The Mississippi River is an iconic watercourse that shapes the American landscape, but what is the slope of the river and how does it affect its journey from source to sea? To understand this, one must understand that the Mississippi River is divided into two distinct parts: the Upper Mississippi, running from its source in Minnesota to St. Louis, and the Lower Mississippi, extending from St. Louis to the Mississippi Delta. In between the two is the Alluvial Valley, an area where the river reaches its lowest elevation and has the lowest slope. It is in this area that the river is at its most powerful and influential.
The slope of the Mississippi river is defined by its gradient, or the change in altitude over the length of the course. In the Upper Mississippi, the slope is measured to be an average of 1 meter per kilometer. As the river approaches the Alluvial Valley in the middle, the slope decreases significantly—here the gradient is around 0.2 meters per kilometer. In the Lower Mississippi, the slope increases again, this time to about 2 meters per kilometer. All in all, the Mississippi has an average slope over its entire course of about 0.91 meters per kilometer.
The gradient of the Mississippi River plays a huge role in the formation of its tributaries, channels, deltas, and other features. Without the lower slope of the river in the Alluvial Valley, there would be far fewer tributaries, and the dynamic connection between the Upper and the Lower Mississippi would be virtually non-existent. Likewise, the high gradient in the Lower Mississippi creates the force necessary for the river to make its curved path through the delta and finally into the Gulf of Mexico.
The slope of the Mississippi River also has implications for its flooding. Due to the decreased slope in the Alluvial Valley and in the Lower Mississippi, the river is more prone to flooding in these areas. When combined with the usual heavy spring rains in this region, the lower gradient of the Mississippi River increases the risk of flooding significantly. Furthermore, the high gradient of the river in the Upper Mississippi makes it more vulnerable to erosion, since it has little protection from the surrounding landscape.
Experts argue that the current gradient of the Mississippi River is beneficial for navigation and for the flora and fauna of the region. The low gradient of the Alluvial Valley means ships can move through with ease, as the river flows from its source to the sea. This also means the backwaters formed by the Mississippi and its tributaries are some of the most fertile habitats for wildlife in the area. The increased gradient in the Lower Mississippi is of great importance for controlling and regulating the river’s flow, as it helps to prevent flooding and keeps vital shipping lanes functioning.
The fact that the slope and gradient of the Mississippi River are what they are today is largely thanks to geologic forces and the result of billions of years of sediment accumulation. The Mississippi has carved its way through landforms and strata since before the last ice age, continuously eroding and transporting material in order to create a channelized passage. Today the river is viewed as a place of intense natural beauty, a testament to the power of nature’s forces over the past few million years.
The Role of Humans in Modifying the Mississippi River
Though the gradient of the Mississippi River has been shaped naturally over centuries, humans also have a considerable impact upon the river and its environment. In areas such as the Alluvial Valley, humans have built complex engineering projects in order to modify the river’s course. These projects include channel changes, new channel systems, and levees, which are all aimed at protecting against potential flooding. In addition, changes in land use, such as the expansion of agricultural land and urban development, can significantly alter the river’s slope by altering sediment loads, changing runoff patterns, and affecting the natural hydrological cycle.
Furthermore, humans have altered the gradient of the Mississippi River through the use of dredging. Dredging, a process by which sediment is removed from certain areas of a river, is a common practice for controlling floods and improving navigation. By removing sediment and deepening areas of the river, the slope of the water can be changed in such a way that the mississippi can be made shallower in some parts and deeper in others. In effect, dredging provides humans with the ability to modify the Mississippi to meet specific needs.
Finally, one can not ignore the fact that human activities can also heavily damage the environment of the Mississippi River. Pollution is a major problem in the Mississippi, and it has an effect on the regular functioning and gradient of the river. In addition, industrial activities such as oil and gas extraction, as well as construction of dams, can have serious negative impacts on the river’s slope and ecological health.
The Economic Impact of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River has a major influence on the well-being of the local economy. The river provides many communities with transport opportunities and sources of income. In addition, its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean make it an important point for international trade. It is estimated that around $1 trillion of goods are shipped on the Mississippi each year.
The gradient of the river also plays an important part in the local economy. Low-gradient areas such as the Alluvial Valley make it easier to navigate the river, which in turn facilitates transportation of goods. The larger gradient of the Upper Mississippi helps to reduce the risk of flooding, which is essential for protecting livelihoods and property in the region.
Finally, the slope of the Mississippi River has a significant influence on the amount of sediment deposits in the river. Sediment in the river is essential for building up protective features such as delta marshes, which act as buffers against storm surges. These features are invaluable for the safety of local coastal communities, and the amount of sediment entering the river is largely a result of its gradient.
The Aesthetic Appreciation of Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is a beautiful and majestic presence in the American landscape. Given its long history and geographical importance, it is no surprise that the river draws millions of visitors each year. The varied gradient of the river means that its scenery changes dramatically as one moves through it. Visitors to the Upper Mississippi, for instance, can enjoy the river’s winding path through bluffs and rolling hills. Similarly, the Lower Mississippi offers a completely different experience, with vast wetlands, efficient channels, and stunningly powerful waterfalls.
The gradient of the Mississippi also plays a role in the recreational activities that one can enjoy on the river. In the Lower Mississippi, visitors often take part in boating, fishing, and other water-based activities. In contrast, in the Alluvial Valley and Upper Mississippi, tourists usually take part in activities such as hiking and camping—where the low gradient of the river makes for a leisurely journey.
Finally, the gradient of the Mississippi River also has an effect on wildlife in the region. The river’s varied gradient provides habitats for many species that rely on the river and its tributaries for food, shelter, and reproduction. From bald eagles to Louisiana crayfish, the Mississippi’s gradient provides numerous species with the perfect environment for a flourishing life.
The Future of the Mississippi River Slope
As climate change continues to intensify, it is uncertain what the future of the Mississippi River’s gradient will look like. Given the increasing frequency and intensity of storms, floods, and other natural disasters, the chances of drastic changes to the slope of the Mississippi are becoming more likely. Human interventions such as dredging and the construction of levees and flood walls pose dangers of their own by affecting the river’s natural flow. Furthermore, rising sea levels could cause significant alterations to the gradient of the Mississippi Delta, altering the landscape and the species it supports.
The issue of the changing gradient of the Mississippi River is further complicated by the fact that its effects are not confined to the river itself. The changing gradient of the Mississippi ultimately has an effect on the economies and livelihoods of the people and communities along its banks, as well as on the fragments of the unique and rich culture that it binds together.
It is therefore clear that the gradient of the Mississippi River is of huge importance—to its people, to its environment, and to its culture. To ensure the stability of the river and its ecosystem, people must work to understand and recognize the role the gradient of the Mississippi plays in its well-being, and find ways of adapting to the changes that will inevitably come.
