The mighty Mississippi River is one of the largest rivers in the world, stretching from the Middle of the United States all the way to through New Orleans, Louisiana.It is no surprise, then, that the Mississippi River is considered a major waterway tied to a large order stream. But what exactly does that mean for the river and its watershed?
The term “order stream” is important to understand when talking about the Mississippi. Order streams are gauged by a system of classification developed by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). On a scale from one to seven, the Mississippi is ranked as a sixth-order stream, meaning it is one of the greatest rivers in terms of its drainage area, the number and size of tributaries, and the number of changes within its course.
The USGS system is based on several different factors when determining a river’s order, including the number and length of channels, the number of changes in these channels, and the drainage area of the river. A sixth-order stream like the Mississippi is a river with an extremely large drainage area. This means that the river will have numerous tributaries, and its flow changes constantly. In the case of the Mississippi, the river has more than two million tributaries and changes course multiple times along its 2,320 mile journey.
Although the Mississippi River is classified as a sixth-order stream, the USGS system is far from perfect. Rivers with smaller drainage areas, such as the Hudson River, may not be classified as high-order streams under USGS regulations, but still hold significant importance to the people and resources within their watersheds.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that the USGS system only considers the physical parameters of a river when classifying it as an order stream. Environmental or socio-economic issues are not taken into account and can often be overlooked when looking at order streams.
In terms of the Mississippi River, however, it is indisputable that it is an integral part of the American landscape, and its sixth-order stream ranking is testament to its size and power. Potentially the most economically important river in the United States, the Mississippi River is the lifeblood of many communities through which it flows, from rural towns to large cities such as St. Louis, Missouri.
The vastness of the Mississippi is undeniable and its resources are looked upon with both admiration and awe. The USGS system helps to better understand the river’s contribution to its watershed and the nation as a whole and is an effective way to classify rivers across the United States.
Economic Impact of the Mississippi River
The importance of the Mississippi River to the US economy cannot be
overstated. It is home to some of the world’s busiest ports and most profitable shipping routes. Barges use the river to transport goods and services to destinations throughout the country, while its tributaries supply the US with an abundance of natural resources. In addition, the water supply from the Mississippi River is paramount for agriculture, power generation, and recreational activities.
The economic impact of the river is especially evident in Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi, the states through which the Mississippi River traverses. Millions of people in these states rely on the river for jobs, income, and other economic opportunities.
In addition, the Mississippi River plays an integral role in the tourism industry. Millions of people travel to the river to boat, fish, camp, and enjoy the natural beauty of its watershed. The income generated by those activities is essential to the economies of the states in which the river runs.
The importance of the Mississippi River cannot be overstated. Its order stream ranking is valuable information which helps to understand how crucial it is to the US landscape and its economy.
Environmental Impact of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is home to a wide range of organisms, many of which are threatened due to human activities. Industrial, agricultural, and municipal pollution make the river increasingly hazardous to many species of aquatic life. Pollution from agricultural runoff is especially detrimental, as it increases the water’s acidity and increases its temperature, creating conditions which are unfavorable for aquatic species.
In addition, overfishing and the introduction of invasive species into the river have had a tremendous impact on its ecosystem. Invasive species such as Asian carp have a serious impact on native species, as they often compete for food and space, and can upset the delicate balance within the river’s ecosystem.
The importance of addressing the environmental issues in the river cannot be underestimated. Organizations such as the Mississippi River Restoration Program have been created with the aim of restoring the river’s health and restoring biodiversity along its banks. With concerted effort and dedication, it may be possible to mitigate or even reverse some of the damage done to this vast waterway.
The Mississippi River is an incredibly important part of the US landscape, and its sixth-order stream ranking is a powerful testament to its ecological significance.
History of the Mississippi River
The history of the Mississippi River is a long and storied one. The river has been used by Native Americans for centuries, and it was vital to the development and growth of the United States. Many of the country’s most influential cities, including St. Louis, New Orleans, and Memphis, have developed due to their proximity to the river and its resources.
The river has been integral to the slave trade, the civil war, and the development of transportation to the west. steamboat travel on the river was one of the most economical and popular ways of getting around the US and helped facilitate the growth of the nation. The river was also vital to the agricultural industry in the midwest, providing irrigation and essential nutrients to crops and livestock.
Today, the Mississippi is still a powerful symbol of the United States and the way of life it has fostered. While the river’s sixth-order stream ranking serves to remind us of its environmental importance, it also serves as a reminder of the history and culture that have sprung up alongside it.
Cultural Impact of the Mississippi River
The cultural impact of the Mississippi River is vast and cannot be understated. From the traditional music of the Deep South to the artwork of the Great River Road, the influence of the Mississippi can be seen in all corners of the United States. The oil paintings of Thomas Hart Benton, the blues music of W.C. Handy and Muddy Waters, and the literature of Twain, Welty, and Faulkner are all testaments to the power and importance of the mighty Mississippi.
Despite its sixth-order stream ranking, the Mississippi is much more than a waterway or an ecological system. It is a symbol of America and its culture, and its history reflects the best and worst of the US as a whole. The significance of the Mississippi runs deep and its cultural impact cannot be denied.
Mississippi River Today
The Mississippi river today looks very different than it did in years past, thanks in part to better environmental protection efforts, increased agricultural regulations, and improved infrastructure. The river is now cleaner and safer than ever before, and its population of fish and other aquatic species is steadily increasing.
The human population along the banks of the Mississippi is also increasing, as more people flock to cities like St. Louis, Memphis, and New Orleans. These cities are increasingly relying on the river for trade and transportation, and for their access to influential educational and recreational opportunities.
The Mississippi River of today is a powerful reminder of the nation’s progress, and its order stream ranking should serve as a sign of hope that the US can continue to make improvements to its environment and economy in the years to come.
