The Formation Of The Mississippi River
The Mississippi River has been forming and meandering for thousands of years. The river’s journey dates back long before the arrival of European settlers to North America, and it is still shaping the landscape today. The combination of natural forces and human development has greatly altered the course of the Mississippi, greatly impacting the United States as a whole.
The river’s watershed, or the area drained by the Mississippi and its tributaries, encompasses parts or all of 31 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces. At the time of European contact, the Ojibwe and the Dakota Sioux were two of the main groups that inhabited the region. Ojibwe oral tradition tells of great floods in the pre-contact era, offering us a glimpse into the geological history of the area.
Long before the river’s creation, a volcanic basalt rich in iron and magnesium flowed across the region. The basalt formed a hard layer, known as the Prairie du Chien-Jordan Aquitard, which prevented water from flowing eastward into the lake and caused it to settle in a bed that we recognize as the Mississippi.
The original course of the Mississippi River was much different than it is today. During the Rusticating period of the early Holocene, the Mississippi meandered from its current course to the west and north into what is now Minnesota. Geologists believe that at this time, the Mississippi divided into three forks, with one fork moving through Minnesota, another through Wisconsin, and the third, the ancestral Mississippi, continuing south and eventually meeting the other two tributaries.
Explorers, adventurers and settlers of European descent began to arrive in the late 16th century, and with these new arrivals, came the need to better understand the river. By the 18th century, the course of the Mississippi had changed dramatically. In 1718, French explorer Pierre le Moyne d’Iberville was commissioned by the French government to map the entire length of the Mississippi, creating the first known accurate description of the river.
The first attempt to control the course of the Mississippi was made in the late 18th century. French traders, led by Phillippe Thomas Tangier, built a series of levees and canals to divert the river away from its natural course. These efforts weren’t enough to stop the flooding, however, and eventually a more permanent solution was needed. In 1882, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began the construction of a series of locks and dams to control the flow of the river.
The river has been subject to many other alterations as well, most notable of which are a series of levees, or artificial embankments, that have been constructed along the Mississippi’s course. These levees are responsible for much of the Mississippi’s current shape. Additionally, the river has been subject to human construction projects, such as bridges, canals, docks, and many others, which have altered its flow further.
Agricultural Impact On The Mississippi River
Agriculture has had a major impact on the Mississippi River. One of the primary purposes of the river is to provide fresh water for crop irrigation. Farmers have been using the Mississippi for this purpose for centuries, and today much of the river’s water is allocated for agricultural use.
The constant demand for water from the river has led to the depletion of water in many areas. This has resulted in decreasing water levels and increased salinity, both of which impact the health of the river and the species that depend upon it. As a result, farmers are often forced to use costly irrigation methods such as drip irrigation and water pumps in order to continue to irrigate their crops.
Agricultural runoff is also a major contributor to water pollution in the river. Fertilizers and pesticides used in farming can accumulate in the river over time and can have a significant impact on the ecology of the river. Additionally, chemicals such as nitrogen and phosphorus present in agricultural runoff can cause algal blooms, which can reduce the amount of oxygen in the water and threaten aquatic life.
The increased sedimentation from agriculture can also have an adverse effect on the river. Excessive sedimentation can clog up the river and decrease the amount of available habitat for fish and other aquatic life. In order to offset this, farmers can use the process of terracing, which is the construction of ridges that prevent water from carrying too much sediment.
The Socio-Economic Impact Of The Mississippi River
The Mississippi River has had a profound effect on the socio-economic development of the region. It was an important source of transportation and commerce for the early settlers and native peoples, as well as being a source of food and sustenance. The river became a major transportation route for the transportation of goods and people, and it also served as an important part of the nation’s military strategy during the Civil War.
The river was also an important economic resource for the region, providing access to natural resources, such as timber and minerals, that were transported down the river to be sold or used in manufacturing. The river was also used to transport coal and other fuel sources, as well as providing fresh water for drinking, raising livestock, and powering industry. The growth of cities, such as St. Louis, Memphis, and New Orleans, can be directly attributed to the transportation opportunities offered by the river.
Today, the Mississippi River is still an important source of income and commerce for the region. In addition to providing transportation, it is also a major source of recreational activities, such as fishing, hunting, and boating. Additionally, it is a popular tourist destination and a vital source of water for drinking and irrigation.
The river is also an important factor in the region’s environment. It helps to support a wide variety of aquatic life, and its wetlands provide a habitat for numerous species of birds and other wildlife. In addition, the wetlands of the Mississippi help to filter pollutants from the water, reducing the amount of contaminants that enter the river.
Restoration Efforts Of The Mississippi River
Various agencies, including The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, The Nature Conservancy, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, are actively working to restore the Mississippi River. Many of these organizations are focused on preserving the wetlands in the region, as they are essential to the health and vitality of the river. They are working to restore natural habitats and reduce sedimentation, which can reduce the amount of pollutants entering the river.
In addition, various government agencies are developing plans to reduce the amount of runoff from agricultural fields, as well as installing erosion control barriers and restoring the river’s habitat. The restoration of Fish Passage systems is also an important goal, as these provide a necessary source of food and habitat for the various species that inhabit the river.
Organizations such as the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Nature Conservancy are also engaging in restoration projects. These involve activities such as planting trees and vegetation, restoring native habitats, restoring abandoned islands, and introducing fish species to the habitat. Such efforts help to ensure a healthy and vibrant Mississippi River.
Flood Prevention of The Mississippi River
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other government agencies are also actively engaged in flood prevention measures for the Mississippi. The Corps is responsible for managing a network of levees, which are constructed along the river’s banks in order to reduce the amount of water that can enter the river. Additionally, the Corps is involved in various flood mitigation activities, such as building water retention ponds, restoring wetlands, and constructing embankments to divert water away from populated areas.
The Corps is also responsible for operating a number of flood control dams and reservoirs, which help to regulate the flow of the Mississippi and reduce the risk of flooding downstream. In addition, the Corps is involved in the construction of new flood control systems, such as levee islands, which are designed to divert floodwaters away from populated areas and reduce the amount of damage caused by floods.
In addition to government efforts, various non-government organizations are also involved in flood prevention activities. Many organizations are working to restore wetlands, rebuild islands, and plant vegetation near the river in order to reduce the amount of runoff entering the river. Such efforts help to reduce the risk of flooding and protect communities that are located near the Mississippi.
Climate Change Impact On The Mississippi River
Climate change has had an significant impact on the Mississippi. The effects of climate change are expected to cause the river to become more prone to flooding due to an increase in average air temperature, changes in precipitation, and increasing sea levels along the Gulf Coast. This could potentially lead to greater destruction from flooding, especially in areas that are already vulnerable.
The higher water temperatures are also having a major impact on the river’s ecosystem. The increase in temperature brings about an increase in algae growth, which can deplete the water of its oxygen. This is having a major effect on the fish and other wildlife that inhabit the river and its tributaries. Additionally, the warmer temperatures may also lead to an increase in pathogenic diseases, and may negatively affect aquatic species.
As temperatures and water levels rise, there will be an increased demand for water. This will likely be felt most heavily in agricultural areas, as farmers will be required to irrigate their crops more often. Additionally, drought conditions are expected to increase in regions of the Mississippi, leading to less water available to the river and its tributaries.
Overall, climate change is expected to have a major impact on the Mississippi River in the coming years. Rising temperatures, increased flooding, and decreased water levels will all take a toll on the river, its ecosystem, and the people who rely on it. It is important to monitor the effects of climate change and to take action to mitigate these effects as much as possible.
