Background Information
The Ohio River is a 981-mile-long (1,579 kilometers) waterway that forms part of the border between the states of Kentucky and Ohio. The river also serves as part of the boundary between Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The Ohio River meets the Mississippi River at Cairo, Illinois, known as the Ohio-Mississippi Confluence.
The natural gradient of the two rivers is such that the Ohio River is nearly level with the Mississippi River near Cairo. This, coupled with the massive size of the Mississippi, means that the Ohio River contributes very little to the flow of the Mississippi. In fact, the Ohio River contributes less than 2% of the Mississippi’s flow downstream of the confluence.
The Ohio-Mississippi confluence was created by channeling the Mississippi River west of Cairo. This channel was created in the early 19th century to make the Mississippi and Ohio rivers navigable. It is said to be the only place in the world where two major rivers intermingle without creating a delta.
Data and Geographical Information
Cairo is situated near the tip of the Southern most part of Illinois, at the point where the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers meet. Its location gives it a unique advantage as it is accessible from both rivers. Located on the eastern side of the Mississippi River and the western edge of Ohio River, the city of Cairo has a total combined area of about 5.4 square miles, about two of which are land.
The Ohio River itself is almost 200 feet wide at the point of confluence. Its waters travel at a rate of 0.6 to 1.2 mph upstream, while downstream it’s much faster, reaching up to 4.5 mph at it’s deepest points. It has around 600 tributaries, making it one of the largest rivers in the US.
The Mississippi River, on the other hand, is nearly twice the width of the Ohio River, with a width of almost 400 feet. It is around 2,350 miles long, making it the fourth longest river in the US and the second longest in North America. Its average speed is somewhere between 1.5-2.5 mph, with its deepest parts traveling at a speed of up to 5 mph.
Perspectives From Experts
Experts view the Ohio-Mississippi Confluence as a notable example of environmental engineering. For years the two rivers have been an important part of the transportation system. The rivers are used for the purpose of transportation of goods, water, and even power. The confluence has enabled freight transportation across long distances in the US to become much easier. It is estimated that the Ohio-Mississippi Confluence is responsible for the movement of goods worth over $100 billion each year.
Meanwhile, the Ohio-Mississippi Confluence is also important from an environmental perspective. The two rivers play a role in sustaining a wide range of wildlife, both marine and terrestrial, in the region. The confluence is home to multiple species of fishes, birds, and reptiles. Some of the species that call this place home are the blue catfish, paddlefish, shovelnose sturgeon, greater anhingas, and the American Alligator.
My Insight and Analysis
The Ohio-Mississippi Confluence is an impressive feat of engineering that has had positive impacts both economically and environmentally. The fact that the two rivers meet at a level, and the fact that the channel that was created to make this happen is still being used today, is indicative of the success of this massive engineering project.
Furthermore, this amazing confluence is also a prime example of how human activities have changed the natural environments and landscapes around them. The fact that the channel that was created to make the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers navigable has allowed goods and resources to be transported across long distances, something that was not possible before, is a testament to the power of human engineering.
Pollution and Contamination at Ohio-Mississippi Confluence
The Ohio-Mississippi Confluence is a major source of pollution in the region. Industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and human sewage are some of the major sources of pollution in the rivers, which eventually ends up in the confluence. This pollution and contamination pose a threat to the species that inhabit the rivers and the surrounding areas.
In recent years, the pollution levels of the Ohio-Mississippi Confluence have decreased due to improved environmental regulations in the region. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken steps to control pollution in the rivers and has set limits for pollutants such as phosphorous, nitrates and suspended solids.
Restoration Efforts Around Ohio-Mississippi Confluence
Restoration efforts around the Ohio-Mississippi Confluence have been ongoing since the early 2000s. These efforts have been focused on restoring degraded habitats, reducing runoff and restoring wildlife populations. The various agencies involved in these efforts have been successful in reducing the levels of pollution in the rivers, and have also been successful in restoring fish species in the rivers.
The confluence is also the focus of various educational programs, which are aimed at raising public awareness of the importance of the Ohio-Mississippi Confluence. These programs have been successful in raising an understanding of the environment and the potential threats to it, as well as inspiring efforts to preserve it.
Recreation and Tourism Around Ohio-Mississippi Confluence
The Ohio-Mississippi Confluence is a popular destination for outdoor recreation and tourism. The two rivers are popular for fishing, boating and camping. There are numerous state parks and wildlife preserves in the area, along with water-based activities such as canoeing, kayaking and rafting.
Tourism in the region has a strong focus on ecotourism, with visitors to the region being encouraged to engage in activities that are both fun and educational. The region is also a popular destination for birdwatching, with the confluence being home to several species of birds.
Impacts of Climate Change on Ohio-Mississippi Confluence
Climate change is having an impact on the Ohio-Mississippi Confluence. Rising temperatures and changes in rain patterns and extreme weather events are resulting in increased runoff and contamination of the rivers in the area. This is having an impact on the species that inhabit the region, as well as harming the local ecosystems and habitats.
In recent years, the US Government has taken steps to reduce the impact of climate change in the region. These efforts have focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, regulating activities that pollute the rivers, and investing in green energy technologies.
Implications of Ohio-Mississippi Confluence on the Local Area
The Ohio-Mississippi Confluence has a major impact on the local area. It serves as an important source of water for drinking, farming and other activities, and is also an important source of jobs and economic activity. The confluence is also a major source of recreation and tourism in the region, which is important for the local economy.
The effects of climate change and pollution are also having an impact on the local area. The increasing levels of pollution in the rivers and surrounding area are resulting in changes to the local ecosystems and habitats. This is having a negative impact on the local flora and fauna, which in turn is affecting the local economy.
Protection and Conservation Measures for Ohio-Mississippi Confluence
In recent years, there has been an increased focus on the protection and conservation of the Ohio-Mississippi Confluence. The US Government has invested in numerous programs and initiatives to protect the area, such as the Ohio-Mississippi River Conservation Partnership. This program is aimed at restoring and protecting the confluence and the rivers, as well as preserving the local wildlife and habitats.
In addition, the US Government is investing in green energy initiatives in the area. These initiatives are aimed at reducing the impact of climate change and pollution on the local area, as well as helping to preserve the local ecosystems and habitats.
