows river watchers, scientists and those taking part in recreational activities to easily read and monitor the water level of the Mississippi River.
The United States Geological Survey records the Mississippi River Stage at several gauges, such as Baton Rouge and Vicksburg in Louisiana, Memphis, in Tennessee-Mississippi, and Red Wing and St. Paul, in Minnesota. There are also gauges for Illinois, Iowa and Arkansas. These gauges give an indication of the current water level changes and conditions in the river downstream from each location.
The measurements of Mississippi River Stage are taken from markers against the edges along the riverbanks. The three height measurements taken at each marker are the gauge height, stage, and flood stage. These measurements provide a scientific measurement of the height of the river. The gauge height is the measurement of the water level relative to the height of the river at the marker location. Stage is the estimated water level at that location. Flood stage is the stage at which the river and its tributaries exceed the level in which the potential for flooding exists.
When reading Mississippi River Stage, one should remember that it is cumulative. That is, the current stage is an accumulation of all sources of water in the river, including precipitation and runoff, plus any inflows from upstream tributaries. Variations in the river stage can be the result of water supply management, the effects of flooding, drought, the transfer of water rights between users, large storms, and other causes.
History of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River has been an important part of the development of the United States since its discovery by Europeans in the 16th Century. Spanning over 2,300 miles, it is the second longest river in the United States, and the fourth longest in the world. It drains 31 American states, 25% of the water in the continental US, and 40% of the drainage basin of the North American continent.
At the time of its discovery by Europeans, the Mississippi River was a major pathway and transportation route for North American Native Americans and the early settlers of the United States. The river is the namesake of the state of Mississippi and has seen a long and varied history. During the 19th Century it witnessed major trading voyages, is involved in the Louisiana Purchase, and bore swiftly moving steamboats during the turbulent period of slavery.
The river has provided centuries of amenities to many people, including trading and transportation into the Midwest of the United States. It has also afforded many commercial and recreational activities for the towns and inhabitants along the banks of the Mississippi. Water sports, such as skiing, rowing, and sailing, are just some of the many recreational activities that people partake in the different reaches of the Mississippi.
River Management
The management of the Mississippi River is calculated to keep the river safe and working efficiently. This is done by controlling the flow of water, the speed of the river, and the sediment buildup. There are several factors that can affect the flow of the river, like large storms, the transfer of water rights, and waterway maintenance. The presence of a large dam upstream can create an artificial lake that regulates the water flow.
In order to prevent flooding, the corps of engineers will open the dam gates and release water back into the Mississippi. Waterway maintenance is also key to managing the Mississippi River; dredging, levees, and dykes are key elements in this process. These measures can help retain the natural beauty of the river, as well as provide protections for the nearby towns and areas downstream.
Mississippi River Basin
The Mississippi River Basin features many different wetlands and habitats. These areas are characterised by being home to numerous species of fish, birds, and wildlife. The wetlands, estuaries, and backwater sloughs are also home to a unique ecosystem of animals, plants, and micro-organisms only found in the region.
The tributaries of the Mississippi drain into the river basin, providing vast expanses of water to the nearby locales. These areas are renowned for their agricultural potential; the fertile soils have been responsible for the abundance of corn, cattle, and other products of agricultural and commercial value to the local populations.
The long-term effects of the river, tributaries and wetlands systems cannot be underestimated. The water supply provided by these means provide water for drinking, hunting and fishing, as well as being a recreational destination for many. The wetlands of the Mississippi River Basin house numerous wildlife species and provide shelter for them in the winter months.
Economic Impact of the Mississippi River
Commercial activities increase the economic capital of different regions, and the Mississippi River is no different. A large portion of the river is lined with ports, industrial centres, and other infrastructures. This creates employment and economic opportunity for the people along the banks of the Mississippi.
The river is an important water transportation network, with goods moving up and down the river as far as Minnesota and Arkansas. The US Army Corps of Engineers estimates that the river carries close to 60 percent of the nation’s grain crop and petroleum products downriver each year. In some cases, the river is even used by barge to transport materials for oil and gas refineries, as well as for transportation of other food products like coal, wheat, corn and soybeans.
In addition to transportation, the river also powers hydroelectricity facilities. Several power plants, mostly on the lower parts of the river, take advantage of the river’s natural flow to generate electricity. As of 2012, hydroelectricity accounted for 2.6 percent of the total electric generation in the United States.
Recreation Along the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is a mecca of recreational activities. People flock to the river during the warmer months to enjoy fishing, camping, swimming, and boating. The nearby parks and outdoor areas provide glorious views along the river and line the banks of the river.
The state and federal parks that line the Mississippi are some of the most popular in the country. People come from all over the United States to experience the lush beauty of the river and its surrounding environment.
The local wildlife is another salient feature of the river. Many tourists bring along their cameras to capture the vast array of birds and animals found in the region. In addition, the mighty Mississippi is home to some of the most sought-after sport fish, such as the largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie.
Pollution and Conservation of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River faces several challenges in terms of pollution and conservation. The amount of water needed to irrigate and sustain the agricultural areas along the river can deplete the river’s water levels and contribute to pollution. Additionally, runoff and wastewater from agricultural activities, factories and land area can also contain pollutants such as chemicals, sediment and algae.
The Mississippi River Basin Alliance Program was created in 1990 to manage and reduce pollution in the Mississippi River Basin. The program has been responsible for the restoration of several areas of the watershed, including wetland and riparian habitats, as well as protecting the riverbanks from erosion.
In addition to the MsRBA, the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization is also an integral part of the management of the Mississippi River. The agency works to build public awareness about the importance of water conservation, as well as to develop laws, rules and regulations that help to protect and conserve the river.
Adaptation of the Mississippi River to Rising Sea Levels
The Mississippi River faces a unique challenge as the waters in the Gulf of Mexico continue to rise due to climate change. This has implications for the 1,000 miles of the river, since the river creates a natural barrier between the gulf and the mainland.
It is predicted that sea-level rise will significantly alter the course of the river and cause it to move further inland, worsening upstream flooding and inundating the wetlands of the delta area. Rising sea levels will also force the waters of the Mississippi to push further inland and threaten adjacent areas with impending floods.
If the current trends in sea-level rise continue, the delta region of the Mississippi River could eventually be lost to the sea, fragmenting large portions of Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas. Scientists agree that adaptation and intervention measures need to be initiated as soon as possible in order to mitigate the impacts of rising sea levels.
Mississippi River Stage in 2021
The Mississippi River has seen its fair share of high and low water levels during the past year. With the pandemic preventing people from taking part in recreational activities such as fishing, the water level of the Mississippi River has seen a decrease in its activity.
The current Mississippi River Stage for 2021 stands at around 18-21 feet depending on the location. This is down from the 2020 highs of over 35 feet in Memphis, Tennessee and over 50 feet in Vicksburg, Mississippi. The monsoon season combined with higher levels of rainfall has resulted in a decrease in the overall water levels of the Mississippi River.
According to hydrological studies, the overall Mississippi River levels in 2021 are lower than normal. This could be attributed to the lack of recreational activities taking place on the Mississippi due to the pandemic. In addition, the lower than average rainfall in the region has also contributed to the decreased water levels.
Climate Change and the Mississippi River
Climate change is one of the primary threats to the Mississippi River, its ecosystem and its inhabitants. It is predicted that as the climate continues to change, the river will witness an increase in water temperature, an increase in flood intensity, and a decrease in water levels due to multiple factors.
The decrease in water levels poses a huge risk to the wildlife, plants and ecosystems found in the Mississippi River Basin. This decrease in water levels could lead to a decrease in food sources and habitats, plus an increase in the intensity and frequency of floods which could be catastrophic.
The Mississippi River is a very fragile environmental system and has evolved over several millennia to create a unique river ecosystem. If unchecked, climate change could very well lead to the destruction of the Mississippi River as we know it. It is therefore of great importance that adaptation and conservation measures are taken to mitigate the impact of climate change on the river.
The Future of the Mississippi River
As the current water levels of the Mississippi River decrease, it is evident that new solutions need to be applied to maintain the water levels of the river. The need for restoring the riverbanks and wetlands, combined with the promotion of water conservation and eco-friendly practices, can drastically reduce the negative effects of climate change and improve the future of the Mississippi River.
The role of the river as a provider of water, energy, recreation and food to its inhabitants should also be emphasised. The people along the banks of the Mississippi need to be made aware of the consequences of their actions and how they could affect the health of the river. Only through enhanced public awareness and engagement can the Mississippi River be kept healthy and productive in years to come.
