The course of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River, the fourth longest river in the world and the second in the United States, is an icon of American landscape and one of the most iconic river systems in the world. Originating from the small northern state of Minnesota, it is over 3,000 miles long and traverses ten states before reaching its destination: the Gulf of Mexico. It is home to a flourishing agricultural industry, numerous cities and much of the nation’s transportation system. The river has been essential to the development of the United States, and its journey to the south has been carefully monitored and studied by experts.
Forming at Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota, the Mississippi flows south, forming the boundaries of many state borders as it goes. It crosses the state border into Wisconsin, then Illinois, then Missouri. After passing through Arkansas, the river forms the boundary between Tennessee and Arkansas, Mississippi and Arkansas, and Mississippi and Louisiana before it reaches the Gulf of Mexico.
The Mississippi River is much more than a geographical feature for many people. Throughout the centuries, its influence on life, culture, and commerce has been, and remains, immense. This great river is a major source of water and food, providing freshwater species to the United States, such as catfish and carp, as well as many other nutrients to support sustainable agriculture and industry.
The main channel of the Mississippi splits in two just north of the city of Baton Rouge, where the Old River channels the river’s flow westward, while the main river continues south. The western channel of the Mississippi was carved by the combined effects of the Atchafalaya River, the Red River, and the Ouachita River in order to prevent the flooding which had been experienced in the late 1800s. Both the Old River and the Atchafalaya are controlled by dams and levees to prevent flooding, and the Atchafalaya primarily diverts approximately 30 percent of the water from the Mississippi River into the Gulf of Mexico.
As the Mississippi meanders south, it is joined by its tributaries, including the Missouri, Wisconsin and Ohio rivers. Eventually, it reaches its ultimate destination, the Gulf of Mexico, where it empties approximately 3.2 million gallons of water every second into the gulf, with an average discharge of 1,330 feet per second, enough to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool in one second.
The Mississippi River has been an essential artery of navigation and commerce throughout its history, playing an important role in the development of the United States. From the earliest days of settlement, the river has played a significant role in the country’s economy, with steamboats pioneering the movement of passengers and products up and down the river. More recent technological advances, such as the adoption of container ships, barges and pipelines, have allowed for efficient and safe transportation of large volumes of goods along the Mississippi.
The United States Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for the maintenance of the navigational channels and infrastructure throughout the Mississippi River basin, ensuring that vessels can navigate safely and quickly. To this day, the Mississippi River is one of the busiest navigational waterways in the world, providing transportation for all sorts of products.
The Mississippi is able to accommodate vessels all the way to its mouth, where it enters the Gulf of Mexico. The lower reach of the Mississippi River, which begins at the port of New Orleans, is known as the Lower Mississippi River, and is navigable to towboats and barges, which carry over 500 million tons of cargo worth hundreds of billions of dollars each year.
Gulf of Mexico: the destination
The Gulf of Mexico is the second largest gulf in the world, and is the ninth largest body of water in the world. It covers an area of approximately 600,000 square miles, and is connected to the Central and Eastern Atlantic Ocean. The waters at the mouth of the Mississippi River are an important part of this large body of water, providing needed nutrients for the ecosystem.
The Gulf of Mexico is home to a wide variety of fish, mammals, seabirds and other species, and is one of the most diverse and productive marine ecosystems in the world. Its waters are extremely important for fishing and other human activity, due to its large size, variety of species and access to abundant resources. It is also necessary for the health of the Mississippi River, providing it with nutrients from the ocean.
The nutrients from the Gulf of Mexico are a key part of the food chain and support the freshwater systems of the Mississippi. These nutrients are essential to the overall health of the ecosystem, and they provide the main source of food for a variety of plant and animal species, including bald eagles, ospreys, white shrimp, salamanders and smallmouth bass.
Environmental impact of the Mississippi
The Mississippi River has historically faced many environmental challenges, and its current state is heavily impacted by human activities. While measures are in place to protect the health of the river, such as the Navigable Waters Protection Rule and the Clean Water Rule, many activities still have a large impact on the environment.
The agricultural runoff from surrounding farmland is one of the biggest pollutants for the Mississippi River, and has led to problems such as dead zones and fish kills. The damming of the river has also lead to changes in habitats, as it has disrupted the natural flow of the river and reduced the number of spawning sites. Additionally, the increase in shipping traffic and the use of the river for industrial purposes have increased the levels of toxic chemicals in its waters, which can be dangerous for both aquatic life and human health.
Fortunately, there has been increasing awareness and action to conserve and restore the river, with many organisations working to reduce pollution and develop sustainable practices to improve the health of the Mississippi River.
Flooding and Dams
The Mississippi River has experienced several devastating floods over the years, and has been dammed in order to reduce the risk of damage and loss of life. There are currently approximately 200 dams installed along the Mississippi River, a number of them managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers. These dams are intended to control floods, and are also used to generate hydroelectric power and reduce the erosion of unstable embankments.
While they have been successful in reducing the risk of flooding, there are some unintended consequences as well. The presence of the dams has significantly changed the environment, with decreased flow resulting in changes in the river’s temperature and the growth of invasive species, as well as the disruption of native species’ habitats. Additionally, the channelization of the river, while providing protection from floods and navigational ease, has also hindered its natural migration, replaced wetlands and slowed down the water movement.
The US Army Corps of Engineers, in collaboration with other agencies, has been actively working to reduce these impacts and restore the health of the Mississippi River. They have implemented several measures, such as reducing the flow from the dams, increasing the number and size of reservoirs, and encouraging conservation efforts.
Uses of Mississippi River
Despite the challenges the Mississippi River faces, it remains a vital source of life and commerce for many living near or on its banks. It is an important waterway for commerce, providing transport for over 500 million tons of cargo per year. It also serves as a source of drinking water, irrigation, and electricity for countless people who use its abundant resources.
The Mississippi River is also a popular tourist destination, with many people choosing to explore its banks yearly. Visitors can explore the many parks and hiking trails located along the river, as well as cruise the river and appreciate its beauty. The Mississippi River has also become a popular sports destination, with people coming to explore the Mississippi Delta, fish the varied species of fish found in its waters, and much more.
The Mississippi River is essential to the American landscape, and there is much effort being put in to support and sustain this iconic river system. With the help of improved practices and efforts, the Mississippi River may continue to be a source of life and wonder for many more generations to come.
