Background Information
The major river that flows into the Mississippi River is the Missouri River. This is the longest river in North America, stretching over 2,340 miles from its source in Montana to its confluence with the Mississippi in St Louis. The Missouri is the longest tributary of the Mississippi, and joins the two rivers about 100 miles upstream from the Mississippi Delta. It is estimated that the total drainage basin of the Missouri-Mississippi River System is close to one million square miles.
The Missouri River has been traveling the same route since the last Ice Age, roughly 10,000 years ago. It is an important source of food, and sustains a wide variety of species, such as the paddlefish, sturgeon, mussels, and over 180 species of birds. It also provides an important transportation route and is used to ferry grain and other goods.
Relevant Data
The Missouri River runs southward before turning eastward near Omaha, Nebraska, and then again southward at St Louis, following the Mississippi for about 500 miles before joining it. The main channel of the Missouri-Mississippi River System is navagable for about 2,500 miles, from St Louis to the Gulf of Mexico.
Average flow rates of the Missouri-Mississippi River System are estimated at 1.14 million cubic feet per second. It is estimated that the Missouri contributes 73.4% of the total flow of the Mississippi, and the remaining 26.6% is from other tributaries. The average annual discharge at St Louis is 304,000 cubic feet per second.
Perspectives from Experts
Experts agree that the Missouri-Mississippi River System is of critical importance to the US economy. They point out that the transportation of goods on the river system accounts for more than $310 billion in economic activity, as measured by GDP. It also provides a source of power generation, recreation, and fisheries, as well as fresh drinking water and irrigation.
In addition, the river system plays a vital role in providing flood protection to many parts of the United States, with levees and dams along the river helping to regulate the flow of water. Several experts have suggested that the construction of dams and levees is creating a false sense of security, and that more attention needs to be paid to the problem of silt build-up and erosion.
Impact of Silt Build-up and Erosion
Silt build-up and erosion are having a significant impact on the Missouri-Mississippi River System. According to experts, the riverbed is slowly shallowing due to silt build-up, which can reduce the flow of the river, increase flooding risks, and reduce access to navigation. Erosion is also damaging the banks of the river, which can lead to more land being lost to the river.
The silt build-up and erosion have been linked to several human activities, including agricultural runoff, deforestation, road construction, and over-extraction of ground water. All of these activities can increase surface runoff, which in turn increases the amount of sediment and other pollutants entering the river.
Mitigation Efforts
In response to the potentially damaging impact of silt build-up and erosion, several mitigation efforts have been proposed. One of the most common approaches is to increase the riparian buffers along the river, which can help reduce the amount of sediment entering the river. Farmers can also help to reduce erosion by protecting the banks and adopting more sustainable agricultural practices.
In addition, several sustainability initiatives have been undertaken by local and federal governments, including the reforestation of areas near the river and the introduction of better stormwater management practices. These measures can help protect the river from further degradation and ensure that it is able to provide the necessary economic and ecological benefits to the US populations.
Environmental Benefits
The environmental benefits of the Missouri-Mississippi River System are considerable. The river system is home to dozens of unique species, and is important for fish migration and reproduction. In addition, it provides essential habitat for a variety of birds and mammals.
The river also provides a number of recreational activities, including fishing, canoeing, and bird watching. By preserving the river, communities along its banks can benefit from increased tourism, as well as from the local environment.
Environmental Concerns
The Missouri-Mississippi River System has , however, been subject to a number of environmental concerns in recent years. Pollution from agricultural runoff and urban development has led to a decline in water quality, with toxic substances such as nitrates and phosphates entering the river and impacting fish populations. In addition, there have been several notable fish kills along the river due to hazardous chemicals and other pollutants.
A number of steps have been taken to help solve these problems. Laws have been enacted in several states to restrict the dumping of pollutants in the river, and local governments have implemented stormwater management plans to reduce runoff. In addition, there have been several initiatives to monitor the water quality of the river and to assess the impacts of any changes.
River navigation is another important aspect of the Missouri-Mississippi River System, with barges providing an important way to transport goods and materials. To help support river navigation, the US Army Corps of Engineers has constructed a number of lock and dams along the river, which allow vessels to move up and down the river relatively easily.
However, navigation of the river is not without its problems. Increasingly, areas of the river are too shallow for normal navigation due to silt build-up and erosion. As a result, the Corps of Engineers is undertaking dredging operations to help keep the river accessible to vessels, as well as constructing new locks and dams.
Recreational Opportunities
In addition to the economic and environmental benefits of the Missouri-Mississippi River System, the river provides a wide range of recreational opportunities. Numerous parks and historic sites have been established along the river, with fishing, camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities available.
Experts have also suggested that the Missouri-Mississippi River System could become a major tourist destination, with more people taking advantage of the natural beauty of the river. The river also offers a variety of cultural institutions, including museums and historic sites that can help to increase understanding of the region’s history.
Economic Challenges
Despite its importance to the economy of the US, the Missouri-Mississippi River System has its challenges. Changes to the river system, such as silt build-up, erosion, and pollution, can lead to a decrease in barge activity, which can significantly impact local economies along the river. In addition, the encroachment of urban development can also impact the river’s health.
In order to tackle these economic challenges, experts suggest that there needs to be a commitment from local, state, and federal governments to ensure that the river system is managed sustainably. This could include better management of the river itself, as well as the introduction of regulations that discourage unsustainable agricultural and construction activities near the river.
Flood Protection
In recent years, the Missouri-Mississippi River System has been subject to major flooding, with sometimes devastating consequences. As a result, the US Army Corps of Engineers has been undertaking a range of flood protection initiatives, including the construction of levees, dams, and reservoirs to help contain the flows of the river.
Experts have suggested that these measures can be effective in reducing floods, but only if the river itself is managed sustainably. By taking steps to reduce silt build-up and erosion, as well as adopting better stormwater management practices, the risk of flooding can be minimized. This can help to protect both property and lives, as well as preserve the economic benefits of the river system.
