The convergence of the mighty Mississippi and Missouri Rivers is a marvel of the North American landscape. Together they form the most extensive river system in the United States, snaking through twelve states, three Canadian provinces and providing essential water to an estimated 40 million people. President Thomas Jefferson said “if the confluence of these waters produced a distinct boundary, few rivers in the world could surpass the Missouri in magnitude and importance.” Both rivers travel a combined 3,709 miles, making this amazing junction of two of the most powerful rivers in the United States.
Geographers note that this junction occurs within the boundaries of present-day St. Louis, Missouri, which is located in the heart of the American Midwest. These two great rivers were observed by Lewis and Clark during their expedition of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. Many historians believe that the convergence of these two rivers is what really gave St. Louis its potential as a bustling port during the Industrial Revolution and the subsequent waves of immigration to the Midwest.
The Missouri River is the longest tributary of the Mississippi River, as it flows 2,540 miles to the junction. It begins in Montana and proceeds south, forming the natural and political boundaries between Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Iowa. Further south, the Missouri River eventually connects with the Mississippi River southwest of St. Louis. The Mississippi River meanders 1,169 miles before it reaches the junction. The stream begins near Lake Itasca, Minnesota, before snaking south along the banks of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi before arriving in Missouri.
The Missouri and Mississippi Rivers merge to form the mighty Missouri River, which continues to flow onward toward the Gulf of Mexico. Scientists have studied this spot for centuries, as it remains one of the most visible examples of the power of nature and its role in shaping world history. The junction is also one of the most vital natural resources in the region, providing a continuous supply of water for fishing and transportation.
Despite its significance to the region, the Mississippi and Missouri’s junction has had its share of environmental issues. These include the threat from a nearby nuclear plant, the influx of pollutants from agriculture, and the extensive system of dams and locks that have been used to try and navigate the changing depths of the junction.
Of particular concern is the presence of harmful toxins and pollutants in the waters of the junction, as both rivers have served as cesspools for industry and agriculture. While the effects have been far reaching, recent measures taken by local governments in the area have seen a noticeable improvement in the water quality of the river systems.
Impact on Local Ecosystems
The junction of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers has also had a major impact on the local ecosystems, as the two rivers provide a diverse habitat for numerous fish species, including catfish, carp, redhorse, and sturgeon. Exotic species, such as Asian carp, have also been known to thrive in the junction, as increased commerce has often led to a healthy population of non-native species.
The diversity of the fish and other aquatic organisms living near the junction has often been touted as a boon for recreational anglers. Despite their potential benefits, however, the presence of non-native species has been known to disturb the delicate balance of native species.
The influx of pollutants entering the junction through both natural sources and industrial runoff has also had a profound effect on the health of the local aquatic ecosystem. Studies have shown that while the ecological balance of the Missouri and Mississippi junction remains largely intact, the presence of man-made contaminants is likely to cause problems in the years to come.
The effects of climate change have also been observed near the junction, with temperatures increasing, raising the water levels of the two rivers and melting snow on the upper reaches of the Mississippi. Over the years, this has caused the wetlands in the area to become significantly smaller, disrupting the habitats of fish, birds and other animal species inhabiting the region.
Flood Control
Floods have also been a major concern for the junction, with the area experiencing significant flooding in both the past and the present. The most notable of these was the Great Flood of 1927, which caused significant damage to the levees and other infrastructure along the river.
In recent decades, flood control measures have been put in place to help minimize the damage caused by flooding in the region. A number of dams have been built along the Missouri and Mississippi to help slow the speed of water flow in order to reduce flood-related damage.
The issue of flood control is further complicated by the presence of navigation infrastructure in the area, as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has built a large number of lock and dam systems along the junction to facilitate ferry and barge traffic from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. This has resulted in significant regulation of water levels in the Missouri and Mississippi junction, with the Army Corps of Engineers regularly releasing water in order to keep barge traffic moving.
Overall, the junction of the mighty Mississippi and Missouri Rivers is a marvel of the North American landscape, with its vibrant history impacting both the environment and economy of the region alike. Though its waters are often threatened by human pollution, the junction continues to provide essential water to millions of people and supports numerous fish and other wildlife species in the area.
Efforts to Combat Pollution
Local governments have increasingly focused on efforts to combat the influx of pollutants into the river systems from nearby industries and agricultural runoff. New regulations have been implemented to reduce the emission of harmful pollutants into the two rivers, including a ban on fertilizers containing phosphates.
It is also worth noting that many farmers in the area have started to focus on cover crops and other soil-building efforts to help stem the flow of polluted agricultural runoff into the rivers. These activities are crucial in helping to preserve the quality of the Missouri and Mississippi junction for future generations.
In addition to these measures, a number of organizations, such as the Missouri Coalition for the Environment and the Mississippi River Collaborative, have made efforts to clean up the river systems and conserve the health of the aquatic ecosystems. The various initiatives these organizations have been involved in have included everything from advocating for stricter water quality regulations to running educational programs on the importance of water conservation.
Changes in Human Use
The numerous dams and locks have become increasingly important over the years, with their presence leading to a shift in both the way the rivers are navigated and the way they are viewed by people. Prior to the construction of dams, the Mississippi and Missouri could be seen as a dangerous and unpredictable force, with floods resulting in devastating losses and disruption for local communities. In recent times, the area has seen a noticeable decrease in the occurrence of floods, due largely to the regulation of water levels near the junction.
As a result, the region has experienced a massive growth in recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and sightseeing. This in turn has led to an increase in tourism to the area, with hotels and restaurants often seen catering to travelers looking to explore the rivers.
In addition, the Mississippi and Missouri junction has seen a rise in renewable energy production, with the growth of green energy sources such as wind and solar. This has played a pivotal role in helping to reduce the negative environmental impacts of the area, while at the same time helping to offset the energy needs of the region.
Conclusion
The junction of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers is an area of immense natural beauty that also sees both incredible economic activity and environmental responsability. From its role as a major transportation and recreation hub to its importance in helping to keep the region’s ecosystems healthy, the junction is a testament to the power of nature. With continued efforts to improve the water quality and reduce the presence of pollutants, this magical area is sure to remain an important feature of the North American landscape for years to come.
