Physical Characteristics of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the fourth longest river in the world and the tenth most powerful. It begins at Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota and flows about 2,300 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. This river serves as a natural divide between the eastern and western United States, and creates borders between the ten states it covers along its journey.
The Mississippi River’s grand size is visible in its breadth; the widest point of this watery expanse holds over 11 miles of water! Additionally, its depth fluctuates, being shallowest near the mouth of the river at only 9 feet deep and reaching depths of nearly 200 feet as it empties into the Gulf of Mexico.
The dynamic character of the river changes with the passing of seasons, too. As temperatures and rainfall ebb and flow, so too does the Mississippi River’s speed. Heavy rainfall can cause flooding of over-banked areas, while lower water levels are evident during times of drought. This natural shifting of the river can affect the riverbed and habitat dramatically.
The Water Temperature of the Mississippi River
The water temperature of the Mississippi River is subject to change as different seasons come and go. The surface temperature can reach up to 70 degrees on sunny, hot days in the summer. In the winter, it usually hovers between the low 40s and mid 60s. It is the coolest between January and April and the warmest between July and September. Of course, temperatures are directly relative to the area the river is flowing through — with colder temperatures further up the river and warmer temperatures found near its mouth as it empties into the Gulf.
Water temperature can also fluctuate depending on how deep you measure. The surface temperature of the water is slightly higher due to the sun’s direct heat, while it will be fairly cold if you measure the deeper depths of the Mississippi River — especially in its shadowed regions. The temperature of the water can also be affected by changes in the weather. During periods of heavy rain, the water temperature can drop significantly.
When measuring the temperature of the water in the Mississippi River, it is important to note that the water is often affected by seasonality and may also be affected by factors such as level of groundwater saturation, depth of the water, and even nearby agricultural runoff. These factors can all play a role in the temperature of the water in the river.
Fish Habitat of the Mississippi River
One of the most important factors of the Mississippi River is the variety and abundance of fish species present within it. The several smallmouth and largemouth bass, for instance, are some of the most sought-after species in the river. These species, along with the amount of other fish, can often be affected by water temperature.
Higher water temperatures can cause fish to become stressed, which can lead to a lack of oxygen in their body tissues, thus reducing their abilities to survive. In the hottest times of the year, fish can easily become more vulnerable to disease and fungi. Therefore, maintaining an optimal temperature of the water in the Mississippi River is important in order to ensure the survival and even the multiplication of the species found within it.
When water temperatures fluctuate too much, fish become stressed, putting them at risk of falling ill or even dying. Low water temperatures during colder periods also put fish at risk, as their metabolism slows and makes them lethargic, making them easier prey for other fish. Under these conditions, the species of fish that survive in the Mississippi River find it difficult to reproduce.
The Effects of Humans on Mississippi River Temperature
Human activity has both negative and positive effects on the water temperature of the Mississippi River. On the one hand, dams, which hold the river’s flow and provide drinking water, can cause water temperature to fluctuate and are responsible for creating ideal conditions for many of the fish species that inhabit the water. On the other hand, activity such as runoff from urbanized areas can also lead to higher temperatures in the water, as the runoff is often warmer than the surrounding water.
The use of agricultural chemicals, such as fertilizers and pesticides, can also cause an eventual increase in water temperature when they enter the Mississippi River. These chemicals often contain nutrients that lead to increased algal growth in the water, which can further lead to excessive warming.
In addition, human activities that disrupt the normal river flow, such as dredging and the use of natural and man-made weirs, can affect the water temperature. These activities can cause water to become stagnant and decrease the amount of oxygen present in the water, which can lead to ideal conditions for algal growth and result in further increases in water temperature.
Economic Impact of Mississippi River Temperature
The Mississippi River’s fluctuating water temperatures have a direct effect on the economy of the region. For example, the fishing industry located near the river depends on the appropriate levels of temperature in order to thrive. If the water is too warm or too cold, fishing becomes more difficult, and fishermen find it harder to make a living from the river.
In addition, tourism is another important factor to consider when discussing the Mississippi River. Activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and sightseeing down the river are popular activities for tourists. Consequently, the rising water temperature of the Mississippi River has a negative effect on the tourism industry, as visitors may not be comfortable or safe attempting these activities.
Environmental Impact of Mississippi River Temperature
Changes in the water temperature of the Mississippi River can also have a negative impact on the environment. As temperatures rise, water flows more quickly, which can cause erosions of the banks that can lead to natural disasters such as flooding in some cases. The increased heat in the water can also affect the fish that the river is home to, which can lead to a decrease in their numbers.
Moreover, warm temperature water is also more prone to pollutants, as it causes chemical reactions within the river. This can lead to an increase in the amount of toxins in the water, resulting in contaminated water that is unfit to use.
Finally, the rising temperatures can also lead to the spreading of aquatic diseases, due to the ideal growing conditions for bacteria and fungi. This can have a devastating effect on fish populations and can lead to a decrease in their numbers. It can also lead to changes in the water quality, further endangering the animals that call the Mississippi River home.
Legislation and Regulations on Mississippi River Temperature
There are special regulations and laws that have been set up in order to control water temperature of the Mississippi River, as well as practices that have been put in place to reduce the harmful effects of water temperature. For example, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified a number of contaminants that are deemed to be hazardous to human health, and has implemented regulations to reduce their levels in the water.
The EPA also regulates Companies in order to limit the amount of wastewater they can discharge into the river, as well as the type of wastewater. It also monitors the temperature of the wastewater, to ensure it does not exceed a certain level. This helps to keep water temperatures lower and protect the environment.
The state of Mississippi has also taken action in order to minimize the impacts of water temperatures on the river. For example, they have put in place laws that require land surveys to be conducted before activities that can result in water temperature changes are implemented. They have also established laws that ensure that there are adequate fish sanctuaries available in order to protect fish species from being over-fished in the river.
Conclusion
The water temperature of the Mississippi River can fluctuate significantly throughout the year and can be influenced by a host of environmental, economic, and human-related factors. It is important to recognize the potential effect of these fluctuations, as they can lead to serious consequences for the environment, economy, and industries that rely on the river. Governments, legislators, and other agencies have taken steps to limit the effects of water temperature fluctuations, creating regulations and laws to ensure the health of the environment, economy, and species that inhabit the river.
