Introduction
The Mississippi River is arguably the most iconic American river. It is an essential part of the nation’s history and heritage, with its own folktales and legends. But what river runs into the Mississippi? It plays a surprisingly important role in the transportation and commerce that make America what it is today. In this article, we will discuss the tributaries that run into the Mississippi River and explore the importance of the river.
Missouri & Arkansas Rivers
The Missouri and Arkansas Rivers are both major tributaries of the Mississippi River. The Missouri River is the longest tributary and it enters the Mississippi River from the north near St. Louis. The river is roughly 2,500 miles in length and its main source is located near Three Forks in the Montana Rockies. It is a major source of fresh water for the Platte River and parts of the Mississippi Delta.
Further south, the Arkansas River is the second-largest tributary of the Mississippi, joining it near Arkansas City, Arkansas. It is 1,460 miles long and its main source is located near Leadville, Colorado. It is an important transportation corridor that moves goods and services throughout the Midwest and Delta regions.
Ohio River
The Ohio River is the third major tributary of the Mississippi River. It is roughly 981 miles in length and its main source is the Allegheny River in Pennsylvania. This river is part of the inland waterway system and there are numerous industrial and agricultural purposes served by the Ohio. Its major role is as a hemiparallel canal for transportation between the Midwest and the East Coast.
Importance Of The Mississippi & Its Tributaries
The Mississippi River is one of the most important waterways in the United States, connecting the Midwest and Delta regions to the east coast. Its economic importance is inestimable, affording both an easy access to goods and services, and providing a port for the export of goods.
Each of the Mississippi River’s tributaries make unique contributions to the river’s overall importance. The Missouri and Arkansas Rivers both provide a steady supply of fresh water to the Delta regions and transship goods to the east coast. The Ohio River links the Midwest to the East Coast and is a major transportation corridor. Without these tributaries, the Mississippi could not provide the services it does to America.
Benefits
The Mississippi River and its tributaries offer a number of benefits to the Midwest and Delta regions. First and foremost, it acts as a primary transportation corridor, providing goods to the Midwest, Delta, and Eastern seaboard. It also acts as an essential source of fresh water to the Midwest, Delta, and San Francisco Bay area. The river is also a major provider of recreational activities, such as fishing and boating.
Biodiversity
The Mississippi River and its tributaries are home to a variety of wildlife species, both aquatic and terrestrial. Species such as bass, catfish, pike and other game fish inhabit the river. Turtles, snakes and alligators can also be seen along its length. The riverbanks are also home to creatures like mink, muskrats and beaver.
The Mississippi and its tributaries also provide a rich habitat for migrating waterfowl and other bird species. Birds such as eagles, pelicans, herons, and ducks are commonly seen along the river. Bottom-dwelling species of salmon, shad, and carp also call the Mississippi home.
Environmental Concerns
Despite the ecological and economic benefits of the Mississippi River and its tributaries, there are many environmental concerns associated with them as well. Many of the river’s tributaries are over-harvested for fish and aquatic life. While the Mississippi is home to many species, pollution of the river has severely impacted these species, resulting in a decrease in the overall biodiversity.
Agricultural and industrial runoff are also major sources of pollution, causing problems with the water’s clarity and pH levels. These activities have also contributed to a decrease in aquatic species. As a result, a number of endangered species now call the Mississippi River home.
Regulation
In order to address these issues, government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) are working closely with industry, farmers and citizens to try to minimize the impacts of agricultural and industrial runoff. The EPA and USACE have created many programs to help protect the river and its tributaries’ ecosystems. These programs focus on water clarity, pH levels, and protecting species populations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Mississippi River and its tributaries are a vital resource to the Midwest and Delta regions. They provide an essential source of fresh water, transportation corridors for goods and services, recreational activities, as well as habitats for many species of wildlife.
However, the river and its tributaries are also subject to a number of environmental concerns. In order to protect the river, government agencies have implemented a number of programs to reduce pollution and increase conservation activities. It is clear that the Mississippi River and its tributaries play an important role in America and they must be protected.
