Physical Geography of the Mississippi River System:
The Mississippi River System is one of the most extensive river systems in the world and covers 24 states. The two main branches of the system are the Mississippi and the Missouri Rivers, with their source being in the Rocky Mountains of western Montana and stretching south to the Gulf of Mexico. The river system provides navigation, irrigation, recreation, and energy to the region and it is an essential part of the life of many of the citizens of the region. The Mississippi and Missouri Rivers form one of the longest rivers in the world, with a length of over 3600 miles.
The western end of the Mississippi River system is defined by a geological divide between the rivers of the Western drainage basin, which flows west, and the Eastern drainage basin, which flows east. This divide is known as the Northern Continental Divide and marks the boundary between the two river systems. This divide also determines the water levels between the two main branches of the Mississippi, as it is the point where the Mississippi River’s northern tributaries enter the Missouri.
Hydrology of the Mississippi River System:
The flow of the Mississipi river system is largely determined by hydrology and the geography of the land. The geographical divide between the two rivers is the main factor in determining their hydrological characteristics. The Mississippi receives much of its water from the upper Missouri River and from the Great Lakes. The Missouri, in contrast, primarily receives its water from the western plains states of the USA.
The hydrology of the Mississippi is also affected by the climate and the weather in the region. In the summer, the water can be higher than it is in the winter due to the warmer temperatures. Furthermore, the heavy rainfall in the summer can cause flooding along the Mississippi, resulting in damage to property. Similarly, the dry spells in the spring and winter can result in extreme low water levels in the river, resulting in difficulty in navigation.
Economic Aspects of the Mississippi River System:
The Mississippi River System is an important source of economic activity in the region, providing employment and income to millions of people. It is used extensively for transportation of goods and materials, as well as for recreational activities. In addition, it provides water for agriculture and other industrial activities in the states through which it flows.
In addition, the Mississippi provides a significant contribution to the national economy, accounting for approximately $20 billion in shipping traffic each year. The river system is also a primary source of electricity generation and is used to generate an estimated 11% of the energy in the USA. Furthermore, the river is used as an important source of drinking water for many communities in the region, with many of the major cities relying heavily on the river for their supply of drinking water.
Environmental Dangers Associated with the Mississippi River System:
The Mississippi River System has been heavily impacted by human activity, resulting in many environmental dangers. Pollution is a major concern along the river system and has caused significant damage to the water quality. The amount of nutrients flowing into the river from fertilizers and wastewater from cities has led to an increase in algae growth, resulting in eutrophication and habitat destruction for many species of fish. In addition, the overfishing of certain species of fish has caused a decrease in their population.
In addition, damaging changes have been made to the river system due to human activities such as dam building, dredging, and other engineering projects. These changes have had a negative effect on the river, reducing its ability to naturally evolve and respond to floods and other changes in the environment. Furthermore, the dams have had a negative impact on the river’s fish population, as they have disrupted the natural migration patterns of many species, resulting in decreased populations.
Wildlife of the Mississippi River System:
The Mississippi River System serves as a refuge and habitat to many species of fish and wildlife, making it home to an astonishing array of biodiversity. The birds alone that inhabit the Mississippi River corridor number in the hundreds, with some species relying exclusively on the rivers for their survival. Among the birds found in the region are herons, egrets, ibises, hawks, ducks, geese, and bald eagles.
The waters of the Mississippi also contain a diverse array of fish species, including carp, trout, bass, catfish, and shad. In addition, there are many species of reptiles and amphibians, such as snakes, turtles, and frogs, as well as numerous invertebrate species that inhabit the waters and the shoreline.
Cultural Value of the Mississippi River System:
The Mississippi River System has a great cultural significance in the region, with many stories and legends surrounding it. Throughout history, the river has served as a source of inspiration for artists, writers, and musicians, who have all drawn upon the beauty and power of the river for inspiration. It has been an important part of the folklore of the region and is seen as a symbol of freedom, strength, and resilience.
In addition, the Mississippi River System is a major source of cultural and spiritual importance for many of the Native American tribes that inhabit the region. These tribes have a long-standing and deep reverence for the river, as it has been home to many of their ancestors and serves as an important source of sustenance, sustenance not only for their physical needs but also for their spiritual needs.
Conservation Efforts in the Mississippi River System:
The Mississippi River System has long been protected by conservation efforts aimed at preserving its natural value. In recent years, various governmental and non-governmental agencies have been actively working to protect the river from pollution and other contaminants. These efforts have focused on reducing the amount of nutrient runoff from cities, factories and farms, as well as preventing human activities from disturbing the natural flow of the river.
In addition, there have been efforts to increase the resilience of the river system through the implementation of measures such as the use of wetlands for flood control and the restoration of wetlands along the banks of the river. The US Fish and Wildlife Service has also been actively involved in the conservation effort, working to restore and protect wildlife habitats along the river, as well as monitoring and managing healthy populations of fish and other wildlife in the river.
Conclusion:
The Mississippi River System is an essential part of the economic and environmental functioning of the states it traverses. Its western divide is the Northern Continental Divide, and this plays an important role in determining the water levels between its two main branches, as well as influencing the hydrology and the climate of the region. The river is also economically important to the region, providing a vital source of income. Furthermore, the river is an important habitat for many species of fish and wildlife, and is a major source of cultural and spiritual importance to the Native American tribes that inhabit the area. Finally, conservation efforts have been actively working to maintain the natural beauty of the Mississippi River System and to protect it from human activities that could cause damage.
