The source of the Mississippi River is located in Lake Itasca, which lies in the North Central region of the US state of Minnesota. The Mississippi, as commonly known, is a major river of the United States, second only to the Missouri River in length and the most significant river in North America in terms of both geography, size and drainage. It is estimated that the basin of the Mississippi covers some eighteen states with drainage areas of the tributaries including basically all or parts of 31 states.
The watershed of the Mississippi is so large, containing nearly all of the river’s headwaters and parts of its tributaries, that it has divided into distinct biogeographic regions. This has further expanded its range and is a major reason why it has been designated as one of the most ecologically diverse rivers in the world. The Mississippi source basin is estimated to contain over 25,000 species of plants and animal life. The several basins and wetlands that form the Mississippi River system support an immense diversity of life that has no equal in comparison with other river systems in North America.
The origin of the Mississippi River system at Lake Itasca is a perfect location to observe the beginning of such an important natural resource in North America. An article by the United States Geographical Survey describes Lake Itasca as “a small and shallow body of water, edged by thickly forested banks”. With a depth of only a few feet and a diameter of 250 yards, it is one of the smallest lakes in the continent. Accordingly, geographers estimate that the maximum flow rate at the source of the Mississippi River is a mere 6 cubic feet per second.
The area around the source of the Mississippi River has long been an important site for tourists and explorers alike. For example, in 1832, Henry Brackett, an American geographer of the 19th century, was the first European to visit and document the source of the river. In his book, he wrote of his long journey to Lake Itasca, claiming that he “wandered through wild and remote areas, often lost on the way, in search of the lake until he eventually reached his destination”. Soon after, the lake became a tourist attraction and its banks were often visited by people in search of the source of the Mississippi River.
Today, the source of the Mississippi River at Itasca State Park is still a popular destination for visitors who come to observe the grandeur of the North American continent. In this protected park, people are allowed to “walk across the historically significant outlet of Lake Itasca to view a unique landscape shaped by nature”. Tourists visiting the source of the Mississippi can also take a tour of the state park, or simply enjoy the tranquil lake setting – a spectacular way to enjoy the source of the great river.
Impact of Temperature on the River
The majority of the Mississippi basin is located in the temperate zone, which leads to the river having a wide variability in temperature throughout the year. This temperature range is a major factor when it comes to the rate of water flow from the source of the Mississippi River at Lake Itasca. During the warmer months of the year, the flow rate of water out of the source can be as high as 5,600 cubic feet per second. On the other hand, the downstream flow rate during the cooler months can drop by nearly 75%, to only 1,500 cubic feet per second.
This fluctuation in water temperature and flow rate has a major impact on the water cycle of the Mississippi River system. The river basin has developed complex and reliable hydrological systems. These ecosystems are designed to maintain a balance between the abundance of water during the rainy seasons, and to allow for conservation of water during or after drought periods. The result of the water cycle is the flow of clean water, sometimes during prolonged periods of time, which is one of the major benefits of the river and its source in Minnesota.
The temperature of the Mississippi River has additional real-world effects. For example, the wide temperature range of the river facilitates the growth and survival of a wide variety of plants and animals both upstream and downstream. Depending on the region and its climate, the river system supports a diverse ecology, which in turn supports the livelihoods of people all along the river. This is a truly unique aspect of the Mississippi, in comparison to other river systems in North America.
Impact of Development on the River
In recent decades, the area around the source of the Mississippi River has seen massive development as a direct result of urbanization. There is an increasing demand for housing, energy, water and other resources, which has led to the construction of highways and other large-scale projects near the source. Such rapid development has had a direct and profound impact on the environment in the Mississippi source basin.
Statistically, it has been found that the rate of development near the source of the Mississippi River has tripled since 1980. This rapid development has led to the destruction of hundreds of acres of forest, wetlands and other natural ecosystems. Grasslands, rivers and lakes are being turned into large farms, small cities and industrial parks. As a result, large amounts of natural habitats are now lost.
Development also affects the air quality near the source of the Mississippi. As the number of automobiles, factories and power plants increases, more pollutants are released into the air. This air pollution has been proven to be responsible for a variety of adverse health effects. Furthermore, agricultural runoff into the river system can also lead to eutrophication and other health hazards. Hence, it is important to consider the long-term consequences of large-scale development near the source of the Mississippi River before proceeding forward.
Impact of Human Activity on River Banks
In addition to large-scale development, human activity in the area around the source of the Mississippi River has had an enormous effect on the riverside landscape. One of the most significant changes occurred when settlers and loggers began to alter large portions of the surrounding area. This alteration caused the displacement of many native species and reduced the biodiversity of the area. The removal of topsoil led to the erosion of banks and caused the water flow to increase drastically.
Today, human activity continues to have a major effect on the river banks in the source basin. People today are more likely to fish, swim, boat and other recreational activities than ever before. As a result, the water quality in this area has been reduced significantly due to the increased amount of human activity. The banks of the Mississippi River have also been continuously altered due to the building of dams, raising of water levels, dredging and other activities.
Furthermore, pollution from ships, boats and other motorized vessels has also impacted the banks of the Mississippi in the source region. Due to the long-term effects of oil spills, chemical discharges and noise pollution, the health of the hydrological system and its inhabitants have been greatly affected. This has impacted the well-being of both humans and animals living in this region for decades.
Impact of the Cypress Swamps
A popular tourist attraction near the source of the Mississippi River is the Cypress Swamps. These swampy areas are home to an impressive variety of plants and animals, with some species reaching up to thousands of years of age. The area is considered a national ecological and biodiversity treasure, as it serves as a refuge for a variety of aquatic animals, such as frogs, fish and snakes.
The presence of the Cypress Swamps also modulates the water flow of the Mississippi River. Furthermore, they act as a natural buffer, protecting the riversides from erosion. The swamps also serve as a shelter for several species of animals, like turtles and beavers, that are particularly sensitive to any sudden change in the water flow.
The Cypress Swamps near the source of the Mississippi River are an important source of food and habitat, providing a wide range of resources for humans and animals alike. Therefore, any changes in the ecosystem of these swamps can have detrimental effects on everything that relies on them, from wildlife to the people living in the area.
Effects of Climate Change on the River
The Mississippi River is highly sensitive to climatic changes, particularly temperature variations. The river basin, including the source of the river in Minnesota, has a long history of experiencing extreme climatic events, such as flooding and drought. In recent years, the area has become even more vulnerable, with rising temperatures taking a toll on the river system.
In 2019, it was reported that the temperatures in the source region of the Mississippi River had risen significantly in the past years, with some areas experiencing temperatures as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit during certain periods of the year. This led to an increase in the evaporation and melting of snow, exacerbating the occurrences of droughts throughout the region. In addition, human-caused climate change has led to an increase in extreme weather events in the area and has caused severe storms, hurricanes, and floods.
These events contribute to the gradual degradation of the Mississippi River system, which ironically, is the most important and largest river basin in North America. The fragility of the Mississippi River in the face of climate change is a reminder of the urgent need to act and protect this important ecosystem.
Impact of Pollution on the River
As the largest river basin in North America, the Mississippi River system serves a great purpose in terms of commerce, transportation and industry. Unfortunately, due to its size and ease of access, the river has also become a major source of pollution in the region. This is particularly true in the source area where the water pollution has been steadily increasing over the years.
The main source of water pollution in the source basin comes from urban and industrial development, as well as agricultural practices. These activities have led to the release of hazardous materials such as nitrogen, phosphorous and organic compounds into the river system. Furthermore, it has been estimated that 6-12 metric tons of oil are discharged into the river every year, which has further exacerbated the pollution levels.
The increasing pollution in the source of the Mississippi River is a major cause of concern, as it is highly detrimental to the health of both the people and the environment. Pollution has led to an increased level of toxic materials, which has caused an adverse effect on the food chain. In turn, this has caused a dramatic decrease in the variety and number of fish and other aquatic animals, while at the same time, posing serious health risks to many species.
Conclusion and Solutions
The source of the Mississippi River at Lake Itasca is the beginning of one of the most important natural resources in North America. However, the Mississippi source basin is under threat from a variety of human activities, including development, climate change, human activity and pollution. Without protective measures and strategies, this vital river system may eventually face long-term damage.
Therefore, it is necessary to implement strategies that protect the source of the Mississippi River and its surrounding ecosystem. These strategies should include environmental regulations such as restrictions on development, reducing pollution from oil spills and agricultural runoff, and increasing the number of protected areas. Additionally, it is also important to educate the public about the importance of conserving the source of the Mississippi River and its ecosystem.
