The Formation of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River has been a crucial part of the United States’ history since the time of early Europeans arriving in the area in the 16th century. The early French explorers dubbed the river ‘Missaisseippi’ which meant ‘Great Nowhere’ in the local language. Since then, the Mississippi has become the fourth longest river in the United States and the tenth longest in the world. Allegedly, it was originally christened ‘Schoolcraft’s River’ after a colonial-era entrepreneur from New York named Henry Schoolcraft.
This river has an interesting formation story that explains why it is located as it is. The Mississippi is formed by three main rivers – the Atchafalaya, Missouri and Ohio Rivers, which flow together and then expand into the Mississippi River. The Missouri River is the longest tributary of the Mississippi and is sourced from the Gunnison River in Colorado. The Ohio River is the second longest tributary, originating from the Allegheny Mountains extending from Pennsylvania to West Virginia. Lastly, the Atchafalaya River rises of the Red River in northwest Louisiana and merges with the Mississippi near Louisiana state line.
Where is the Mississippi River Located on the Map?
The Mississippi River is located in the central United States. It originates in Minnesota, passes through Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, Kentucky, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee and Louisiana, where it then empties into the Gulf of Mexico. The exact coordinates of the river are 35° N, 88° W, which represents the confluence of the Mississippi and the Ohio rivers near Cairo, Illinois.
The headwaters of the Mississippi River cuts through a varied landscape of cultural and ecological importance. It begins from the largest of the Great Lakes, Lake Itasca in Minnesota, and as it meanders through its states, its path is shaped by the many tributaries that join along the way. It has archetypal wetlands and tall oak stands, open countryside, rugged terrain, and urban backwaters mixed in.
The river meanders through a number of celebrated landmarks, such as the St. Louis Arch, New Orleans’ French Quarter, and two of the countries most ambitious and longest man-made lakes, Saylorville and Red Rock Lake, which have both provided extensive control of flooding in the area.
The Economy and Politcal Significance of the Mississippi River
The region is of immense economic importance, providing food, energy, transportation, and recreation not only to the surrounding area and the country, but to the entire world.
The Mississippi River is a major shipping and transportation route with many of the ports operating along the banks of the river. These ports have pumped billions into the local economy each year, providing employment to many citizens in the communities along the banks. In addition to shipping, the river is great for hydroelectric power production, connecting to nuclear and thermal power plants.
The Mississippi River has a long-standing history of being subject to different political agendas. One of the regions first settlement’s, Yazoo City, was built on the banks of the river, and was once considered the ‘gateway to the south’. This was due to its central location between the Gulf of Mexico and the interior of the United States.
Environmental Factors of the Mississippi
The Mississippi River also provides a hydrologic cycle to the regions which depends on the influx of fresh water from the river into the gulf and the surrounding inlands. This results in agricultural fertility and nutrient cycling to diverse ocean habitats, both of which contribute to the ecologically-rich delta region.
The competition for land has led to several controversial decisions in recent years, including the levee system, control of soil erosion and the use of damns. Despite these measures, the river is still vulnerable to pollution from agricultural runoff which has had a detrimental effect on the ecosystem of the river, reducing the populations of native birds and fish.
Floods on the Mississippi River
Flooding is a regular occurrence due to the rivers meandering nature. As the river approaches the Gulf of Mexico the water level rises, creating a wide floodplain which can be susceptible to high levels of inundation. This leads to increased erosion and sedimentation which, in turn, affects the ecology of the estuarine environment located at the mouths of the Mississippi.
The flooding is managed by the extensive levee system, which is regularly updated and renovated to withstand any potential environmental disasters. The system has provided a much-needed level of control to the flow of the water and has also helped to protect the wildlife in the region from the rising level of inundation due to the human-induced activities in the surrounding lands.
Protection of the Mississippi River
The government is formulating new plans for the protection of the Mississippi River, including reducing the amount of water released by the upstream reservoirs, reversing the trend of strain on vital polygon overflow areas placed near the banks of the rivers, and decreasing the amount of nitrate-based agricultural runoff entering the ecosystem. Despite these preventative measures, the upstream reservoirs and the floodplain are still at risk from the continuous strain.
The National Parks Department is currently leading conservation efforts in the region, introducing stricter legal actions to protect the fishing, farming, and forestry industries. The current regulations include a ban on commercial fishing gear in the shallower parts of the river and the implementation of an annual closing season between June and August to protect certain species of fish.
Effects of Global Warming on the Mississippi River
Climate change is becoming a serious issue, one that is not exclusive to the Mississippi River but is certainly applicable. The rise in temperatures causes the rivers to become warmer, and the Mississippi can now potentially reach temperatures of up to 80 degrees in some parts. This has caused an unusual occurrence, as the turtles that would normally bask in the sun on top of logs and stones can no longer do so as the temperatures are too hot and the stones become scorching to the touch.
The rise in temperatures also increases the number of pollutants in the water, resulting in an increase in algae and weeds that can harm wildlife and vegetation. The National Parks Department is also taking preventative measures to reduce the number of introduced species in the river in an effort to reduce the amount of waste entering the food chain.
The Impact of the Mississippi River on Food Security and Human Health
The Mississippi River basin is home to a wide array of terrestrial and aquatic species, which act as natural resources for many Americans. The river also plays a significant role in providing sustenance to the multitudes of people living in the basin. Fish, shellfish, and other aquatic wildlife are important sources of food and essential protein in the diets of many communities.
Furthermore, the river serves as a source of free water and food, as many of its tributaries are used to irrigate local farms, providing added income to the area. Moreover, its tranquil waters contain a large variety of plants and animals, which act as providers of benefits and nutrition to the humans.
The Cultural Impact of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is also of tremendous cultural importance to the area, inspiring musicians and singers alike for centuries. The Delta Blues and Jazz, two genres rooted in the history of the river, have been a large part of the Mississippi’s story for centuries.
The area is also the birthplace of some of the United States’ most influential writers and figures, including Mark Twain and novelist William Faulkner. Their works, inspired by the river and its beauty, provide us with insights into the cultural significance of the Mississippi. The cultural effects of the river remain a source of pride and belonging to the people who have relied on it for so long.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon with a fascinating history of how it was formed and where it is located on the map of the US. It is of immense economical and political significance and affects the livelihoods of many people who rely on it for sustenance. While the river is subject to its own floods from time to time, it also serves to protect the nearby regions from frequent flooding of their own. Additionally, the Mississippi serves as the source of culture, sustenance, and environment, not just to the area, but to the entire country.
