Geography and Formation
The Mississippi River is the second-longest river in the United States, stretching some 2,340 miles (3,765 kilometers) from its source in Lake Itasca, located in northwestern Minnesota, to the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way, it passes through or forms the borders of ten states – Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana. According to experts, the Mississippi Basin is one of the world’s most fertile, and covers an area of 1,251,000 square miles (3,240,000 square kilometers).
The river is incredibly powerful and dynamic. Its famous triangular current is made up of three distinct layers – with the uppermost or ‘floating’ layer carrying mud, sand and silt and moving at a much slower pace than the two layers below. The Mississippi River is dynamic as it is, constantly eroding its banks, depositing sediment and morphing into new shapes.
Climate Influences
The Mississippi River is heavily influenced by the surrounding climate. The river is fed by numerous rivers and tributaries, and the amount of water it receives is greatly impacted by the weather. For instance, the water level tends to fall in an area of the river when there is below-average rainfall and higher temperatures, while wetter and colder months mean an increase in water level.
Furthermore, the entire climate in the Mississippi River Basin also affects the wildlife present in the area. Changes in temperature, precipitation and other climate-related variables can have a direct effect on fish and other aquatic species, as well as their food sources. As a result, understanding the underlying dynamics of the climate in the Mississippi River Basin can provide valuable insight into the preservation of its wildlife.
Soil Erosion
Erosion is an integral part of the Mississippi River landscape. The power of the river and its currents erode the soil and sediments alongside its banks, often resulting in new channels and levees. The river also contains vast amounts of soil and sediment, which it carries downstream and deposits in new areas. This facilitates soil fertility and helps create land for agricultural production. This cycle of erosion, followed by the nutrients left behind, has enabled the Mississippi River Basin to remain incredibly fertile.
Plant Communities and Biodiversity
The Mississippi River Basin is home to a large array of plant communities and helps support a wide range of biodiversity. For instance, the presence of aquatic vegetation, wetlands and marshes help create a balanced ecosystem that supports many different species. Additionally, the river’s complex system of channels and levees provides not only a migratory path for many fish, but also a suitable spot for spawning areas.
The presence of a variety of plant communities also helps support numerous birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, many of which depend on the river’s ecosystem to survive.
Human Interaction and Influence
The Mississippi River has been heavily impacted by human activity. The river is a hub of shipping and transportation, with large barge and tanker vessels drawing freight from its many ports. The river is also frequented by recreational boaters and anglers, and its banks and reservoirs are full of resorts and lodges. With all of this activity, it is no surprise that the river’s ecosystem has been impacted by human activity.
Extensive commercial and recreational activities on the Mississippi River often lead to pollution, erosion and habitat destruction. While the introduction of dams and other river-control mechanisms have done much to protect the river’s integrity, these activities have taken their toll on the river’s biodiversity and have had a negative impact on the surrounding environment.
Environmental Protection and Conservation
Given the effect of human activity on the Mississippi River, there have been efforts to conserve and protect its ecosystem. The Conservation and Preservation Program of the Mississippi River was established in 1988, and since then there have been efforts to restore and protect some of the river’s most sensitive areas.
The Mississippi River Corridor is designated as a National Heritage Area, and includes many of its tributaries, wetlands and marshlands. The goal of this program is to protect the river’s resources and to maintain its cultural lead. Additionally, various conservation and preservation programs have been established to protect the river’s fish, birds, amphibians and other species.
Economic and Cultural Significance
The Mississippi River has served as a transportation route and an economic power for centuries. Steamboats, barges and other shipping vessels have made use of the river, and it has been home to some of the largest cities in American history – such as St. Louis and New Orleans. As a result, the river has had a significant impact on American culture and commerce.
Moreover, the river has been an integral part of the lives of many Native Americans. The Chippewa, Sioux and other Native American tribes have lived in the area for centuries and have deep cultural ties to the river. As a result, the Mississippi River has an enduring legacy that engulfs the vast reaches of the United States.
Plant and Animal Health
The Mississippi River supports a wide range of plants and animals, many of which rely on the river for food and shelter. However, persistent human activity and the installation of dams and other structures threaten the health of these species. The introduction of pollutants and chemicals into the river often harms aquatic and wildlife, while the introduction of non-native species can disrupt and destroy delicate ecosystems.
In response, numerous conservation and preservation programs have been established to protect the river’s delicate ecosystems. These initiatives include the implementation of stringent regulations and policies to control water pollution and limit the introduction of non-native species, as well as the restoration of wetlands and other sensitive areas.
Flood Control and Erosion Prevention Strategies
The tremendous power of the Mississippi River can lead to serious flooding and erosion, particularly during heavy rain and seasonal floods. The constant erosion of its banks can lead to the creation of new channels and levees, resulting in the destruction of large swaths of land. To prevent this, numerous flood control and erosion prevention strategies have been implemented in the area, including the installation of levees, dams and dredging operations.
Additionally, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) manages much of the river’s infrastructure and actively monitors the water levels. The USACE also works to maintain the levees and other structures, ensuring that they can withstand the power of the river.
Water Management and Conservation
Given the importance of the Mississippi River, there are numerous efforts to appropriately manage and utilize its water resources. The installation of dams along the river helps regulate the flow of water, while levees help protect vulnerable areas from flooding and erosion.
Additionally, the USACE and other government agencies monitor the river’s water levels and have implemented various conservation measures. These include water-saving initiatives, water treatment methods and the installation of water-saving devices in homes and businesses around the river. By implementing these strategies, the Mississippi River can continue to provide the area with much-needed water for future generations.
